bupa travel insurance for visitors to australia

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Bupa Overseas Visitor Health Cover

In Australia, the healthcare system has two parts: Medicare (public healthcare) and private healthcare. Australians use Medicare to fund their access to the public system, and private health insurance to fund access to both public and private systems.

Bupa overseas visitor health insurance allows international visitors to access certain parts of the Australian healthcare system for treatment during their stay. 

Bupa's Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) offers standard coverage during your time abroad. Whether you're traveling, studying, or working, Bupa has tiers of cover so you can get the coverage you need while you're in Australia and either pay less or nothing out of pocket.

Bupa understands that unexpected health issues can arise during your stay in Australia, and navigating healthcare in a new country can be confusing and stressful. To combat this, Bupa offers clear and affordable coverage for overseas visitors.

Why Choose Bupa For Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Bupa is a healthcare leader in Australia offering a wide range of services including aged care, dental, optical, and Overseas Visitor Health Cover, among others. Bupa is Australia's second-biggest health fund and has over 18 million members globally, with over 65 years of experience. They offer a range of policies that are designed to meet the health insurance conditions of  your chosen visa.

Get coverage for your overseas stay with Bupa and know you are meeting the 8501 visa condition. Your visa verification letter will be electronically sent to you upon signing up for coverage and paying your first month in advance.

Key Features Of Bupa’s Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Network of hospitals & doctors.

Members benefit from Bupa's extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and doctors. This far-reaching network extends right across Australia, allowing overseas visitors to access the healthcare services they need. 

All of the hospitals that are partnered with Bupa can be searched on Bupa’s website. Simply find the one nearest to you for treatment that falls within your policy benefits.

Continuous Coverage Assurance

Transitioning between OSHC and OVHC is easy with Bupa. If you suddenly need to switch, you’ll receive uninterrupted coverage during your stay as long as you don’t switch providers. 

This is especially convenient for students switching from a Student Visa to a Temporary Graduate visa ( subclass 485 ) and needing the correct cover as per visa requirements.

Visa Compliant

Overseas health cover is mandatory for visitor and working visas. With Bupa's OVHC insurance, you will easily meet the 8501 visa condition set by the Department of Home Affairs. 

You will receive your visa compliance certificate immediately after purchasing the policy with Bupa, allowing you to quickly finish your visa application.

Bupa’s OVHC is suitable for visas 188, 400, 403, 407, 408, 417, 457, 482 , 485 , and 489.

An Overview Of Bupa’s Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Hospital cover.

At its standard level, Bupa OVHC gives you basic hospital cover in Australia. Bupa's hospital cover includes a $250 per person excess per calendar year, covering overnight hospital stays, medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), emergency room visits, in-hospital doctor services, and more.

This will not cover certain ‘extras’ services such as dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or optical. These services can be purchased when you opt for extras cover.

Out Of Hospital Treatments

Your health is more than just hospital cover, and Bupa knows this. This is why your Bupa OVHC cover also includes the following:

• GP Visits: Covers consultations with doctors and specialists
• Outpatient Services: Includes services like blood tests, imaging, pathology, and physiotherapy
• Pregnancy: Receive coverage for prenatal care, childbirth, and other pregnancy-related services
• Mental Health: Access to psychiatric and psychological services (100% of MBS)
• Prescriptions: Up to $300 per year for medications listed on the PBS

It is important to note that because health insurance is designed to treat new conditions occurring after your coverage has started, any pre-existing conditions are subject to a 12-month waiting period before you can claim services under Bupa OVHC.

Ambulance cover

Bupa also provides ambulance transportation cover for emergency treatment.

If an emergency occurs and an ambulance is dispatched to transport you to the hospital, all treatment is included in your Bupa health insurance OVHC policy so you can get immediate help when needed. 

Waiting Periods

There are waiting periods for certain services. For most services, you'll be covered after just two months. The waiting times for Bupa OVHC’s specific services are as follows:

• 2 months for inpatient psychiatric, rehabilitation, and palliative care services (whether the condition is pre-existing or not)
• 12 months for pre-existing conditions
• 12 months for pregnancy-related services

Note that there is no waiting period for hospital treatment as a result of an accident.

How To Make A Claim With Bupa

Filing a claim with Bupa is quick and easy. You can do it online, via the MyBupa app, or by presenting your membership card to your healthcare provider. 

Make a claim online:

• Login to myBupa
• Select ‘Make a claim’ from the dropdown menu on the home page
• Select a service from the dropdown list (e.g. hospital, medical)
• Confirm claim details and click Next
• Upload the official paid invoice and click Next
• Add or confirm your bank details
• Review the information and click Submit

Make a claim with the MyBupa app:

• Login to the app
• Tap ‘Claims’
• Read and confirm the submission criteria, then press Start
• Answer any specific questions for the claim type
• Upload invoices by selecting ‘Attach Receipt’ and uploading a file, then press Next
• Confirm your bank account details, then press Next
• Confirm that you accept the terms and conditions, then press Submit

Compare Bupa’s Overseas Visitor Health Cover & Receive Your Policy Certificate In Minutes

When it comes to overseas visitor health cover, Bupa has a range of OVHC options for you to find the right fit for you. 

When you sign up for cover, you will have already satisfied the 8501 condition of the Australian Department of Immigration’s working visa requirements. You will instantly obtain your visa compliance letter so you can begin applying for your visa to Australia.

Easily compare Bupa health insurance for overseas visitors with other providers using OVHC’s convenient online tool and get covered in minutes

How Health Insurance Works

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• Overview of Health System
• Private Health Insurance Basics
• Government Surcharges & Incentives

Overseas Visitors Health Cover

• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Working visa applicants
• Private Health Insurance Changes

If you are visiting from overseas, you generally are not covered under Australia's public Medicare system for medical or hospital expenses.  This means that if you need medical attention while you are visiting Australia you could find yourself responsible for significant costs.

You should consider taking Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) to insure against potential expenses. In some cases, it may be a condition of your visa to hold a form of OVHC.

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a form of health insurance which is designed for visitors to Australia who do not have access to Australia's public Medicare system for medical or hospital expenses. OVHC insures against potential expenses you may incur if you require medical or hospital treatment. 

