The 408 visa lets you come to Australia temporarily for specific work-related purposes. If you’re applying for this visa, you may be required to meet condition 8501, which means maintaining suitable health insurance for the duration of your stay – even if it’s only for a short time.
What are the requirements for health insurance for a 408 visa?
The 408 visa includes various streams, allowing stays from three months up to four years depending on the stream. No matter which stream you’re on, as a temporary foreign worker, you’ll typically need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) unless you qualify for Medicare through a reciprocal health care agreement.
These policies are specially designed for temporary visitors living and working in Australia, covering:
- Hospital treatments
- Emergency ambulance
- GP and specialist consultations
- Prescribed medicines
- Medical tests
Many OVHC plans also offer extras such as physiotherapy, optical and dental care, and mental health support. When comparing plans, you’ll see a detailed list of what each policy covers, helping you choose the right level of cover for your needs.
408 visa streams
How much is health insurance for a 408 visa?
While the stream you’re on won’t impact the cost of your OVHC policy, the price of health insurance on a 408 visa can vary widely based on several other factors:
- Level of cover: you may be able to choose between basic, medium and top-tier hospital cover. Basic plans usually have the lowest premiums but provide only the minimum required coverage, while higher-tier plans offer more comprehensive benefits – but at a higher price.
- Excess amount: policies may include an excess that you will need to pay when making a claim. Choosing a higher excess lowers your monthly premium but means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you require hospital treatment.
- Extras included: adding extras like dental or optical cover will increase your premium, so it’s important to find a balance between the coverage you want and what you can afford.
- Insurance provider: different insurers offer various plans and set their own prices, so premiums can vary considerably even for similar coverage levels.
As an example, here’s what a 35-year-old single applicant on a 408 visa might expect to pay for health insurance:
| Cover level | Typical monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Basic | $65 – $157 |
| Medium | $100 – $360 |
| Top | $234 – $488 |
| Source: Compare Club, January 2026 Price ranges shown include policies with excesses ranging from $0 to $500. Some policies in these ranges include extras cover, which can increase the premium. |
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It’s also important to look beyond the cost when choosing a health insurance policy and make sure the coverage fits your specific health requirements.
For example, if your work involves physical activity, you might want a plan that includes extras like physiotherapy, so you can access treatment and rehabilitation without incurring high out-of-pocket costs if you get injured. Picking a policy tailored to your situation helps avoid unexpected expenses and ensures peace of mind over time.
How do I get health insurance to apply for a 408 visa?
Taking out an OVHC policy can help you meet the Australian Government’s health insurance requirements – but it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re unfamiliar with the health insurance system. Savvy makes it easy to compare a range of OVHC plans tailored to your visa and needs, all in one place.
Getting started is simple:
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Apply through Savvy
Tell us who needs cover, your visa type and the level of cover you’re looking for.
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Connect with an advisor
A health insurance expert will contact you to discuss your options as a 408 visa holder.
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Take out your policy
Choose your OVHC plan and you’ll be covered for your time in Australia!
