Why does health insurance change after a Student visa?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is designed for international students. Once you move from the Student visa pathway to a Temporary Graduate visa, insurers generally offer different products for temporary graduates and overseas workers, commonly described as Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), overseas worker cover or 485 visa health insurance.
OSHC
Designed for international students.
- Associated with the Student visa pathway
- Student-focused health cover
- Usually held throughout the relevant student-visa period
OVHC / 485 cover
Designed for eligible visitors and temporary workers.
- Products are available for Temporary Graduate visa holders
- Cover levels and benefits vary between insurers
- Can include hospital, medical and ambulance benefits depending on the product
When should you change from OSHC to OVHC?
The timing depends on your current visa, your OSHC dates, your 485 application and the commencement date of the new policy. Avoid cancelling existing cover simply because you have finished classes. First confirm your visa position and when the replacement cover should begin.
A practical OSHC-to-OVHC process
Check your current OSHC
Confirm the insurer, membership details and policy end date. Keep your current certificate and payment records.
Confirm your visa situation
Review your current visa and the health-insurance requirements relevant to your intended subclass 485 application.
Compare 485 health cover
Compare premiums, hospital cover, medical benefits, excesses, waiting periods, exclusions and any benefits that are particularly important to you.
Arrange the new policy
Choose the commencement date carefully so the transition from your existing insurance is properly coordinated.
Keep evidence of the new cover
Save the policy certificate or confirmation issued by the new insurer for your records and visa application.
Deal with the old policy
Once the transition is clear, contact your existing OSHC insurer about cancellation or any refund that may be available under its rules.
Will your OSHC waiting periods transfer?
Waiting-period recognition is insurer- and product-specific. Do not assume that every period already served under OSHC will automatically transfer to a new OVHC policy. Before switching, ask the new insurer what evidence it needs and how it treats previously served waiting periods.
What should you compare in your new 485 cover?
Hospital benefits & excess
Check eligible hospital treatment and how much excess you may need to pay if admitted.
Medical benefits
Review GP, specialist, pathology and radiology benefits and the possibility of out-of-pocket gaps.
Waiting periods
Check rules for pre-existing conditions, pregnancy and other treatments relevant to you.
Price and ongoing value
Compare the monthly premium with the benefits and restrictions rather than choosing on price alone.
Can you choose a different insurer from your OSHC provider?
You do not necessarily need to buy your 485 cover from the same insurer that provided your OSHC. This is a useful time to compare the available products and decide which insurer and level of cover suits your circumstances. If changing insurers, pay particular attention to transfer documentation and waiting-period rules.
Which 485 insurers can you compare?
Policy Direct currently compares AIA Health, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care and Bupa. Each provider has its own product structure, premiums and policy terms, so review the provider information and obtain a live quote before purchasing.
Ready to compare 485 health insurance?
Compare five insurers, indicative prices and provider information.
Compare 485 Health InsuranceFrequently asked questions
Can I keep OSHC after my Student visa?
OSHC is specifically designed for international students. When moving towards a Temporary Graduate visa, review suitable health cover for your new visa circumstances rather than assuming your student policy remains the appropriate product.
What is the difference between OSHC and OVHC?
OSHC is designed for international students, while OVHC products are designed for eligible visitors and temporary workers. Benefits and eligibility vary between products and insurers.
Do I need to change from OSHC when applying for a 485 visa?
People moving from a Student visa to a Temporary Graduate visa commonly review and arrange a suitable overseas worker or visitor health-cover product for their new circumstances. Check the current visa requirements and your individual situation.
Should I cancel OSHC before buying OVHC?
It is generally safer to coordinate the replacement cover first so you understand the relevant start and end dates before cancelling your existing insurance.
When should my OVHC start?
The appropriate start date depends on your current visa, existing OSHC and application circumstances. Coordinate the dates carefully to avoid an unintended gap in cover.
Can I have OSHC and OVHC at the same time?
There can be an overlap while policies are being transitioned. Check with both insurers about commencement, cancellation and any refund arrangements rather than making assumptions about the dates.
Can I change insurers when moving to a 485 visa?
Yes. You can compare another insurer rather than automatically staying with your OSHC provider. Check transfer and waiting-period rules before changing.
Do I have to buy OVHC from my existing OSHC insurer?
No. This transition can be an opportunity to compare available insurers and products based on price, benefits, excesses, waiting periods and your circumstances.
Will my OSHC waiting periods transfer to OVHC?
Waiting-period recognition is insurer- and product-specific. Ask the new insurer what periods can be recognised and what evidence it requires.
What documents might the new insurer need when I transfer?
The insurer may request information about your previous membership or cover. Ask the new insurer what documentation is required for any transfer or waiting-period recognition.
Can I receive an OSHC refund?
A refund may be available in some circumstances, but eligibility and evidence requirements depend on your OSHC insurer's rules. Contact the insurer that issued your policy.
What evidence should I keep for my 485 application?
Keep the certificate or confirmation issued for your new health cover and any other insurance documentation relevant to your application.
What should I compare when choosing new 485 cover?
Compare the premium, hospital benefits, outpatient medical services, ambulance, hospital excess, waiting periods, exclusions and applicable benefit limits.
Can I choose the cheapest OVHC policy?
Price is useful for comparison, but also consider what the policy covers, its excesses, exclusions, waiting periods and whether it is suitable for your circumstances.
Which 485 insurers can I compare through Policy Direct?
Policy Direct currently compares AIA Health, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care and Bupa. Use the main 485 comparison page and provider pages before obtaining a live quote.
General information only. Visa and insurance circumstances differ. Policy benefits, waiting-period transfer rules and cancellation/refund arrangements vary by insurer. Check current insurer terms and Department of Home Affairs requirements before acting.