In some cases, it may be a condition of your visa to hold a form of OVHC - for example, if you are  working visa 482 or 485 applicant  or an overseas student .

What does OVHC Cover?

Every OVHC policy will differ in costs, eligibility and benefits. However, most policies should cover you for medically-required hospital admissions and a portion of doctor's fees.

In addition to cover for hospital and medical expenses, you can also purchase General Treatment cover. General Treatment cover pays benefits towards the services of health care providers in private practice such as dentists, optometrists and physiotherapists. Insurance can cover part of these costs, though you would still need to cover part of the fees yourself.

Lifetime Health Cover and the private health insurance rebate do not apply to overseas visitors' health cover. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied to the cost of overseas visitors' health cover purchases.

What may not be covered?

Take care when you are purchasing cover as some plans will have lower benefits or no benefits for certain types of treatment, and waiting periods can vary - some policies may  permanently exclude  cover for pre-existing illnesses, meaning that such illnesses can never be covered. See the  Tips on health insurance for visitors  for further information about what you should look for when purchasing cover.

Most overseas visitors' health cover products have limited cover for pharmaceuticals. Overseas visitors may face significant out-of-pocket costs if they need treatment with pharmaceuticals, particularly cancer treatment.

Travellers entering Australia may bring in medicines and medical devices for immediate use and to import small quantities for personal use. For more information see the Therapeutic Goods Administration website - Entering Australia and Personal Importation Scheme .

Where can I purchase OVHC?

You can purchase cover for visitors to Australia from some health insurers and some general insurers based in Australia. You can also opt to be covered by insurance policies issued in other countries. Remember, if you are on a visa with specific health insurance conditions, you need to purchase the type and level of health insurance specified by your visa.

The internet is a good way to locate insurance cover for visitors. We suggest you search for "Overseas Visitors Insurance" or "Overseas Visitors Health Cover" in a search engine and compare policies from at least three providers.

You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are in Australia for a short stay. Travel insurance may cover you for items that are not covered on visitors' cover such as loss of travel goods and repatriation in a medical emergency. Travel insurance should be purchased in your country of origin, before you depart for overseas.

Medicare: Australia's public health system

Unlike Australian citizens who can use the public health system  Medicare  to cover their medical and hospital expenses, overseas visitors who hold temporary visas are not generally eligible to use Medicare.

This means that if you need medical attention while you are visiting Australia you could find yourself substantially out of pocket. Even in a public hospital you could be charged more than $1,000 a day in hospital fees alone. Without health cover you can find yourself responsible for the full cost of treatment.

If you are unsure of your Medicare eligibility status, you should check with your local Medicare office or contact the Medicare (Services Australia) .

If your visa status or Medicare eligibility changes at any time, inform your insurer as soon as possible to find out whether your level of cover is still suitable.

Reciprocal Medicare

If you are an overseas visitors from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovenia, the Republic of Ireland, Norway and New Zealand, you generally have access to Medicare under your country's  reciprocal health care agreement  with Australia. This means you can receive emergency treatment in the public health system free of charge, which you would not otherwise be entitled to.

However, reciprocal Medicare benefits do not cover you for treatment as a private patient in hospital, and depending on your country, other limits may apply (for example, in some cases the benefits expire after you have been in Australia for a certain period of time). Check the conditions of your country's reciprocal Medicare agreement to confirm what benefits and limits apply to you. 

You should consider taking OVHC if you want to be covered for items that are not covered under the agreements.

How the Medicare Levy Surcharge might affect the type of health insurance you need

If you are:

• earning over the Medicare Levy Surcharge income threshold;
• considered resident in Australia for tax purposes; and
• have successfully enrolled in Medicare (for any level of benefits - reciprocal, interim, or full);

then you may be affected by the Medicare Levy Surcharge. For further information about the Surcharge and the type of health insurance policy that exempts you from the Surcharge, please refer to the  Medicare Levy Surcharge .

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Travel insurance for visitors to Australia

Are you visiting Australia from overseas? Or do you live in Australia and need to arrange travel insurance for friends or family visiting you?

If that's you, you might be finding it tricky to find cover. To buy a standard comprehensive travel insurance policy , most insurers in Australia require you to be a resident to qualify for cover, but there are options out there for you!

What Are Visitors Options?

Visitors to Australia can either choose to buy a policy from within their own country or opt for Overseas Visitors Cover, which unfortunately only a handful of companies in Australia offer.

What Is Overseas Visitors Cover?

Overseas Visitors or Inbound policies generally are for those travellers coming to Australia on holiday (or business) who do not have travel cover from their home country.

While it is typical to purchase travel insurance from your home country before you depart, more and more travellers to Australia are taking out policies with Australian brands for their perceived reliability. With one in four Australians born overseas, and 46% of Aussies have at least one parent born overseas, increasingly these policies are bought by locals for friends and family visiting Australia.

What Are The Conditions of Inbound Travel Insurance?

• A visitors policy will typically cover your flight to Australia, the time while you are here, but cover will stop when you reach immigration at the airport when you are returning home
• Age restrictions may apply
• All or the majority of your trip must be within Australia to qualify for cover
• A waiting period may apply to medical claims
• Must purchase within a specified time frame of landing in Australia
• If you have Medicare, you may not be eligible for cover from some providers

Where Can You Buy Overseas Visitors Cover?

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

What’s Typically Included?

Medical cover within Australia: Medical expenses for injury or illness including hospital stays, surgery, dental, prescription drugs, doctor and dentist office visits. You will not be covered for medical treatment outside of Australia

Luggage and personal items: Loss, theft or damage to luggage and personal items

Personal liability: Cover in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property

Cancellation fees and lost deposits: The cost of rearranging or cancelling your trip because of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accidents and extreme weather conditions

Rental vehicle excess: Cover for the excess payment on your rental vehicle’s insurance if the car you are driving is involved in an accident or is stolen

Hospital cash allowance: A daily allowance if you are hospitalised overseas (allowance will start after a specified period of time spent in hospital) Like any policy there are exclusions around pre-existing medical conditions and cancellation cover, so make sure you understand your cover by reading the Product Disclosure Statement before you buy.

Just After Medical Only Cover?

