461 visa health insurance

What is the 461 visa?

A 461 visa is a temporary visa that allows a non-New Zealand citizen who is a member of a family unit of a New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia for up to five years. Unlike New Zealand citizens, who are eligible for Medicare (Australia's public health system), 461 visa holders are not automatically covered by Medicare and may have to pay for their own medical and hospital expenses while in Australia.

Why do you need OVHC?

OVHC is a type of health insurance that is designed for visitors to Australia who can't use Medicare. OVHC can help you pay for medical services like hospital stays, doctors' visits, prescription medicine and ambulance services while you're in Australia.

There are two reasons why 461 visa holders will need OVHC:

1. OVHC is visa requirement for the 461 visa

The Department of Home Affairs requires 461 visa applicants to have adequate health insurance for their stay. You've got to have have health insurance that covers at least the minimum level of benefits suggested by the Department, which include:

• Public hospital treatment as a private patient
• Private hospital treatment
• Emergency ambulance services
• Pharmaceutical benefits up to $300 per year
• Out-of-hospital medical services such as GP visits and specialist consultations

2. It can save you money

Health care costs in Australia can be very expensive without insurance. Without OVHC, you'll have to pay for these costs out of your own pocket. With OVHC, you can reduce or avoid these costs by claiming benefits from your insurer.

Which OVHC policy is best for 461 visa holders?

There are many OVHC products available in the market, and no one is best for 461 visa holders (or for any other visa). Rather, you'll need to pick a policy that suits you. Here are a few things to consider.

• Check the eligibility. Not all OVHC products are suitable for 461 visa holders, so make sure you check the eligibility criteria before you buy.
• Compare the cover. Different OVHC products offer different levels of cover, ranging from basic to comprehensive. The level of cover you need depends on your personal circumstances, such as your health status, budget and lifestyle. Use the table at the top of this page the help.
• Read the fine print. Once you've chosen cover, you should read the product disclosure statement (PDS) carefully and understand the terms and conditions of your policy. The PDS contains important information such as what is covered and what is not covered, how to make a claim, how to cancel or renew your policy, and what are your rights as a policyholder.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

  OVHC is health insurance for visitors to Australia who do not have access to Medicare. OVHC can help you pay for medical services such as hospital, doctor, medicine and ambulance.

• Who is required to get OVHC?

  OVHC is required for people travelling to Australia on various temporary visas, such as work, visitor, working holiday and bridging visas. If you're in Australia and you're not froma country with a reciprocal health care agreement, you probably will need OVHC.

• How does OVHC work for in-hospital services?

  OVHC can cover in-hospital services such as surgery, anaesthesia, pathology, radiology, intensive care, and accommodation. Depending on your level of cover and your hospital agreement, you may have different payment options and benefit amounts for these services. You may also have to pay an excess or co-payment for some services.