As an international graduate on a 485 visa, you’re required to maintain adequate health insurance for your entire stay in Australia. Having the right cover helps protect you from the high costs of medical treatment and can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses while you’re living here.
485 visa holder health insurance requirements
To meet your 485 visa conditions, you’ll need to choose a health insurance policy that provides adequate coverage throughout your stay.
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of health insurance designed for temporary visitors or residents of Australia unable to access Medicare, including 485 visa holders. At a minimum, it should include:
- Hospital treatments
- Emergency ambulance
- Specialists
- Prescribed medicines
- Medical tests
Many OVHC plans also include extras such as physiotherapy, optical, dental treatment and mental health support. When comparing plans, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what’s covered in each policy to help you understand the benefits and choose the right level of cover.
How much is health insurance on a 485 visa?
There are various OVHC options for 485 visa holders, and costs can vary depending on the plan you choose. Some of the biggest factors affecting price include:
- Level of cover: there are three hospital cover levels: basic, medium and top. Basic plans are the cheapest but only meet minimum visa requirements, while top cover offers a broader range of benefits.
- Excess: options usually include a $0, $250 or $500 excess. Choosing a higher excess can lower your premiums, but means you’ll pay more if you need hospital treatment.
- Extras: plans that include extras or offer a wider range of extras increase the overall cost, so it’s important to balance the coverage you want with what you’re willing to pay.
- Provider: different insurers have different plans and pricing structures, which means premiums can differ significantly even for similar levels of cover.
Here’s what a 25-year-old on a 485 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 important to look beyond price and consider what the plan covers so you get the right protection for your health needs. Choosing a plan that matches your personal circumstances can save you money and stress in the long run.
How do I get health insurance for a 485 visa?
Before you apply for your 485 visa, you need to show proof that you have adequate health insurance in Australia. An easy way to do this is by purchasing an OVHC policy that meets the visa requirements.
Savvy can help you compare a range of OVHC plans tailored to your visa and needs, all in one place. Getting cover is easy:
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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 485 visa holder.
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Take out your policy
Choose your OVHC plan and you’ll be covered for your time in Australia!