If you're finding it difficult to get travel insurance, but are mainly concerned about medical benefits, perhaps you'd consider overseas visitors health insurance cover instead? A few Australian health insurers (not travel insurers) offer cover to non-Australians, but remember these policies will not include any travel insurance benefits like cancellation, luggage, or personal liability benefits at all. Australian Unity, Bupa, HBF, HCF and Medibank all offer visitors health cover.

Do You Qualify For Medicare?

Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia such as; New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia and Norway.

Lucky for you, if you're from one of these countries and you've got your Medicare card, you're covered for medical treatment you receive while you're here already.

Are You A Non-Resident Living In Australia For A Few Years?

If you're in Australia on a working holiday visa (417), a sponsorship visa (457), a de facto visa, or even a student visa you should look into non-permanent resident travel insurance rather than a visitors policy. Follow the link for more info.

Whether you're here for a quick visit, or an extended break, overseas visitors travel insurance cover is a vital part of every trip. Get cover today to ensure a smooth-sailing, stress free holiday!

.css-c1mx6c{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-primary);}.css-c1mx6c:hover,.css-c1mx6c[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-c1mx6c:focus-visible,.css-c1mx6c[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} Hayley Kennedy

Originally from the UK, Hayley took a gap ‘year’ in 2011… and it’s still going! She’s travelled all over the world, volunteering in a Ugandan orphanage, skydiving in Australia, shark diving in South Africa, and skiing in the Alps (and snapping in a ligament in the process!). Certified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice and working in travel insurance for over two years, Hayley is a thrillseeker and a storyteller who loves hearing about customers’ holiday plans and sharing her own tips and must-see spots to help get them inspired.

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Non-Resident Travel Insurance

Are you a non-resident living in Australia planning a trip overseas? If that's you and you're on a temporary visa, you can still get travel insurance for your overseas holiday, it just might be a little tricker to find!

Travel Insurance For Motorbike Holidays

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What Adventure Activities Are Covered?

Travel insurance is two words that could make all the difference to your holiday. Get the lowdown on how to choose the right travel insurance policy and the potential traps.

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Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.

Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. Get free travel insurance quotes from Australia’s most trusted brands in just one search, including 1Cover, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, InsureandGo, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Tick, Zoom Travel Insurance. Compare online and save today! The directors and shareholders are common with companies Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.

CoverDirect Pty Ltd owns and operates this website under AFS Licence 383590. 332 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia.

Overseas Visitors Health Cover

For visa subclass 600, 601, 651, 417, 462 and more.

Make your journey in Australia even more incredible by protecting your health with Medibank.

Our Overseas Visitor health insurance means you or a visiting family member can enjoy your stay, knowing you're covered for any essential and emergency treatment you may need.

Common visas:

600 , 601 , 651

Why choose Medibank's Overseas Visitors cover?

If you're organising cover for you or a visiting family member, it’s reassuring to know that Medibank is a trusted health insurer that has been looking after Australians for almost 50 years.

Trusted health partner

Medibank is an Australian leading health insurer with over 4.1 million members and almost 50 years expereince in private health insurance. 

Accident cover boost

Medibank members with hospital cover get the benefits of Gold level cover no matter what level of hospital cover you have, thanks to our Accident Injury Benefit. 1

Protect against the unexpected

No matter which Medibank Overseas Visitors Cover you choose, your cover includes unlimited emergency ambulance Australia-wide.  2

24/7 Medibank Nurse & Mental Health Service

Need advice? You can call  1800 644 325  and speak to a Medibank Nurse or Mental Health professional to discuss any health questions or concerns and get professional advice on what to do next.

Overseas Worker offer - Want 8 weeks free?*

Join and start eligible Medibank Overseas Workers Health cover by 30 September 2024 and you could get 8 weeks free after your first consecutive 42 days.* Use promo code: WORKER8

Choose the right health cover to suit your needs and budget.

For however long your stay, Medibank includes unlimited emergency ambulance cover2, plus benefits if you have an accident1 in all our Visitor products. 

Overseas Visitors Starter Hospital and Medical

A mid level cover option for younger visitors to Australia who don’t require health cover for visa purposes (condition 8501), but want the peace of mind of having cover for more than the essentials (incl. Heart and vascular system services) during their time in Australia.

This cover may only be purchased by policy holders who are aged 49 or under.

Pays benefits towards accommodation and medical costs for included medical procedures in hospital. This includes charges for treatment you receive from doctors, specialists, surgeons and anaesthetists.

• Includes 26 common clinical categories of hospital treatment (incl. Heart and vascular system)
• Accidental Injury Benefit+
• Choice of $250 or $750 excess

Pays benefits towards included medical services in and out of hospital.

• Pays 100% of the MBS fee
• Inpatient medical services across 26 clinical categories
• General Practitioner (GP) consultations
• Other common out-of-hospital medical services (blood tests & x-rays)
• Most Allied Health services billed with an MBS item number~

Overseas Visitors Everyday Hospital and Medical

A cover option suitable for those visiting Australia who are fit and healthy, don't require health cover for visa purposes (condition 8501) and only want cover for the essentials and accidents 'just in case' the unexpected occurs.

• Includes 24 common clinical categories of hospital treatment
• Choice of $250 or $500 excess

Pays benefits towards medical services in and out of hospital.

• Inpatient medical services across 24 clinical categories

Things you should know

^For ambulance attendance and transportation to a hospital where immediate professional attention is required and your medical condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way.

+Any Excluded service will be treated as an Included service where you require hospital treatment as a result of injuries sustained in an Accident after joining this cover and within 12 months of the date the Accident occurred. The Accident must have occured in Australia while the cover was not suspended. Treatment must be sought within 7 days of the Accident. Excludes claims covered by third parties such as WorkCover.

 ~Services not provided by a doctor but are billed with an MBS item number. For example, eye checks and services related to chronic disease management plans. Excludes mental health services.

Here are two popular visas that Medibank’s Overseas Visitors Health Cover are generally suitable for:

600 - visitor visa.

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) allows you to stay in Australia as a visitor or a visitor for business purposes for 3, 6 or 12 months. This might be an appropriate visa if you’re taking a holiday, visiting family or friends or on a tour with a registered travel agent from China.

651 - eVisitor visa

The eVisitor (subclass 651) lets you visit Australia for up to 3 months at a time within a 12-month period. You can stay as a visitor or a visitor for business purposes.

