Health Insurance for Australian Visas: OSHC, OVHC & Travel Insurance
Health insurance requirements vary significantly depending on your visa type. Getting the wrong type of cover — or not having cover at all — can lead to visa refusal, massive medical bills, or visa condition breaches. This guide explains exactly which insurance you need for each visa category and how to choose the right provider.
Quick Facts: Health Insurance Requirements
| Visa Type | Insurance Required | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (500) | Mandatory | OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) |
| Working Holiday (417/462) | Recommended (not mandatory) | Travel insurance or OVHC |
| Tourist Visa (600/601/651) | Strongly recommended | Travel insurance |
| Partner Visa (309/820) | Not mandatory but recommended | OVHC |
| Skilled Visa (189/190/491) | Not required (Medicare eligible) | Medicare from visa grant |
| Employer Sponsored (482) | Mandatory | OVHC or private health |
| Bridging Visa | Varies by type | OVHC or none |
OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover
Who Needs It
OSHC is mandatory for all student visa (subclass 500) holders and their dependants. You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa. This is a visa condition — breaching it can lead to visa cancellation.
What OSHC Covers
OSHC provides a level of cover similar to Medicare for Australian residents:
- Doctor visits (GP and specialist)
- Hospital treatment (public hospital as an in-patient)
- Some prescription medications
- Ambulance services (varies by provider and state)
- Some pathology and diagnostic imaging
What OSHC Doesn't Cover
- Dental treatment (except emergency)
- Optical services
- Physiotherapy and most allied health
- Pre-existing conditions (waiting periods apply)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Assisted reproduction
Cost
OSHC costs approximately AUD $500-$700 per year for a single person. Couples and families pay more. Prices vary between approved providers.
Approved OSHC Providers
Only approved insurers can provide OSHC:
- Medibank (ahm OSHC)
- Allianz Care Australia
- BUPA Australia
- CBHS International Health
- nib OSHC
Your educational institution may have a preferred provider. You're generally free to choose any approved insurer, though some institutions bundle OSHC with enrolment.
When to Purchase
You must have OSHC before your student visa is granted. Most students purchase it through their institution at the time of enrolment, and the provider's confirmation is included in the visa application.
OVHC: Overseas Visitors Health Cover
Who Needs It
OVHC is required for:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa holders and their families
- Some other temporary visa holders who aren't eligible for Medicare
OVHC is recommended for:
- Working Holiday visa holders (417/462)
- Partner visa applicants waiting for grant
- Other temporary visa holders without Medicare access
What OVHC Covers
Similar to OSHC but designed for non-student temporary visa holders:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance
- Some prescription medications
Cost
OVHC costs vary by provider and level of cover, typically AUD $100-$200 per month for singles. Higher levels of cover (including extras like dental and optical) cost more.
Approved Providers
Major OVHC providers include Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, nib, and CBHS.
Travel Insurance
Who Should Get It
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for:
- Tourist visa holders (600, 601, 651)
- Short-term business visitors
- Anyone visiting Australia temporarily
Why It Matters
Australia does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries. Without insurance, medical costs in Australia are expensive:
- Emergency room visit: AUD $500-$1,000+
- Hospital admission: AUD $1,500+ per day
- Ambulance: AUD $400-$1,000+ (varies by state)
- Surgery: AUD $5,000-$50,000+
What to Look For
Good travel insurance for Australia should include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital admission
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Cover for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
- Adequate cover limits (minimum AUD $1 million recommended)
Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements
Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with a limited number of countries (UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden). Citizens of these countries may access some emergency medical services through Medicare while visiting. However, this cover is limited and doesn't replace proper travel insurance.
Medicare Eligibility
Who Gets Medicare
Australian permanent residents and citizens are eligible for Medicare, which provides free or subsidised healthcare. This includes holders of:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — from visa grant
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — from visa grant
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) — from visa grant
- Subclass 801/100 (Partner permanent) — from visa grant
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) — from visa grant
Who Doesn't Get Medicare
Most temporary visa holders do not have Medicare access:
- Student visa holders (must use OSHC)
- Working Holiday visa holders
- Tourist visa holders
- Most subclass 482 holders
- Bridging visa holders (varies)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my OSHC provider?
Yes. You can switch OSHC providers during your student visa, but there should be no gap in coverage. Transfer your policy before cancelling the old one.
What happens if my OSHC expires before my visa?
Your OSHC must cover the entire duration of your student visa. If your visa is extended, extend your OSHC accordingly. A gap in OSHC coverage is a visa condition breach.
Is the Working Holiday visa health insurance requirement enforced?
Health insurance is not technically mandatory for the 417/462 visa, but it's strongly recommended. Without it, you're personally liable for all medical costs. A single hospital admission can cost thousands of dollars.
Can I use my home country's health insurance in Australia?
Only if it's specifically approved by the Department as meeting Australian requirements for the relevant visa type. Most domestic policies from other countries don't meet OSHC or OVHC requirements.
How do I claim on OSHC?
Most OSHC providers allow online claims through their app or website. You pay the doctor/hospital, then submit a claim for reimbursement. Some providers have direct billing arrangements with certain hospitals and medical centres.
Do I need health insurance for a permanent visa application?
No. Permanent visa applicants (189, 190, 186) don't need to hold health insurance as a visa requirement. Once granted, you're eligible for Medicare. However, having travel or health insurance during the waiting period is advisable.
