Health Insurance for 485 Visa & OSHC (Australia)
What insurance a 485 visa needs (OVHC), how to arrange it, Medicare eligibility, getting cover while awaiting residency/“green card”, and what OSHC does and doesn’t cover.
What insurance is required for a 485 visa?
When applying for a subclass 485 visa you must hold adequate health insurance for your entire stay. The accepted product is typically Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC), designed to mirror essential care available to locals.
What a compliant OVHC should include
- Hospital accommodation & theatre fees (policy limits apply).
- Medical services (GP/specialist consultations, MBS-like items per policy).
- Emergency ambulance transport.
- Relevant prescription medications (caps/exclusions may apply).
Choose recognised providers (e.g., Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care). Keep your certificate of insurance for visa lodgement.
How to arrange insurance
- 1Compare OVHC plans (inclusions, limits, waiting periods, price).
- 2Ensure it meets the Department of Home Affairs minimum coverage.
- 3Purchase & obtain a certificate of insurance before you lodge your 485 visa.
Need help? VFS Global in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth can guide on document readiness (no asesoramiento médico).
Can I get health insurance while I'm waiting my green card?
Yes—while you await permanent residency or a comparable status decision, you can hold private health insurance in Australia. Insurers offer plans for temporary residents with hospital/medical, prescriptions and GP benefits (según póliza).
Typical documents insurers ask for
- Passport with valid visa.
- Proof of residency in Australia (lease/utility).
- Any relevant consular ID if applicable.
- Premiums are payable in AUD; check processing times.
- VFS centres can help with document guidance if you need consular support.
Is a 485 visa eligible for Medicare?
The Temporary Graduate (485) visa is not generally eligible for Medicare. Australia’s reciprocal agreements don’t include India, so Indian nationals on 485 must maintain private health insurance for the entire stay.
Private health insurance requirements
- Covers hospital, ambulance and medical services.
- Evidence of cover may be required at lodgement and during your stay.
- Keep details current to avoid visa compliance issues.
For visa/consular queries, contact the Indian High Commission (Canberra) or your Consulate-General. For policy specifics, speak with a licensed insurer/broker.
Does OSHC cover everything?
OSHC (for international students) is mandatory but does not cover everything. It commonly includes GP, some hospital care and emergency ambulance, but typically excludes areas like dental, optical and physiotherapy (a menos que contrates extras).
Key limitations
- Exclusiones frecuentes: dental, óptica, fisioterapia.
- Waiting periods for ciertas prestaciones o condiciones preexistentes.
- Algunas coberturas pueden estar limitadas por proveedor/red.
Consular & VFS considerations
- Verifica si necesitas certificados médicos para trámites consulares.
- Revisa festivos en AU/IN para planificar citas.
- Presupuesta gastos no cubiertos por OSHC.
