Health insurance
Health insurance for visa holders in Australia.
Find the right OSHC or OVHC cover for your visa — from student to skilled worker to bridging visa. We break it down simply.
ⓘ Arrivly provides general information only. Always verify with your provider before purchasing.
What visa are you on?
Select your visa subclass to see which type of health insurance you need.
OSHC vs OVHC — what's the difference?
Two acronyms, two different policies. Which one applies depends on your visa.
For students
OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover
- Who needs it
- Student visa (500) holders
- Mandatory?
- Yes — visa condition
- Covers
- Hospital, medical, pharmaceuticals
- Providers
- ahm, Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz
- Starts from
- ~$35/month
For everyone else
OVHC
Overseas Visitors Health Cover
- Who needs it
- All other temporary visa holders
- Mandatory?
- Yes — if Condition 8501 applies
- Covers
- Hospital, medical (extras vary by plan)
- Providers
- AIA, nib, Bupa, Allianz Care, Medibank, HCF
- Starts from
- ~$60/month
⚠️ Visa Condition 8501 — If your visa includes this condition, you must maintain adequate health insurance for your entire stay in Australia. Breaching this condition can affect your visa status.
Compare providers
All providers below offer policies compliant with Visa Condition 8501.
Medibank
Both OSHC + OVHC
Visa types: 500, 485, 482, 491, Bridging
Large hospital network across Australia.
Bupa
Both OSHC + OVHC
Visa types: 500, 485, 482, 491, Bridging
Instant policy certificate on purchase.
nib
Both OSHC + OVHC
Visa types: 500, 485, 482, 491, Bridging
Fast online setup, strong regional coverage.
Allianz Care
Both OSHC + OVHC
Visa types: 500, 485, 482, 491, 494, Bridging
Competitive pricing, good for regional visas.
AIA
OVHC only
Visa types: 485, 482, 491, Bridging
Includes wellness perks and member benefits.
Prices shown are indicative starting prices for a single adult. Actual premiums vary by age, cover level, excess, and policy duration. Always get a direct quote from the provider.
Common mistakes to avoid
Letting your cover lapse
Even a single day without cover can breach Visa Condition 8501. Set a reminder before your policy expires.
Keeping OSHC after your student visa ends
OSHC is only valid while your 500 visa is active. Switch to OVHC before transitioning to a 485 or work visa.
Assuming your employer covers you
On a 482 visa, some employers arrange cover — many don't. Always confirm in writing before assuming you're covered.
Choosing the cheapest plan without checking compliance
Not all cheap plans meet Visa Condition 8501. Look for "8501 compliant" on the policy description.
Not covering dependants
If your partner or children are on your visa, they must be covered under the same or separate compliant policy.
Waiting until arrival to buy
For student visas especially, OSHC should be purchased before you board your flight to Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Possibly not if you're eligible for Medicare, but if your visa includes Condition 8501 you still need compliant OVHC regardless of your nationality. Always check your visa grant notice.
Yes, but be careful about waiting periods. If you switch, pre-existing condition waiting periods may reset with your new provider.
You may face significant out-of-pocket costs. Emergency treatment in a public hospital can cost thousands of dollars without cover.
Only while your student visa remains active. Once it becomes inactive (even on a bridging visa), you should switch to OVHC. Do not wait for the 485 to be granted.
At minimum, match your visa end date. For bridging visas, buy 3–6 months and extend if needed.
Yes. Most providers offer couple and family policies. Dependants must be covered too if they are on your visa.
This page is provided for general information purposes only. Arrivly is not a licensed health insurance broker or financial adviser. Information about providers, pricing, and visa requirements is subject to change. Always verify requirements with the Department of Home Affairs and your chosen provider before purchasing. See our General Disclaimer for full details.