OVHC for Visa 482: Health Cover Without Medicare
A 482 visa does not automatically give you Medicare. Depending on your nationality and any bilateral agreement, you may have Medicare, may need OVHC, or may need to arrange your own cover. Getting this right avoids unexpected medical costs.
Medicare and visa 482
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with some countries. If your nationality is on this list, you are covered by Medicare during your time in Australia.
Countries with an RHCA with Australia include: the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Slovenia, Malta and Italy.
If your country is not on the RHCA list, you are not covered by Medicare as a 482 visa holder.
What is OVHC
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is health insurance for people who are not eligible for Medicare. It is not a mandatory visa requirement under the 482 conditions, but it is a practical necessity because medical costs in Australia are very high.
OVHC is different from OSHC (which is for international students).
What OVHC usually covers
Basic OVHC usually covers:
- Emergency hospital treatment
- Part of the cost of seeing a GP
- Surgery and hospital stay costs
Higher-level OVHC may add:
- Dental
- Optical (glasses)
- Physiotherapy
- Maternity costs (usually with a long waiting period)
OVHC costs
The cost depends on the provider, the level of cover, and the number of people in the family. Estimates for a single person:
- Basic: around $50–80 a month
- Mid-level: $80–130 a month
- Comprehensive: $130–200+ a month
Costs rise significantly when a spouse and children are added.
Common OVHC providers
Common OVHC providers in Australia include: Medibank, Bupa, NIB, HCF and AHM. Compare on an insurance comparison site before buying.
When cover is provided through your employer
Some employers include OVHC in their benefits package — ask HR before buying your own. If the employer already provides it, you don’t need to buy more.
Family members on a visa 482
If a spouse and children accompany you on a 482 visa, they also need their own OVHC or a family policy. A family policy is usually cheaper than buying cover individually.