If you’re applying for a skilled migration visa to Australia, understanding the health insurance requirements is crucial for your application’s success. Australia mandates specific health insurance coverage for various visa types to ensure visitors aren’t burdening the public healthcare system and are protected during their stay.
Visa Condition 8501: Health Cover Requirement
Most skilled migration visas in Australia come with condition 8501, which requires applicants to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay^3. This condition applies to several visa subclasses including:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 (formerly 457)
- Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485
- Various other working visas^3
The Department of Home Affairs strictly enforces this requirement, and your visa application may be refused if you don’t provide proof of appropriate health insurance^8.
What Coverage Is Required
To satisfy condition 8501, your health insurance must generally cover:
- Public hospital treatment in an Australian state/territory
- Surgically implanted prostheses
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listed drugs
- Medical services
- Ambulance services, including inter-hospital transfers^7
All compliant health insurance plans include hospital in-patient admissions and emergency ambulance coverage^1. Some plans also offer additional benefits like funeral expenses and repatriation costs^1.
Insurance Options for Skilled Migration Visa Applicants
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
OVHC is the standard insurance product for working visa holders. Major providers offer various tiers of coverage:
Basic/Budget Plans
- Hospital-only coverage
- Meets minimum visa requirements
- Lower monthly premiums (starting from around $66-80 per month)^6
Standard Plans
- Hospital coverage
- Out-of-hospital medical services (GP visits, blood tests, x-rays)
- Mid-range premiums (approximately $113-120 per month)^6
Comprehensive Plans
- Hospital and medical coverage
- Extras benefits (dental, optical, physiotherapy)
- Higher premiums (can exceed $300 per month for top coverage)^6
When to Arrange Health Insurance
For most skilled migration visas, you must have health insurance arranged:
- At the time the Department decides on your visa application^7
- For the entire duration of your stay in Australia^3
If you’re transitioning from a student visa to a 485 visa, your existing Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable when lodging your application, but you’ll need to obtain 485-compliant coverage before your visa is finalized^3.
Major Health Insurance Providers
Seven major providers in Australia offer OVHC plans that meet the 8501 requirement:
- AIA
- Allianz
- Bupa
- CBHS International Health
- Frank Health Insurance
- Medibank
- NIB^8
When selecting a provider, consider factors beyond the basic visa requirements, such as your specific health needs, service network, and additional benefits^8.
Exemptions
You may be eligible for an exemption from health insurance requirements if you’re covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement and have enrolled in Medicare. However, this exemption must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs on a case-by-case basis^3.
Making Your Choice
When selecting health insurance for your skilled migration visa:
- Ensure the policy is compliant with condition 8501
- Consider your personal health needs and budget
- Compare coverage options from different providers
- Check for additional benefits like repatriation coverage
- Verify the policy covers your entire stay in Australia
Securing appropriate health insurance not only satisfies your visa requirements but also provides peace of mind during your time in Australia, protecting you from potentially high medical costs while navigating your skilled migration journey.
