Health cover
Health insurance for Australian visa holders
If you are applying for an Australian visa, you may be required to hold adequate health insurance as a condition of your visa grant. Compare the right cover and buy online in minutes.
Why appropriate cover matters
Medical treatment in Australia can be expensive without appropriate cover. Depending on your visa type and nationality, you may not be eligible for Medicare.
Holding valid health insurance ensures you are financially protected for medical and hospital expenses during your stay, and helps you meet the conditions attached to your visa.
Two types of cover
Which health insurance do you need?
The type of health cover you require depends on your visa subclass.
Overseas Student Health Cover
OSHC is designed for international students. It must generally cover the full duration of your student visa, and typically assists with doctor consultations, hospital treatment, limited pharmaceuticals and emergency ambulance services.
International students and their student guardians.
Confirmed subclass list pending verificationOverseas Visitor Health Cover
OVHC is typically required for temporary visa holders who are not eligible for Medicare. It provides varying levels of hospital and medical cover depending on the policy you select.
Temporary visa holders who are not covered by Medicare.
Confirmed subclass list pending verificationCompare and buy
Find your cover in a few minutes
Compare OSHC and OVHC policies from multiple providers, then purchase online securely. Start the comparison whenever you are ready.
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Before you purchase a policy
- 01Review policy details carefully.
- 02Compare coverage levels across providers.
- 03Contact the insurer directly to clarify inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods and claim processes.
- 04Conduct your own independent research before purchasing a policy.
Australian Immigration Hub provides general guidance to help you understand the health cover options relevant to Australian visas. This information is general in nature and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Requirements vary by visa and can change, so always confirm your obligations against current Department of Home Affairs guidance and the insurer's own policy documents.