Please note that if your visa is subject to Condition 8501 Overseas Visitors Health Cover may not be suitable. This information above is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs' website and is accurate as of October 2023.

Learn more about Australia's healthcare system

If you need medical attention while you’re in Australia and you don’t have health cover it can be very expensive, whether you’re treated in the public or the private healthcare system. Find out more about the differences between the private and public healthcare system.

Need some help?

We’re here to help you choose the health cover that matches your needs while you’re in Australia.  Contact Medibank how it suits you; messaging, WeChat, in-store or by phone.

Overseas students (OSHC)

Message one of our friendly staff about your cover options.

Visitor, working and working holiday (OVHC)

Speak to one of our friendly staff for sales and policy enquiries.

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1 For Accidents that occur in Australia after your cover starts. Must seek medical treatment within 7 days, and receive hospital treatment within 12 months, of the Accident occurring. Excludes claims covered by third parties and our Private Room Promise. Out of pockets may apply.

2 For ambulance attendance and transportation to a hospital where immediate professional attention is required and your medical condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way.

* Offer commences 16 July 2024. Offer now extended until 30 September 2024. Offer available via phone, web, messaging and in store. For new members on new memberships who have not previously held ahm OSHC, Medibank OSHC or Medibank Overseas Workers Health cover in the past 6 months. Must join and start eligible Medibank Overseas Workers Health covers between 16 July 2024 and 30 September 2024. Must use promo code ' WORKER8’ when joining. Member must sign up to direct debit. Excludes Overseas Visitors Health Cover, all corporate covers, all residential hospital and extras covers, Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance Cover, ahm covers, and other selected covers. Waiting periods may apply to hospital cover. Not available if the policy holder has already taken up this offer, or taken up any other discount offer from Medibank within 12 months from the policy start date. Not available to Medibank employees. Not available with any other offer except the Overseas Extras only offer. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash. Member take up of the offer is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Medibank reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions without notice from time to time.

8 weeks free terms:

Member must maintain direct debit and keep policy premium payments up to date and hold eligible cover for 42 consecutive days from the policy start date to get next 8 weeks free. If you change to an ineligible cover during this period, or you terminate or suspend your cover, 8 weeks free will not be issued.

Request a call back

Leave your details and a Medibank expert will be in touch to take you through your options. In providing your telephone number, you consent to Medibank contacting you about health insurance.

We'll have someone call you soon to help with any questions you have.

COVID-19 Health Assist - Expression of interest

Complete this form to express your interest in one of our programs. If you're eligible, a member of our team will call you within 2-3 business days.

What program are you interested in?

Sorry, only members with current Hospital cover are eligible to participate in these programs

Eligible Medibank members with Extras cover are able to access a range of telehealth services included on their cover - you can find out more here . Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our team about your cover, we're here on 132 331 .

Your membership details

Please provide your details so we can know how to contact you.

Your contact details

By clicking Submit, I understand that Medibank or its subsidiaries may contact me to discuss my eligibility for the Covid-19 Heath Assist program(s), and will disclose my personal information within the Medibank Group of companies and to third party service providers. Please see Medibank’s privacy policy for further information about how Medibank will handle my personal information, and how to contact Medibank: https://www.medibank.com.au/privacy/

Thank you for expressing your interest in one of our COVID-19 Health Assist programs.

If you are eligible, one of our health professionals will call you in 2-3 business days to discuss your situation and help to enrol you in the relevant program.

There is no cost to participate, however some referred services may incur an out of pocket cost.

• Travel Insurance

Bupa Travel Insurance Review

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Updated: Aug 8, 2023, 1:29pm

Editorial note: Forbes Advisor Australia may earn revenue from this story in the manner disclosed here . Read our advice disclaimer here .

Bupa is a well-known name in the Australian insurance scene, and its travel insurance option is no different. With no age limit on policies and unlimited medical cover (including dental), Bupa comprehensive travel insurance is a responsible choice for all types of trips and travellers. Bupa offers three kinds of coverage: comprehensive, essentials and domestic. This review focuses on the comprehensive policy.

• Unlimited medical, hospital and dental cover
• No maximum age limit
• All pre-existing conditions need to be assessed to determine if they will be covered
• Reviews state lengthy waits for claim payments

Table of Contents

About bupa travel insurance, what is covered, who should take out this insurance.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Freely Travel Insurance

On Freely’s Secure Website

Medical Cover

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Flexibility to adjust your coverage even when you’re away in real-time.

In-app travel safety alerts to keep you safe

Bupa Travel Insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd, and the policy is very similar to the Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance offering. The travel insurance policy offered to Australians by Bupa is via Bupa Asia Pacific, a part of the global Bupa Group.

Along with travel insurance, Bupa also offers Australians health insurance, car insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, landlord insurance, valuables insurance, among others.

In relation to its Bupa travel insurance policy, which is analysed in detail below, customers have rated the policy 3.9 stars out of 5 from 138 reviews via Australia’s independent consumer opinion site, ProductReview.

Bupa offers its comprehensive travel insurance policy to all Australians, with no age limits in place for travellers wishing to take out their comprehensive option, although pre-existing medical conditions require assessment before being covered. The lack of an age limit is particularly helpful to senior travellers as well as families, especially considering that dependent children are included in the policy up to the age of 25–provided they are not in full time employment and will be travelling with you 100% of the time.

In terms of financial cover, Bupa covers credit card fraud up to $5,000, while personal liability is covered up to $5 million.

Delays and missed connections are an inevitable risk of travel, which is why Bupa’s travel delay cover includes coverage for missed connections: for delays of more than six hours there is $250 per person allocation and a further $250 for each additional 24-hour period after the initial six hours. The delay cover, however, is limited at $2,000 total for all travellers on the policy, and maximum per person of $500 after the initial six-hour delay.

When taking out your Bupa Travel Insurance policy, travellers can also opt for cancellation cover, with the amount chosen by the customer.

Lost luggage

Bupa’s comprehensive travel insurance policy includes lost luggage cover up to $10,000, however, sub limits apply for certain items. Policyholders do have the option to increase item limits for high value items if required. Check the pds for further details.

