485 Visa Health Insurance
If you are applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you need to have adequate health insurance arrangements in Australia. This requirement applies to the primary applicant and any family members included in the application.
Many international graduates move from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) when transitioning from a Student visa to a 485 visa. Understanding when to change cover and what to look for in a policy can help you maintain appropriate health insurance throughout the transition.
Do You Need Health Insurance for a 485 Visa?
Yes. Applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) must provide evidence of adequate health insurance when applying.
You and your family members must also have and maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Depending on your circumstances, evidence may include health insurance documentation or evidence of Medicare enrolment where applicable.
Before arranging cover, read our 485 visa health insurance requirements guide for more information about the insurance requirement, suitable cover and your responsibilities as a 485 visa holder.
What Type of Health Insurance Is Used for a 485 Visa?
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is commonly used by temporary visa holders who are not eligible for Medicare.
A number of Australian insurers offer OVHC products that may be suitable for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
Depending on the product and your circumstances, options may be available from insurers including Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, nib, Medibank and AIA.
Not every policy provides the same benefits. Before purchasing a policy, check the insurer’s current product information and confirm that the cover is appropriate for your visa and personal circumstances.
Moving from OSHC to OVHC
International students generally hold Overseas Student Health Cover while studying in Australia on a Student visa.
When moving from a Student visa to a Temporary Graduate visa, your health insurance arrangements may also need to change.
For many graduates, this involves moving from OSHC to an appropriate OVHC policy.
The timing of the change is important. You should consider when your existing OSHC ends and when your new health insurance should begin so that you do not unintentionally create a gap in cover.
Read our OSHC to OVHC for 485 visa guide for more information about making the transition.
What Should You Compare in 485 Visa Health Insurance?
The monthly premium is important, but price should not be the only consideration when choosing health insurance.
When comparing 485 visa health insurance, consider:
• whether the policy is suitable for your visa circumstances
• hospital benefits
• medical and out-of-hospital benefits
• waiting periods
• policy exclusions
• excesses and co-payments
• ambulance benefits
• pharmaceutical benefits
• any annual or benefit limits that may apply
A cheaper policy may provide a lower level of benefits or require you to pay higher out-of-pocket expenses when receiving treatment.
Always read the insurer’s current policy documents before purchasing cover.
485 Visa and Condition 8501
Condition 8501 requires a visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia.
Subclass 485 is among the visa subclasses that can be subject to this health insurance condition.
If Condition 8501 applies to your visa, you must maintain adequate health insurance while you are in Australia.
Read our 485 visa Condition 8501 guide for a more detailed explanation of the condition and what it means for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
When Should Your 485 Health Insurance Start?
There is no single start date that will be correct for every applicant.
Your appropriate commencement date depends on factors such as your existing visa, current health insurance and the timing of your 485 visa application.
If you currently hold OSHC, check the date your existing policy ends before selecting the commencement date for new cover.
The objective should be to maintain appropriate health insurance arrangements and avoid an unintended gap in cover.
If you are arranging insurance for your visa application, make sure you obtain the evidence of health insurance required for your application.
Evidence of Health Insurance for a 485 Visa
When applying for a subclass 485 visa, you need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for the applicants.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include evidence from a health insurer or evidence relating to Medicare eligibility or enrolment.
Keep your health insurance documents available when preparing your visa application and check that the details on the documents are correct.
Is the Cheapest 485 Visa Health Insurance the Best Option?
Not necessarily.
Premiums can vary between insurers and products, but the lowest-priced policy may not provide the level of cover you want.
When comparing policies, consider both the premium and the benefits provided. In particular, check waiting periods, hospital benefits, medical benefits, exclusions and any excess or co-payment that you may need to pay.
Your personal circumstances and expected healthcare needs should also be considered when selecting cover.
You can also read our guide to cheapest 485 visa insurance and what to consider when comparing lower-cost cover.
Can You Change 485 Health Insurance Providers?
You may be able to change health insurers after taking out a policy.
Before changing, check the commencement date of the new policy and cancellation date of the existing policy carefully to avoid a gap in health insurance.
You should also check how the new insurer treats waiting periods and whether any previous period of cover will be recognised.
Do not cancel your existing cover until you are satisfied that your replacement health insurance arrangements are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance required when applying for a 485 visa?
Yes. Temporary Graduate visa applicants must provide evidence of adequate health insurance when applying. The applicant and accompanying family members must also maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia.
Can I use OSHC for a 485 visa?
OSHC is designed for international students. When transitioning from a Student visa to a Temporary Graduate visa, many graduates move from OSHC to suitable OVHC. Your individual circumstances and existing cover should be checked before making the change.
What is OVHC?
OVHC stands for Overseas Visitors Health Cover. It is private health insurance designed for many temporary residents and visitors in Australia. Different insurers offer different levels of OVHC benefits and exclusions.
Which insurers offer health insurance for 485 visa holders?
Depending on the policy and eligibility requirements, options may be available from insurers including Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, nib, Medibank and AIA.
Does 485 health insurance cover everything?
No. Health insurance policies can contain exclusions, waiting periods, benefit limits, excesses and other conditions. You may still have out-of-pocket healthcare costs even when you have health insurance.
Can I change my health insurance after my 485 visa is granted?
You may change insurers, but you should maintain appropriate health insurance arrangements and avoid a gap between policies. Check the new insurer’s waiting-period and continuity-of-cover rules before switching.
Before Choosing Your 485 Visa Health Insurance
Before purchasing health insurance, check that the policy is appropriate for your circumstances and review the current policy documents carefully.
Compare the premium together with hospital and medical benefits, waiting periods, exclusions, excesses and other out-of-pocket costs.
If you are moving from a Student visa, also plan the transition from OSHC to your new health cover carefully so that your insurance arrangements remain appropriate throughout the change to your Temporary Graduate visa.