What is a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
Clear, practical information for visitors comparing health insurance for Australia.
What is the Visitor visa (subclass 600)?
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a temporary Australian visa for genuine visitors. Depending on the stream, it can be used for tourism, visiting family or friends, or limited business visitor activities. The period of stay, number of entries and visa conditions are determined for the individual visa grant, so the grant letter and VEVO should always be checked.
Main Subclass 600 visa streams
The appropriate stream depends on why the person is travelling to Australia. The following is a high-level overview; applicants should check the current Home Affairs requirements for the stream they intend to use.
Tourist stream
For people travelling to Australia as tourists, for a cruise, or to visit family and friends. Home Affairs states that a stay of up to 12 months may be granted, depending on the application and circumstances.
Sponsored Family stream
For eligible visitors who are sponsored by a qualifying family member in Australia. Home Affairs may request a security bond and the visa is intended for genuine family visits.
Business Visitor stream
For certain short business visitor activities, such as making general business or employment enquiries, negotiating or reviewing a business contract, or participating in an eligible conference or trade fair. It does not provide ordinary work rights.
How long can you stay on a 600 visa?
There is no single stay period that applies to every Subclass 600 visa holder. The authorised stay is shown on the individual visa grant. For the Tourist stream, Home Affairs states that a stay of up to 12 months may be granted. The actual period can be shorter and depends on the person's circumstances and the decision made on the application.
The overall visa validity and the amount of time a visitor may remain in Australia on each entry are not necessarily the same thing.
Single entry and multiple entry
A Visitor visa can have different travel arrangements. Home Affairs advises visa holders to check VEVO or the visa grant letter to see whether they have multiple entry, single entry or no further travel facility.
Multiple entry
If multiple entry is granted, the visitor can generally leave and return to Australia while the visa remains valid, subject to the conditions and permitted stay shown on the grant.
No further travel / single-entry arrangements
If the visa does not permit another entry and the visitor leaves Australia, another visa may be required before returning.
What can you do on a Visitor visa?
Can you work on a Subclass 600 visa?
A Visitor visa is not a work visa. Home Affairs states that Tourist stream visitors cannot work in Australia. Business Visitor stream activities are also limited and do not permit working for, or providing services to, an Australian business or organisation or selling goods or services directly to the public.
Healthcare costs for visitors to Australia
Australia's Medicare system does not automatically provide full healthcare cover to overseas visitors. Visitors who are not eligible for Medicare can be responsible for the full cost of doctor visits, hospital treatment and other healthcare services. This is why both Home Affairs and Australian Government health information encourage visitors to consider adequate private health insurance.
Can a visitor use Medicare?
Some visitors may have limited Medicare eligibility under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). Australia currently has reciprocal arrangements with 11 countries: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Eligibility and benefits are not identical for every country. Reciprocal arrangements generally focus on medically necessary care and can have important limits. They should not be treated as equivalent to comprehensive visitor health insurance.
Check the specific Services Australia rules for your country. Even where reciprocal Medicare is available, the Australian Government says visitors should consider private cover for costs or services that the agreement does not cover.
What is condition 8501?
Visa condition 8501 requires a visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. Home Affairs identifies the Visitor (Tourist) subclass 600 as a visa for which condition 8501 can be imposed on a discretionary basis. This means it should not be described as an automatic condition on every Subclass 600 visa.
Maintain adequate health insurance
If 8501 appears on your visa grant, you must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while you are in Australia. Check the grant letter or VEVO and make sure the cover you choose is suitable for your circumstances.
What is OVHC for a 600 visitor?
OVHC means Overseas Visitors Health Cover. The Australian Government's Private Health website describes OVHC as health insurance designed for visitors to Australia who do not have access to Medicare for medical or hospital expenses. Policies vary in eligibility, benefits, waiting periods, excesses, limits and exclusions.
Hospital-focused cover
Some visitor products concentrate mainly on eligible inpatient hospital treatment and emergency-related benefits.
Broader hospital & medical cover
Other products may also provide benefits for eligible GP, specialist, pathology, radiology or prescription medicine expenses.
Read our full guide: What is OVHC for a 600 Visitor Visa? →
Why consider health insurance even without condition 8501?
A visitor can still face significant healthcare costs even if condition 8501 is not attached to the visa. Private visitor health insurance can help manage eligible medical and hospital expenses, depending on the policy selected. The right level of cover depends on factors such as age, length of stay, Medicare eligibility, existing health conditions and the benefits required.
Before travelling to Australia
Frequently asked questions
What is a Subclass 600 Visitor visa used for?
It is a temporary visa used for genuine visits to Australia, including tourism, visiting family or friends and, under the appropriate stream, certain business visitor activities.
How long can a Subclass 600 visa holder stay in Australia?
The stay period is determined by the individual visa grant. Tourist stream stays can be granted for up to 12 months, but not every applicant receives the same period.
Can a 600 visa be multiple entry?
Yes, some grants permit multiple entry. The visa holder should check the travel facility in VEVO or the grant letter.
Can I work on a Visitor visa?
A Visitor visa does not provide ordinary work rights. Business Visitor stream holders may undertake only eligible business visitor activities.
Can I study on a Visitor visa?
Home Affairs states that Tourist stream visitors may study or train for up to three months. If study is the main reason for travel, a Student visa may be more appropriate.
Does every Subclass 600 visa have condition 8501?
No. Home Affairs identifies condition 8501 as discretionary for the Visitor (Tourist) subclass 600. Check the individual grant letter or VEVO.
Does every visitor need OVHC?
Not every visitor has the same visa condition or Medicare eligibility. However, Australian Government guidance encourages visitors to consider adequate private health insurance because they can otherwise be responsible for healthcare costs.
Can visitors from reciprocal healthcare countries use Medicare?
Eligible visitors from Australia's RHCA countries may receive certain Medicare benefits. Eligibility, duration and benefits depend on the particular agreement.
Is OVHC the same as travel insurance?
No. OVHC is focused on eligible healthcare costs in Australia. Travel insurance can include different travel-related benefits such as cancellation, baggage or other events. Product terms should be checked carefully.
Where can I compare health insurance for a 600 visa?
You can use Policy Direct's 600 Visitor Visa Insurance comparison page to compare selected visitor products and then review the insurer's current policy documents before purchasing.
Continue reading
General information only. Visa conditions, Medicare eligibility and insurance benefits can vary. Check your individual visa grant letter or VEVO, current Department of Home Affairs and Services Australia information, and the insurer's current product documents before purchasing cover.
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