The last thing you want to think about on a trip is having to access medical services, but it’s important for Australians heading overseas to ensure this is included on a travel insurance policy for peace of mind.

Bupa covers overseas medical and hospital expenses, so you will not be out of pocket if you need to access medical care while abroad. If you have a pre-existing condition, however, you will need to be assessed by Bupa prior to your trip to determine if they can be covered with the policy.

Is dental cover included in medical?

Yes, Bupa does include dental within its unlimited medical and hospital expenses cover. A lot of insurance providers don’t choose to include dental within medical cover, so it is a benefit of Bupa’s policy.

Does it Cover Me for Covid?

Yes, Bupa’s travel insurance includes covid cover under its medical expenses. In terms of cancellations, these are only covered due to Covid-19 if the trip cancellation is due to a government-enforced border closure or if the policyholder has to complete quarantine due to Covid.

What about Pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant while travelling, you’re going to want to ensure your travel insurance policy covers pregnancy. With Bupa, you are covered until week 24 of your pregnancy, provided that you do not have complications with the pregnancy or a history of complications.

This cover is included under the unlimited medical expenses, however, childbirth is not covered.

What about Sports and Activities?

When taking out Bupa’s travel insurance, there are 38 activities automatically included in your plan. These include golfing, river cruising, gymnastics and more. Certain conditions apply to these automatic inclusions, such as safety provisions and terrain restrictions (or claims made would be void).

In addition to the 38 included activities, policyholders can also add on activity packs to suit their trip type for an additional cost.

These are packs that cover activities designated for ‘adventure’, such as for cave tubing and rock climbing, ‘cruise’ for those going on a multi-day cruising holiday, and a ‘snow’ pack to cover certain winter sports.

Similar to the automatically included activities, certain restrictions apply to the purchase of the additional packs. Failing to meet these requirements could result in your claims being void, which is why it is essential to read your policy’s product disclosure statement.

Customer service

Bupa offers its customers 24/7 emergency assistance with Australian based doctors and nurses, so you can receive trusted medical guidance at any time while on your holiday.

For non-medical enquiries, Bupa has a separate contact telephone number and a call back option for those calling out of hours. Further, Bupa also has a WhatsApp channel which customers can use to get in touch with the Bupa customer service team while travelling.

Bupa has made the process of making claims easier for its customers, by allowing claims to be made online via the myBupa app (available on both iOS and Android, and via web browser).

Thanks to the well-known name and the non-existent age limit when taking out a policy, Bupa’s travel insurance is well suited to a wide variety of Australian families going on holidays together. This is especially true as children up to 25 years of age are included on the policy at no extra charge, pending the meeting of certain conditions. In any case, before you take out this insurance, Forbes Advisor recommends you read the product disclosure statement carefully so you can understand the various sub-limits and exclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a discount for bupa travel insurance.

While there is no automatic discount for Bupa travel insurance, pre-existing customers of Bupa (such as those with an active health insurance policy) can get 15% off their premiums.

Does Bupa Travel Insurance cover COVID?

Yes, Bupa Travel Insurance covers COVID-19 as a medical condition under its unlimited medical and hospital cover. It also covers trip cancellations caused by Covid, on the basis that there are government enforced border closures or the traveller is required to quarantine.

How do I make a claim with Bupa Travel Insurance?

Claims can be made via the myBupa app on your mobile or webpage. You can also call the 24/7 Australian-based customer service team to submit a claim over the phone on 1300 992 694.

The information provided by Forbes Advisor is general in nature and for educational purposes only. Any information provided does not consider the personal financial circumstances of readers, such as individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Forbes Advisor does not provide financial product advice and the information we provide is not intended to replace or be relied upon as independent financial advice. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Forbes Advisor encourages readers to seek independent expert advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to their own financial circumstances and investments before making any financial decisions. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forbes Advisor provides an information service. It is not a product issuer or provider. In giving you information about financial or credit products, Forbes Advisor is not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. It is important to check any product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and other applicable product documentation before making a decision to purchase, acquire, invest in or apply for a financial or credit product. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS, TMD and other documentation. Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners. For more information, read our Advice Disclaimer here .

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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Allianz Care Australia

Overseas visitor health cover  , why choose allianz care australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is health insurance for international visitors visiting or working in Australia on a temporary visa. OVHC is available for people travelling to Australia on holidays, visiting relatives, or for those who are working on a temporary basis.

If you become sick or have an accident while you are here in Australia, Allianz Care Australia OVHC will help you pay for your medical costs.

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or a citizen of a country that has a Reciprocal Health Agreement with Australia, you will not be eligible for Medicare - the public health insurance system. Without access to Medicare, paying for medical treatment can be prohibitively expensive.

If your visa is subject to condition 8501, you’re required to maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and any family. This means it is mandatory for the primary visa holder to maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents and/or partners listed on the visa for the duration of their stay.

There might be times when you are sick or injured and need assistance. Your OVHC covers you for medical costs that would normally be covered by the Australian Medicare system if you were an Australian resident.

Whether you’re coming to Australia for a holiday, visiting family or friends, or visiting for work, we provide OVHC that meets visa condition 8501 which applies to the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage and 485 Temporary Graduate visas as well as others.

Overseas visitors may want to consider OVHC to help pay for medical treatment in Australia as it can be expensive and y ou may not be eligible for Medicare (the public health insurance system for Australian residents). OVHC is a requirement if your visa is subject to visa condition 8501. Allianz Care Australia OVHC policies meet the requirements of adequate health insurance (visa condition 8501).

When you are away from home, it is important to know medical treatment is available and affordable if something was to happen to you. 

For relevant visa types subject to visa condition 8501, the Australian Government requires that you and your dependants have adequate health insurance for the entire length of your and your dependants' stay in Australia.

Your cover starts on the later of, the start date shown on your Certificate of Insurance, the date your eligible visa is granted or the date of your arrival in Australia.

Your cover ceases on the date of your departure from Australia, the date you cease to hold an eligible visa, the date we or you cancel your policy or the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance, whichever occurs first.

In Australia, health care is made up of a mixture of services funded by the Australian Government and private health insurance. Australian residents are automatically covered for many hospital and medical costs under the Government’s Medicare scheme, but many Australians choose to take out additional cover through the private health care system.

