Just graduated and thinking about what’s next? If you’re planning to extend your stay with a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), health insurance is one of those things you can’t ignore. The government makes it clear: 485 visa holders must maintain health insurance while they’re here.

But here’s the thing — figuring out which cover to buy can feel like doing another assignment. Too many providers, too many plans, too much confusion. Let’s make it simple and break down everything you actually need to know about 485 visa health insurance.

Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory on a 485 Visa

The 485 visa lets you live, work, and gain experience in Australia after your studies. But unlike (OSHC) Overseas Student Health Cover, which you had as a student, this is a different stage. You now need to switch to Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) — the health insurance for 485 visa holders.

Why? Because hospital bills in Australia are expensive. A single night in a hospital can cost thousands. Without insurance, you’d be paying that out of pocket. The Department of Home Affairs also checks that you have adequate cover when you apply. No insurance means no visa grant.

What to Look for When Choosing 485 Visa Insurance

Most people just search ‘visa 485 insurance’ and buy the first plan they see. But there are a few things you should check before you spend your money on a plan:

Meets Visa Conditions: The cover must meet the 8501 condition (maintain adequate health insurance).
Hospital Cover: Basic hospital cover is a must. You don’t want to be hit with surprise costs if something serious happens.
Doctor Visits: Make sure GP visits are included. You’ll thank yourself later.
Ambulance Cover: In most states, ambulances aren’t free. A good health insurance for a visa 485 plan includes emergency ambulance costs as well.
Waiting Periods: Some covers have waiting periods for certain services. Compare them before you buy.

Comparing 485 Visa Health Insurance Providers

A quick 485 visa health insurance compare can save you a lot of money. The main providers — AHM, Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, AIA, and NIB — are all big names in the market.

AHM 485 Visa Insurance: AHM is usually one of the most budget-friendly options. Their plans are simple and easy to buy online, which makes them popular with students who just want quick, no-fuss cover.
Bupa 485 Visa Insurance: Known for its large hospital network. Good if you want a trusted, well-recognised brand.
Allianz Care 485: Allianz Care OSHC is widely used by international students. So, switching to their 485 visa cover, especially if you have an OSHC through them, is smooth. They’re known for good customer support and easy claims.
AIA 485 Visa Insurance: AIA stands out because it often includes wellness programs and rewards. If you like the idea of discounts for staying active or completing health checks, AIA might be a good pick.
Medibank 485 Visa: Offers simple, easy-to-understand cover options. Great if you don’t like too many confusing terms.
NIB 485: Often popular with younger graduates because it’s affordable and easy to manage online.

Tip: Don’t just pick the cheapest plan. Sometimes a slightly higher premium saves you more in out-of-pocket costs later.

Why Comparing Plans Matters

Let me share an experience with you. I know someone who switched from OSHC to a 485 visa insurance plan without checking what was included. Two months later, they needed dental treatment. Guess what? Their plan didn’t cover it. They had to pay over $1,000 out of pocket.

Lesson? Take time to do a quick insurance for visa 485 comparison. It’s boring, but it saves you from those ‘why me?’ moments later.

Don’t Miss This When You Switch from OSHC to 485 Visa Health Insurance

If you still have an active OSHC on your student visa, you can usually get a refund for the unused months once you switch to insurance for 485 visa. Just contact your provider, show them your new visa grant letter, and they’ll process the refund.

This is money that a lot of graduates forget to claim — don’t leave it on the table.

Cost of Health Insurance for 485 Visa

Most health insurance 485 visa plans cost between $80 and $130 per month for singles. Couples or family plans usually have a higher premium, but it’s still cheaper than a hospital bill.

Since the prices depend on the level of cover, compare before buying the plan.

Choose Smart, Stay Covered

Getting 485 Visa Health Insurance isn’t just a box to tick for your visa application. It’s about protecting yourself while you’re building your future in Australia. Take time to compare plans from Bupa, Medibank, AIA, AHM, Allianz Care, and NIB. Check what’s included, what’s not, and what fits your budget.

Make sure your insurance for 485 visa is sorted so that you can focus on work, travel, and enjoying life after graduation instead of worrying about medical bills.