485 Visa Insurance Guide

485 Visa Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is an important part of preparing for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The exact requirement depends on the conditions applying to your visa, so the policy you choose should be suitable for your circumstances and provide adequate cover in Australia.

Do you need health insurance for a 485 visa?

Subclass 485 visa holders may be subject to visa condition 8501, which requires the holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. Before buying cover, check the conditions applying to your visa and confirm with the insurer that the specific product is suitable for your circumstances.

Important: A product being called OVHC does not automatically mean every version of that product will be appropriate for every 485 visa holder. Check the exact policy and your visa conditions.

What type of health insurance is commonly used for a 485 visa?

Graduates commonly move from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or worker health insurance product when transitioning from a Student visa to a subclass 485 visa. Insurers can offer different levels of hospital and medical cover, excesses, waiting periods and benefits.

Compare 485 Visa Health Insurance

What should 485 visa holders check before choosing insurance?

Visa suitability

Confirm that the exact product is appropriate for the health insurance condition applying to you.

Hospital cover

Check included hospital services, exclusions, excesses and any co-payments.

Medical services

Review GP and specialist benefits, including how benefits are calculated against the MBS.

Waiting periods

Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, pregnancy and other specified treatment.

Prescription medicines

Review pharmaceutical co-payments, per-item limits and annual limits where applicable.

Cover start date

Coordinate the new policy with the end of your existing cover so you do not create an unintended gap.

When should your 485 health insurance start?

Your start date depends on your existing cover and visa circumstances. If you are moving from OSHC, check when your OSHC ends and arrange replacement cover at the appropriate time. Avoid cancelling existing cover before you understand when the replacement policy should begin.

Can couples and families get 485 visa insurance?

Insurers may offer single, couple and family cover options. The available products, premiums and benefits can differ, so compare the exact cover type required for everyone included on the policy.

Does the cheapest policy satisfy the insurance requirement?

Price alone does not determine whether a policy is suitable. Compare the premium together with visa suitability, hospital benefits, medical benefits, excess, waiting periods, exclusions and policy limits. Confirm the current product details directly with the insurer before purchasing.