Medicare covers areas of medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, but doesn’t cover medical services like private hospital costs, dental, physiotherapy and similar services, emergency ambulance assistance or other transport to hospital.

For international workers and visitors who are not covered under Medicare, you can purchase  Overseas Visitor Health Cover  (OVHC).

If your visa type requires you to maintain adequate health insurance while you are in Australia (visa condition 8501), Allianz Care Australia OVHC policies meet the requirements of adequate health insurance (visa condition 8501).

If your visa type is not subject to condition 8501 and you are not eligible for Medicare, you may like to consider purchasing an Allianz Care Australia OVHC policy to ensure that you have cover for any unplanned medical or hospital care you may need while in Australia.

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Australia Travel Insurance for Visitors

Travel insurance and safety advice for visitors to australia.

Learn what you need to know about travel insurance and safety for an Australian journey, including our top seven tips for safe travel.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Australia?

You are not required to have travel insurance to visit Australia, but it is strongly encouraged. Australia’s government travel authority says, “ If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.”

Medical care in Australia can be expensive for travelers and visitors. A doctor or dentist visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Most hospital stays, for emergencies or illnesses, cost a visitor several thousand dollars – often more. Visitor health coverage in Australia is worth the investment if you get sick or injured.

Read the fine print of your travel insurance before you sign up for a plan. Try to match the insurance coverage with your trip plans and coverage needs. If you are scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, for example, make sure appropriate adventure sports insurance is included when considering travel insurance policies. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, make sure those will be treated with the coverage you select.

Some Countries Share Reciprocal Health Care with Australia – and Their Visitors Still Choose Travel Insurance

People from some countries can receive coverage for emergency health care in Australia as part of a reciprocal health care agreement. These countries include the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, and Malta.

However, travelers from these countries still purchase travel insurance with comprehensive health coverage for visits to Australia. Travel health insurance provides many more benefits than basic emergency care. These can include repatriation support or special travel accommodations after an emergency.

Related: Health Insurance in Australia for Expats and Foreigners

What Vaccinations Are Required for Travel to Australia?

Travelers who have been in a yellow fever danger zone within six days before their arrival in Australia also need to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

You may want a rabies vaccine if you plan on outdoor activities, like caving or conservation volunteering, where you might get bitten by a bat. While Australia is rabies-free, its bats can carry the closely related illness, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which the rabies vaccine also protects against. Get the rabies vaccine two weeks before you travel, and bring proof of vaccination with you.

Starting in November 2021, travelers to Australia had to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, that requirement was lifted in July 2022. For the latest information about COVID-19 and travel from Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs . Since issues around the COVID-19 pandemic change rapidly, you should also keep up to date with the  Australia Travel Declaration in case it becomes necessary again.

Bring Your Necessary Medications and Prescriptions

You need to bring your own medications to Australia, and it’s helpful to bring printed copies of your necessary prescriptions. When packing your medication for your trip, leave all medication in its original, labeled container. Try to bring enough to cover your entire trip. For any medications you need, also bring a prescription and note from your doctor containing the generic name of the drug and an explanation of why you need the medication.

Some drugs found over-the-counter in your home may need a prescription in Australia. These include oral contraceptives, asthma medication, all antibiotics, and medicine for pre-existing medical conditions.

Get Online Travel Insurance Quotes for Australia

You should have travel insurance that includes visitor health cover and cover for theft, evacuation, repatriation, and trip interruption. We have two recommendations for the best travel insurance for visitors to Australia.

For most travelers to Australia, we recommend the Atlas Travel Insurance plan for affordable global coverage. For US citizens traveling to Australia, we recommend GeoBlue Voyager Insurance. This is a premium option with a high level of coverage for a slightly higher rate. Get quotes for each of these options here.

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GeoBlue Voyager Plan

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Seven Top Tips for Travel Safety in Australia

Here are our top seven tips for safe travel and travel insurance in Australia. With common sense and good travel insurance, you can prepare for every adventure Australia offers.

1.       Be Sensible Around Personal Security

Australia is a relatively safe destination for personal security. Take special care when out late at night in city centers. Do you plan on enjoying the nightlife? Have fun, but don’t leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. And only get rides from licensed taxis or rideshare providers.

If you are staying in a quiet rural area, lock your doors, and keep valuables and luggage in your lodging, not in your vehicle. Tourist rental cars sometimes get broken into at remote parking lots for natural attractions. A travel insurance plan with theft and loss coverage will support you if this happens.

2.       Stay Informed With Australian Travel Warnings and Updates

Australian emergency services provide travel warnings and updates. Check the Australian Bureau of Meteorolog y for reports about weather and, in summer, bush fires.

In 2019 and 2020, extreme bush fires in Australia made international news. If you are visiting an area and a bush fire breaks out, follow local evacuation orders. Travel insurance can support you if your plan covers evacuation and accommodation around emergencies or travel delays.

3.       Prepare for Weather Extremes – Sun and Heat, Dryness and Rain

Out of all the outdoor perils in Australia, you are most likely to encounter the harsh sun. The saying Down Under is "slip, slop, and slap" – slip on a shirt, slop on lots of sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Even schoolchildren wear hats and long sleeves to go outside at recess. Sunscreen is required, too. Australian high-SPF sunscreens, starting at 30 SPF, are made for Australian conditions. A good visitor health plan will cover you if you need emergency care for an extreme sunburn – but you’ll still have to deal with discomfort and inconvenience.

Australian weather can be extreme. A warm day can cool down to a chilly evening. Summer days in desert areas like Alice Springs can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The intense sun can be dry and thirst-inducing one day, and the next day can bring monsoon-like rains. When you go on night-time tours, it can get extremely cold. Bring layers of clothing to wear, and accessorize with your favorite hat and water bottle.

4.       Watch Out for Wildlife

Australian wildlife is famous for being venomous, poisonous, and dangerous. You are most likely to encounter the smaller venomous animals. Snakes often bask by roadsides, in parking lots, and on hiking trails. Spiders love to sneak into human bathrooms and surprise you at night. To avoid both, wear shoes or sandals, and shake out clothes and footwear before you put them on. In the water, watch out for jellyfish. Australians nickname them "stingers"  because of their often powerful and occasionally fatal sting. Beaches that have a lot of jellyfish usually post warning signs.

