Visa health insurance in Australia
Health-cover requirements differ by visa and circumstance. This guide helps visa holders identify the immigration question they need to check before choosing a policy. It is legal information, not financial advice or a recommendation of any insurer or product.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Student visa holders generally need OSHC for the period required by their visa arrangements. Check the dates and people covered against your application and visa conditions.
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
OVHC is commonly used by temporary visa holders who are not eligible for Medicare. A policy name alone does not establish that it is adequate for a particular person or visa.
Visa condition 8501
Condition 8501 requires a visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. Whether it applies must be checked against the individual visa grant and current official requirements.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance and visa health-cover compliance answer different questions. Travellers should consider their own medical, cancellation and travel risks and obtain independent product advice where needed.