June 3, 2024
Migration tips
· Usefull resources
Site Languages
Close
Healthcare may be different in Australia than in your home country. The healthcare system in Australia has two parts: the public health system (known as Medicare) and the private health system. Private health insurance means overseas visitors can use different parts of the Australian healthcare system for treatment. There are different levels of cover that you can chose from so you can get the care and protection you need while you’re in Australia and pay less or nothing at all.If you’re planning to apply for a work visa or a student visa in Australia, it’s essential to know that you are required to have private health insurance.
Some countries have Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia. These are:
If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you may be entitled to emergency medical treatment when visiting Australia under the public health system, Medicare. Check with Medicare to confirm all eligibility criteria.
However, Medicare may only cover any treatment that is deemed absolutely necessary in an emergency. Any other treatment you may need is your own responsibility and can be extremely costly. One day in the hospital can cost you over $1,000 just in hospital fees. Without overseas visitor health cover, you could find yourself thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Common work visas that require private health insurance include the 482, 186, 494 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, the 485 post higher education work visa (former post-study work stream), and the 407 Training visa. These are all temporary visas, while permanent work visas allow you to register with Medicare, eliminating the need for private coverage. However, having private insurance is always beneficial as it complements public Medicare services.
Services providers for overseas visitors are:
Allianz
Australian Unity
HBF
HCF
HIF
Medibank Private
Nib health funds
BUPA provides two main types of coverage for work visas:
New South Wales (NSW)
Queensland
Victoria
South Australia
Western Australia
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory
Tasmania
BUPA’s private health insurance is paid monthly, which helps manage your budget while ensuring you have access to medical care when needed. This monthly payment structure makes it easier to incorporate into your lifestyle without significant financial strain.
International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to get their visa approved. OSHC covers ambulance services, GP visits, hospital care, and some prescription medications. Unlike work visa insurance, the base services for OSHC are regulated by the government to protect students from exploitation.
Only a few select providers can offer OSHC, including:
Unlike work visa insurance, OSHC must be paid in full when applying for the visa, covering the entire study period. This upfront cost can be substantial, especially for families.
All private health insurance policies have waiting periods for certain treatments. Common waiting periods include:
As an immigration agent with Green Wings Migration, I have consistently worked with BUPA and can vouch for their reliability and quality. Here’s why BUPA stands out:
Interested in a BUPA quote or want to sign up for a policy? Click on the logo to get started!
If BUPA doesn’t meet your needs, that’s okay! There may be other reasons to choose a different provider, such as existing relationships with other insurers or specific policy features. While cost is an important factor, it’s crucial to weigh all pros and cons carefully. Remember, it’s better to be prepared and covered when you need it.
BUPA offers a range of insurance options tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you have the best possible coverage while in Australia. Choose BUPA for peace of mind and comprehensive health protection.
Disclaimer: Before you undertake any travel, it’s important to do your research. Check the terms of your visa and make sure you’re selecting the appropriate cover for your own individual circumstances.