Most people are wary around sharks and crocodiles in Australian waters. Swim securely at beaches with lifeguards and other people around. Lifeguards will warn you if they see or hear about risky creatures. Lifeguards can also provide first aid and get you to help. A beautiful beach with no swimmers and no lifeguards may conceal dangerous creatures!

The smallest animals in Australia can make you very uncomfortable. Insects like mosquitos, ticks, and sandflies are major pests. Mosquitos can carry diseases, including dengue fever, encephalitis, and Ross River virus. Sandfly bites are notorious for being very uncomfortable.

Protect yourself from insect stings. Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. Sleep in rooms with screened windows. And invest in Australian insect repellent with at least 20% DEET, even if you wouldn't use it normally. If an insect bite is swollen or infected, get emergency care for the reaction. This will be covered by a good travel health insurance plan.

5.       Swim and Boat Safely

Australia is full of beautiful beaches and idyllic rivers. The first point of being safe around them is, again, to swim at beaches with lifeguards and other people. If a beach or a river is empty of people, there is often a good reason for that: contaminated water, dangerous currents, or the presence of sharks and crocodiles.

Visitors often rent jet skis, kayaks, and other boating equipment. Follow the safety instructions and laws when you hire these and go out on the water. Always wear a life jacket, and never go out on unfamiliar waters alone. If you’re planning on jet skis and kayaks, boost your travel insurance with adventure sports coverage.

6.       Driving the Outback? Be Prepared

Adventure-minded travelers love to hit the road in Australia. In Australia, the road rules are to drive on the left side of the road. Not familiar with this? Take some time to practice in a quiet area. A car rental location can often tell you a good area nearby to practice Australian driving.

For long rural drives in Australia, know that you are driving through remote deserts. Bring extra gasoline, water and food in your vehicle. Let someone know when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to arrive. If you are looking at Google maps and you don’t see any small towns or buildings, that means no places to buy food or fuel. So be prepared!

Roads in the Outback are often unpaved, dusty and stony. Watch out for rocks damaging axles and stones chipping windscreens. If it rains, you can suddenly be driving in a stream bed. Most distressing of all, if you don’t drive carefully, you might hit an animal, especially at night. Kangaroo-and-car collisions are very common. Make sure that you have comprehensive vehicle insurance so that all these things are covered – even the kangaroo collision.

7.       Get Ready When Hiking or Tramping

Hiking or tramping in the Outback or natural parks like the Blue Mountains calls for extra safety, too. Here are some of the basics for hiking safely in Australia. Planning to hike? Definitely learn more before you go.

Again, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. You may ask a local if anything unusual has happened in the area where you plan to hike, such as a forest fire. Bring more food and water than you need and first aid supplies. Dress for the extremes of the weather where you are going. Serious hikers can rent a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon in case of emergency. Consider buying Emergency Evacuation Insurance which will transport you to the closest medical facility able to handle your injury or illness.

The best safety aid in the Outback is an experienced guide. Guides will provide first aid, communication help, and knowledge of the country. Hiring a local guide is an excellent way to support Australia’s many indigenous communities. A good guide makes your Outback journey far safer and truly special.

Author: Emily Cotlier is a senior editor at International Citizens Insurance . She has made the move from the U.S.A. to New Zealand. For International Insurance, she clarifies international visa and immigration requirements, shares travel resources, and advises on relocation challenges. She’s traveled through five continents and Oceania, and she still loves to travel both in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

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Overseas Visitors Health Cover

Award-winning overseas visitors health cover

Best overseas visitor health cover 2024 (wemoney) receive instant confirmation letter by email, why choose australian unity, get quick and easy access to health insurance to help cover your health costs and meet visa requirements., what's covered.

You'll be covered for a wide range of services and treatments. Features include:

Benefits of overseas visitors health cover

Illnesses and accidents can happen at any time, and medical costs in Australia can add up. Getting health insurance can help pay for medical costs and protect your health Australia-wide.

What's covered:

What services are covered will depend on which product you buy.

Services may include:

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Understanding overseas visitors health cover

Does australian unity offer health insurance that satisfies the australian government's visa condition 8501 (to maintain adequate health insurance).

Under some visas, you may be required to meet condition 8501. Condition 8501 means that you must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia. All our Working Visitors Covers meet condition 8501. None of our current Non-Working Visitors Covers meet these requirements.

Do I need overseas visitors health cover?

It depends on your type of visa and the visa conditions. For some visas, it is a compulsory requirement to have health insurance while you are in Australia. You can check visa conditions at homeaffairs.gov.au .

Even if health insurance is not a requirement of your visa, it’s still a smart idea. Illnesses and accidents can happen at any time, and medical expenses in Australia can add up. Getting health insurance can help pay for medical costs, giving you peace of mind. We have overseas visitors health cover to suit many different budgets and needs.

What’s included?

Overseas visitors health cover can help pay for some or all medical costs while you’re in Australia. What services are covered will depend on which product you buy. Services may include:

• Doctor and specialist fees
• Hospital treatment, including accommodation and theatre fees
• Emergency ambulance
• Day surgery and procedures
• In-hospital pharmacy
• Prescription medications from the chemist

For a full list of inclusions, limits, exclusions and waiting periods that may apply, read the Fact Sheet and our Member Guide .

Overseas visitors health cover generally doesn’t include health services like dental, physiotherapy, and optical. Speak to one of our consultants about Extras health insurance which you can purchase to help cover some of these costs.

How do I make a claim/get my money back for medical expenses?

For services such as visiting a doctor or specialist, you can claim online or send us a copy of your receipt with a claim form by mail.

If you have to go to hospital, the hospital will usually contact us directly to process your claim, so you won't receive a bill for your treatment if you are covered.

Find out more about lodging a claim .

How do I receive my confirmation letter?

Once you select and purchase an overseas visitors health cover from Australian Unity, you will automatically receive your confirmation letter by email. Please provide a valid email address to ensure the letter reaches you.

Can I purchase health insurance on behalf of someone else?

Yes you can.

If you also want to help them manage their cover, you'll need to get them to complete a Delegated Authority form. This form takes less than 5 minutes to complete and gives Australian Unity consent to deal with both the person who holds the health insurance and you as their representative ( delegated authority ).

