Private health insurance in Australia

So you’re planning to head ‘down under’. Good for you! Whether you’re going on holiday, visiting relatives or even intending to work there for a while, we know you’ll have a great time. And hopefully, your stay will be accident and illness-free too. But just in case the worst does happen, private health insurance is worth considering...

The Australian health system

When relocating to Australia, you firstly need to check if you’ll be covered by Medicare, Australia’s public health system. Residents of some countries enjoy limited Medicare cover, but only for emergency treatment and only under certain conditions.

If you aren’t covered by Medicare, you’ll have to pay for hospital or medical treatment, which can be pricey. For instance, an emergency appendix removal can cost up to $30,000 (ouch!)

Will you be eligible for Medicare benefits?

Overseas visitors who enter Australia on a temporary visa will not be eligible for Medicare benefits unless they’re a resident of a country that has a 'Reciprocal Health Care Agreement' with Australia. Currently, this includes New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium.

If you’re visiting Australia from one of these countries, you’re generally covered for medically necessary treatment in a public hospital. You won’t be able to choose your own doctor though, and you also won’t be covered for:

  • Treatment in a private hospital, only public hospitals;
  • Non-emergency doctor visits; or
  • Ancillary services like dental, optical, chiro or ambulance transport.

To check if you’re eligible for Medicare benefits visit the Medicare website

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)

Even if you are covered by Medicare, private health insurance still makes sense. Medicare is good, but it isn’t perfect. There are still waiting lists. And who wants to wait for a doctor when you could be enjoying Australia?

OVHC is private health insurance designed for international visitors and workers, including:

  • Short-term visitors
  • Temporary residents
  • Norfolk Island residents
  • Visa 410 applicants
  • Visa 457 applicants*

* Visa 457 requirements: If you’re applying for a Visa Subclass 457 (for temporary employer-sponsored workers), you’ll be required to hold a minimum level of private health insurance and maintain it for the duration of your stay in Australia. You will also need to provide the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) with a letter from your chosen health insurer to verify that you have met this requirement. A letter template can be downloaded from the DIAC website

How much does Overseas Visitors Health Cover cost?

A number of Australian health funds offer Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) and the price can vary between funds.

The table below provides an example of health cover premiums for overseas visitors:

Type of Overseas Visitors Cover Single Couple / Family
Entry Level / Budget Cover $79.10 $158.15
Intermediate Cover $86.45 $172.90
Comprehensive (with $500 excess) $149.70 $299.45
Comprehensive Cover (no excess) $180.05 $360.10

Please note: The premiums above are monthly rates and are provided by HIF, the Health Insurance Fund of Australia

Do permanent migrants need to take out OVHC?

For the first two years in Australia (while waiting for permanent residency to be granted), migrants are not entitled to Medicare benefits so purchasing OVHC is recommended in the meantime.

Once your residency or citizenship has been approved, you’ll then begin to receive Medicare benefits so you may then wish to change your Overseas Visitors Cover policy to a standard resident’s policy instead. As well as giving you continued peace of mind that your health is protected, you’ll also limit potential tax implications and avoid public waiting lists.

➢ Find out more and get a quote

What about overseas students?

If you’re planning to study down under and will be visiting Australia on a temporary student visa, you may be required (as a condition of your visa) to take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

For more information on OSHC, visit health.gov.au

NB: The requirements for Overseas Student Health Cover differs slightly for students from Belgium, Norway and Sweden.

Can I get cover for other services like dental, optical and physio too?

Absolutely! Combining ancillary cover (also known as ‘extras’) with hospital and medical cover is the best way to ensure complete peace of mind for you and your family while you’re in Australia. Ancillary insurance is used to cover services out of hospital that are generally not provided under Medicare, such as:

  • Ambulance
  • Chiropractic
  • Complementary therapies
  • Dental treatments
  • Dietetics
  • Glasses and contact lenses
  • Healthy lifestyle services
  • Occupational therapy
  • Osteopathy
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Psychological consultations
  • Physiotherapy
  • Podiatry visits
  • Speech therapy

To further encourage overseas visitors to take out extras cover, the Australian federal government provides a rebate of between 30% to 40% on private ancillary insurance. Find out more

Useful links

 
The information on this page was provided by our health insurance partner HIF, the Health Insurance Fund of Australia

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