Start with visa suitability
Before comparing features, make sure the particular policy is appropriate for your visa circumstances. Insurers may describe suitable products as OVHC, overseas workers health cover, working visitor cover or 485 visa health insurance. Check your individual visa conditions and the insurer's current product information.
Eight things to compare
1. Monthly premium
Compare the current price for your membership type. Treat advertised or indicative prices as a starting point and confirm the live insurer quote.
2. Hospital cover
Check which hospital treatments are included, restricted or excluded and how benefits are calculated.
3. Hospital excess
Compare the amount you may need to contribute when admitted to hospital. A cheaper premium can sometimes come with a different excess structure.
4. Medical benefits
Look at GP, specialist, pathology and radiology benefits. Check whether the policy may leave a gap between the provider's fee and the insurer benefit.
5. Waiting periods
Review waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, pregnancy and any other services important to you.
6. Ambulance
Check the circumstances in which emergency ambulance is covered and whether any limits apply.
7. Exclusions and limits
Read what the policy does not cover, as well as annual, per-service or other benefit limits that may apply.
8. Extras and optional benefits
If you need dental, optical, physiotherapy or similar services, check whether extras are included, optional or need to be purchased separately.
A simple comparison checklist
| Compare | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Visa suitability | Is this specific product appropriate for my subclass 485 circumstances? |
| Premium | What is my actual monthly or annual price today? |
| Hospital | What hospital treatments are included, restricted or excluded? |
| Excess | How much could I pay if I am admitted to hospital? |
| Medical | What benefits apply to GP, specialist and diagnostic services? |
| Waiting periods | Which services require me to wait before claiming? |
| Pre-existing conditions | What rules and waiting periods apply? |
| Pregnancy | Is pregnancy included in this level of cover and what waiting period applies? |
| Extras | Do I need separate dental, optical or allied-health cover? |
Do not compare promotions in isolation
A promotional offer can reduce the effective cost of a policy for a limited period, but it should not replace a comparison of the underlying cover. Check eligibility rules, promotional terms, the standard premium after the offer and whether the policy itself suits your needs.
Compare waiting periods before switching
If you are moving from OSHC or another Australian health policy, ask the new insurer how it treats waiting periods you have already served. Recognition of previous cover depends on the insurer's rules and the benefits involved, so obtain confirmation rather than assuming all waiting periods transfer automatically.
Cheapest versus suitable cover
A lower premium may be attractive, particularly when you are starting work after graduation, but the cheapest policy can have different benefits, excesses or exclusions from a more expensive option. Consider the potential out-of-pocket cost if you actually need treatment, not just the amount deducted each month.
Compare five insurers with Policy Direct
Policy Direct currently displays 485 health-cover options from AIA Health, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care and Bupa. The comparison page gives you indicative prices and provider information, while each insurer's quote page provides the current price and purchasing terms.
Compare 485 Visa Health Insurance
Review five insurers, indicative prices, provider details and current offers.
Compare 485 Health InsuranceFrequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to compare?
Start with whether the product is appropriate for your visa circumstances, then compare the premium, hospital and medical benefits, excess, waiting periods, exclusions and features important to you.
Should I choose the lowest monthly premium?
Price is important, but a lower premium does not by itself show which policy better suits your needs. Compare what is covered and the possible out-of-pocket costs as well.
How do I compare hospital cover?
Check which hospital treatments are included, restricted or excluded, how benefits are calculated and whether a hospital excess applies.
What is a hospital excess and why should I compare it?
The excess is an amount you may need to contribute when admitted to hospital. Policies with similar premiums can have different excess arrangements.
How should I compare outpatient medical benefits?
Review benefits for GP visits, specialists, pathology and radiology and consider whether provider charges could leave you with a gap payment.
Why are waiting periods important when comparing policies?
Waiting periods can delay access to benefits for certain services. Check them carefully, particularly for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy where relevant.
Should I compare ambulance cover?
Yes. Check whether emergency ambulance is included, the circumstances covered and whether any limits or exclusions apply.
What exclusions should I look for?
Read the policy documents for treatments or services that are excluded, restricted or subject to limits rather than relying only on a summary of benefits.
Are extras such as dental and optical included?
Not always. If dental, optical, physiotherapy or other extras matter to you, check whether they are included, optional or need separate cover.
Are promotional offers worth considering?
They can reduce short-term cost if you qualify, but check eligibility, expiry and other conditions and compare the underlying policy on its own merits.
Should I compare the standard premium after a promotion ends?
Yes. A temporary offer can change the short-term cost, so consider the ongoing premium as well as the promotional benefit.
How often should I compare my 485 health insurance?
It can be useful to review your cover when premiums or benefits change, when your circumstances change, or before renewing or switching policies.
Can I switch 485 health insurers later?
You can generally change insurers, but check commencement dates, transfer documentation and waiting-period rules before cancelling your existing policy.
Will waiting periods transfer if I switch insurers?
Recognition of previously served waiting periods depends on the insurer, product and benefits involved. Ask the new insurer for confirmation before switching.
Which 485 insurers can I compare through Policy Direct?
Policy Direct currently compares AIA Health, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care and Bupa. Review the main comparison and provider pages, then obtain a live insurer quote before purchasing.
General information only. Prices, promotions, benefits, exclusions, excesses and waiting periods can change and differ by product. Review the insurer's current policy information and your individual visa circumstances before purchasing.