Completed your studies and planning to gain further work experience? A 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is your first step to work, explore, and settle into life in Australia. For the visa part, experts like APG(Asia Pacific Group) can guide you. 

Just like the Student visa, the 485 visa also requires you to maintain health insurance. The catch is that your student OSHC won’t be valid anymore. You will have to arrange for an OVHC compliant with your visa. Most graduates don’t realise how different 485 visa health insurance is compared to what they had as students. Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

Why You Need OVHC for the 485 Visa

Once your student visa expires, your OSHC coverage also ends. For the 485 visa, the health cover isn’t optional. Since you are not eligible for Medicare, the government wants to ensure you can manage basic medical expenses with OVHC as your support.

Your cover should meet the basic standards set by the government. Without it, your visa application will not move forward.

What Your 485 Health Cover Should Include

When you’re comparing plans, keep your eye on the essentials and check what they exactly cover. Any compliant 485 visa health cover must include:

• Hospital treatment: Even a short treatment in an Australian hospital can cost you thousands. A proper OVHC policy usually covers inpatient care, theatre fees, and accommodation.
• Doctor visits: Everyone needs to see a GP, be it for health conditions due to a change of weather, or for other concerns. Most OVHC plans cover part or most of your consultation fees, depending on the agreement the provider has with clinics.
• Emergency ambulance: OVHC typically provides full or partial emergency ambulance cover.
• Prescription medicines: It won’t cover everything, but you’ll get benefits towards common prescription medicines up to set limits.
• Other basics: This can include pathology, x-rays, and shared ward 
• accommodation. Always read through the inclusions because they vary a lot.
  
  

Things OVHC Doesn’t Usually Cover

OVHC isn’t the same as Australian domestic health insurance or Medicare, so don’t expect comprehensive extras. Most 485 plans won’t include:

• Dental
• Optical
• Physiotherapy 
• Mental health extras

If you are aware that you medically require any of these services,  get an extras cover. It’s optional, but if you know you need it, it is worth it.

Choosing the Right Provider for 485 Visa Health Insurance

When you look for an OVHC plan, the same providers — Bupa, Medibank, AHM, Allianz Care, AIA, and NIB keep coming up. Their plans look similar from afar, but the differences show up when you start closely comparing the benefits.

Here’s what usually varies:

• Price: Some providers offer cheaper 485 policies, but sometimes the lower price also means fewer benefits or lower limits.
• Hospital agreements: A provider with a large network of partner hospitals can make life easier. You get better out-of-pocket protection and smoother claiming.
• Waiting periods: Not every benefit is available immediately. If you need specific services, check whether a waiting period applies.
• Claims process: You’re going to claim at some point. A good app, fast reimbursements, and simple online lodgement make a big difference.
• Prescription medicine limits: These vary a lot. Some give higher limits, some barely cover the basics.

Instead of the cheapest option, pick a cover that fits your medical needs.

OVHC vs OSHC: What’s Different

If you’ve been on OSHC until now, the need to shift to OVHC might leave you curious. Here’s what’s different:

• OSHC is strictly for students.
• OVHC is for visitors, workers, and graduates — including 485 visa applicants.
• OVHC can be more expensive.
• Extras aren’t included unless you add them.
• The claiming process works differently depending on your provider.

In short, the benefits or prices of OSHC and OVHC vary.

How to Compare 485 Visa Insurance in Australia

Some people take the first plan they see, and some compare everything before buying. Be the second type!

When comparing 485 visa health insurance, focus on:

• Total yearly cost
• What’s actually covered
• Annual limits for prescriptions and medical services
• Emergency ambulance terms
• Hospital excess (if any)
• Claiming methods
• Cancellation or refund policies

A comparison tool like on the budget policy platform saves time because you see everything side by side instead of keeping up with five provider websites.

Do You Need Extras Cover for the 485 Visa?

Not everyone needs it. But you should consider getting one if you:

• Wear glasses
• Visit the dentist often
• Need physio for old injuries
• Prefer routine checkups

The good part is that you can add extras anytime. You don’t have to decide at once.

How Long Should Your Policy Last?

Your insurance must cover you for the entire length of your 485 visa. That can be anywhere between 18 months to a few years, depending on your stream.

When you apply, your policy letter should clearly show the dates you’re covered. Immigration checks this closely.

If your policy ends early, you’ll need to extend it before the visa is granted. And if you let it lapse after the visa is granted, you risk breaching your visa conditions.

Final Thoughts

The 485 visa is your bridge between student life and professional life in Australia. Getting the right health insurance isn’t just a visa requirement — it’s what protects you from huge costs if an unexpected medical expense comes up.

Carefully compare your OVHC options on Budget Policy. Pick a plan only when you are sure that it can back you during medical emergencies. Once that’s sorted, you can get back to what you came here to do: build your career, enjoy Australia, and make the most of each opportunity.

 

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