You can learn more about Delegated Authority here .

Can a relative or friend manage my membership for me?

Yes. Just complete the Delegated Authority form and return it to Australian Unity. Australian Unity will then be able to discuss your health insurance with that nominated person. This helps us to ensure that your privacy is protected. Find out more on setting up Delegated Authority here .

Unless you tell us otherwise, a partner or spouse included on your policy, will have automatic delegated authority on your policy which allows them to do anything you could do as the policyholder except nominate or cancel other delegated authorities.

Is an interpreter service available?

Yes. We have a free interpreter service. If you have difficulty reading or understanding our documents and you wish to discuss it further with us, then our free interpreter service is available to help on the phone numbers below.

Calling from within Australia 1300 683 782 Calling from outside Australia +61 3 8682 7550

How can I pay for my health insurance?

Your health insurance needs to be paid in advance at all times and can be paid up to a maximum of 12 months in advance. There are two ways you can pay your premiums: 

• Direct debit You can set up a direct debit for your premiums to be automatically paid from your credit card or Australian bank account on a date that matches your selected payment frequency (e.g. monthly, quarterly, yearly).
• Account notice After you make your first payment, you can choose to make future payments by account notice. When you pay by account notice, you'll receive a bill for your health insurance premiums based on your selected payment frequency (e.g monthly, quarterly, yearly). You then need to pay the bill by the due date shown. Instructions describing the different ways you can make payments are included on the account notice.

View all Frequently Asked Questions

Overseas visitor health cover for working/non-working visas

Overseas visitor health cover for working visas

Overseas visitor health cover for non-working visas

Get quick and easy access to health insurance to help cover your health costs and meet visa requirements.

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Affordable health insurance

Help pay for a wide range of medical costs, like emergency ambulance and doctor fees

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8501 visa condition

The 8501 visa condition means you need to get health insurance before you come to australia. 8501-compliance ovhc starts from around $60 a month, but it does vary by visa type..

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In this guide

What is the 8501 visa condition?

What visas does the 8501 condition apply to, how can i meet the 8501 visa requirement, do i need to get health insurance.

Hospital cover

Extras cover

Health insurance and tax

Health funds

Key takeaways

• If your visa is subject to condition 8501, you will need to take out health insurance for your time in Australia.
• Most visas come with the 8501 condition.
• You might not need health insurance if you come from a reciprocal health care country .

The Australian government's immigration website says that "you must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia" if you are subject to the 8501 visa condition.

Most Australian visas come with the 8501 visa condition. This means you need to take out health insurance for coming to Australia. There are several Australian insurers that offer cover tailored to visa holders.

"Most Australian visas come with the condition that the visa holder must maintain adequate health insurance. This is called condition 8501. Health insurance has been mandated by the Australian government to ensure that visa holders make appropriate arrangements to cover any medical or hospital care they may require while in Australia, so that they can pay for the care they require should they fall sick or get into an accident. This ensures the visa holder's access to healthcare while in Australia without the need to rely on public funding, or having to pay for the full cost of health care out of pocket."

Finder survey: How many claims have people made on their Overseas Visitor Health Cover?

The 8501 condition applies to most working visas, including:

• Working Holiday Visa (417)
• Work and Holiday Visa (462)
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
• Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
• Student Visa (subclass 500)
• Visitor (subclass 600)

You can meet the 8501 health insurance requirement by taking out Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). This is a type of health insurance designed specifically for visa holders coming to Australia.

The policies below all meet the 8501 condition. They can all send you a certificate within 48 hours of taking out a policy. You can attach this to your visa application. The start date should be when you expect to arrive in Australia, so you won't start paying for your policy until then.

You aren't obligated to get health insurance if you are from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia.

You will be eligible for Medicare – Australia's public healthcare system – if you're from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, The Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Malta or Italy.

However, it still may be worth getting health insurance. The Australian immigration website says:

"all visitors to Australia are strongly recommended to make their own arrangements for private health insurance (regardless of whether or not it is a visa condition)."

RHCAs also don't generally cover ambulance transportation, medical evacuation and some out of hospital services such as dental care – but many Overseas Visitor policies can.

"When I transitioned from a working holiday visa to a working visa in 2017, I was subject to condition 8501 meaning I had to maintain adequate health insurance. At the time, I was on a budget and just chose the cheapest one I could find (which was HBF) that met this condition."

Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio

More guides on Finder

The 461 visa is make for relatives of New Zealanders living in Australia. While kiwis have access to Medicare, 461 visa holders don't, and will need to take out health insurance (OVHC).

Read on to find out why international students need Overseas Student Health Cover, and what sets Allianz Care Australia OSHC apart from other similar insurance products.

Get cover quickly and easily for your stay in Australia.

Find out what health insurance you need for the 590 Visa and how to get cover for pre-existing conditions.

If you’re applying for a TSS visa to work in Australia, we explain what’s changed from the old 457 visa and help you find Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC).

Compare overseas visitors cover from Medibank.

Compare OVHC options from HBF, and see which one is right for you.

Everything you need to know about the health insurance requirements of the 408 visa and how to find the right cover.

Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements in place with 11 countries, allowing visitors from those countries to access subsidised medical treatment under the Medicare system while in Australia.

If your parents are planning to visit you in Australia from another country, they will first need an appropriate visa, and secondly need health insurance while they are here. This guide explains how to do both.

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4 Responses

Thanks for writing this very useful article. Is it right to say there is only one provider for non-working visitor visa for subclass 600 with health 8051 requirements? i.e Allianz And the covers are Allianz Australia Budget Visitors Cover Allianz Care Australia Standard Visitors Cover If not can you state the others I might have missed?

All the insurers in the table provide appropriate cover for 8051 visa holders, including Allianz, HCF and Frank. There may be others who don’t currently partner with us as well.

You can contact each insurer for more information by clicking “get quote” or “more info”.

Best of luck!

Hi, I wanted to know which all insurers provide OVHC that meets the 8501 requirement for VIsa Visitor subclass 600. It is for my parents aged around 68 and 75. Thanks, Ranjit

All of the insurance policies on this page meet the 8501 requirement.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, Gary

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