Australia overseas visitor visa 600 travel health insurance

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What is the best Overseas Visitor Health Insurance for Australia?

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for Australia

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of private health insurance designed specifically for visitors traveling to Australia. It provides essential medical coverage, ensuring that visitors can access healthcare services without facing excessive medical expenses.

Why do You need OVHC?
  • Mandatory for Certain Visas: OVHC is required for many overseas visitors traveling to Australia on working and tourist visas, including Subclass 482, 485, and 600.
  • Financial Protection: Helps you avoid costly medical bills in case of illness, injury, or emergency hospital visits.
  • Access to Healthcare: Ensures you receive quality medical treatment while staying in Australia.
Overseas Visitor Health Insurance for Australia

What is Medicare in Australia?

Australia’s Medicare is a public healthcare system offering subsidized or free medical services to its qualified residents. It is funded by the Australian government and offers access to public hospitals, doctors, and essential medical services. Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) does not offer coverage for visitors. To avoid large out-of-pocket expenses for medical care, travelers on Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) need to buy Overseas Visitor Health Insurance to cover medical expenses.

Is it necessary to buy visitor visa health insurance for Australia?

While health insurance is not compulsory for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) in Australia, Overseas Visitor Health Insurance is highly recommended due to the high cost of medical care for non-residents. Overseas visitor insurance offers coverage for doctor (General Physician) visits, emergency hospital treatment, ambulance services, limited prescription medications, some diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests, etc.)

What level of health cover is required to meet the 8501 condition?

Yes, Visa Condition 8501 is mandatory for many Australian visas, particularly for work-related and visitor visas. This condition requires visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.

Since most overseas visitors are not eligible for Medicare, the Australian government mandates private health insurance to cover medical expenses. You must purchase and provide proof of health insurance when applying for your visa

How much does Overseas Visitor Health Insurance for Australia cost?

Australians Overseas visitor visa health insurance cost ranges from $54 to $559 per month. The cost will vary depending on the age of the traveler, the type of coverage, the travel destination and the duration of travel.

The cost based on the duration of one month with $250 deductible.

Plan Name Plan Max Range Age 40 Age 60 Age 70
Patriot International Lite insurance IMG $50,000 - $1,000,000 $54 - $72 $117 - $140 $207
Safe Travels International Cost Saver insurance Trawick International $50,000 - $1,000,000 $71 - $118 $154 - $228 $297
Safe Travels International insurance Trawick International $50,000 - $1,000,000 $104 - $146 $226 - $335 $398 - $559
Patriot International Platinum insurance IMG $2,000,000 - $8,000,000 $112 - $153 $239 - $285 $418
Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What is visa condition 8501?

Visa Condition 8501 applies primarily to individuals traveling to Australia for work. This condition mandates that visa holders maintain adequate health insurance throughout their stay.

Under Condition 8501, health insurance ensures coverage for medical expenses in case you or your family require hospitalization, emergency treatments, or doctor consultations.

Key requirements for visa condition 8501

  • Health insurance must be purchased before traveling to Australia.
  • Proof of health insurance is required for submission to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
  • Travel insurance does NOT meet the 8501 requirement.

Compliant health insurance plans

At American Visitor Insurance, we provide Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) that meets the Australian visa Condition 8501, ensuring full compliance with DHA regulations.

  • Affordable Health Insurance for Australian Visa Holders.
  • Plans Covering Hospital Treatment, Ambulance & Medications.
  • Quick & Easy Online Purchase.

What happens if I do not meet the 8501 visa condition for subclass 600?

If you fail to meet Visa Condition 8501 for Subclass 600 (Visitor Visa), you may face serious consequences:

  • Visa application denial – The Department of Home Affairs may reject your application due to non-compliance.
  • Visa cancellation – If you are already in Australia and do not maintain health insurance, your visa may be revoked, requiring you to leave the country.

To avoid delays or complications, ensure that you purchase compliant health insurance before applying for your visa and keep proof of coverage throughout your stay.

American Visitor Insurance provides OVHC plans that fully meet Visa Condition 8501 requirements, ensuring seamless travel and compliance.

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Australia visitor visa health insurance - FAQ's

1. What is Overseas Visitor Health Insurance?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a health insurance for international visa holders in Australia, particularly for temporary residents, workers, and some visitors.

2. Do I need OVHC for an Australia visitor visa 600?

If the Visitor Visa 600 includes Visa Condition 8501, travelers must have OVHC for the entire duration of your stay. Even if not mandatory, having health insurance is recommended due to high medical costs in Australia.

3. What does OVHC cover?

Coverage varies by provider, but standard OVHC plans typically include:

  • Doctor visits (General Practitioners)
  • Hospitalization and emergency treatment
  • Prescription medications
  • Ambulance services
  • Limited specialist consultations

4. What is not covered by OVHC?

  • Elective or cosmetic surgeries
  • Dental, optical, and physiotherapy (unless included in extras cover)
  • Pre-existing conditions (covered after a waiting period)
  • Pregnancy-related expenses (unless included in policy)

5. Which OVHC providers offer coverage for Visitor Visa 600?

IMG (International Medical Group) – Offers Patriot International Lite insurance and Patriot International Platinum insurance plans, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation for visitors.

Trawick International – Provides Safe Travels International insurance and Safe Travels International Cost Saver insurance plans, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage, trip protection, and emergency assistance.

6. Can I use OVHC to meet my visa requirements?

Yes, most OVHC plans meet Visa Condition 8501, ensuring compliance with Australian visa regulations.

7. How do I purchase OVHC?

You can buy OVHC on American Visitor Insurance website. After purchase, you’ll receive a certificate of insurance, which can be submitted as proof for your visa application.

8. Can I cancel my OVHC policy if my visa is rejected?

Most insurers allow policy cancellations with a refund if your visa is denied, but refund policies vary. Always check the provider’s terms before purchasing.

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