Maintain adequate cover
You are personally responsible for healthcare costs in Australia. Your insurance should provide appropriate cover for medically necessary treatment, including transport.
TEMPORARY ACTIVITY VISA • SUBCLASS 408
408 Visa Health Insurance in Australia
Compare OVHC options for Temporary Activity visa holders from AIA Health, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care and Bupa, and understand the health insurance requirement for your stay in Australia.
✓ Subclass 408✓ OVHC comparison✓ Condition 8501
408 VISA HEALTH COVER
Temporary Activity Visa health insurance
Subclass 408 visa holders must maintain adequate health cover for the whole of their stay in Australia.
Visa408 Temporary Activity Visa
CoverAdequate health insurance
Common optionOverseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
FamilyCover should include relevant accompanying family members
Check current insurer eligibility, benefits, waiting periods and policy terms before purchasing.
Temporary Activity VisaTemporary activities in Australia under an eligible subclass 408 stream
Visitor health coverCompare participating insurer options
Maintain coverAdequate health insurance for your stay
408 HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Health insurance for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
The Department of Home Affairs states that 408 visa holders must maintain adequate health cover for the whole of their stay. Applicants also need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for themselves and relevant family members for the duration of the stay.
Provide evidence
Health insurance evidence forms part of the 408 visa application documentation. Check that the policy dates and insured people match your circumstances.
Include family where relevant
If family members are included in the visa application, make sure their health insurance arrangements are also appropriate for the intended period in Australia.
Avoid gaps in cover
If you change insurers, coordinate the old and new policy dates so you continue to maintain adequate health insurance throughout the required period.
COMPARE PROVIDERS
408 Visa Health Insurance Providers
Start with the provider, then review the policy benefits, waiting periods, exclusions and current premium before purchasing.
408 / worker OVHC
$59.35/ month
Standard pricing shownNo current promotion displayed
- ✓ Hospital cover options
- ✓ Designed for eligible temporary workers
- ✓ Check 8501 compliance for selected cover
408 / worker OVHC
$68.76/ month
Standard pricing shownNo current promotion displayed
- ✓ Hospital cover options
- ✓ Designed for eligible temporary workers
- ✓ Check 8501 compliance for selected cover
408 / worker OVHC
$72.30/ month
Standard pricing shownNo current promotion displayed
- ✓ Hospital cover options
- ✓ Designed for eligible temporary workers
- ✓ Check 8501 compliance for selected cover
408 / worker OVHC
$72.50/ month
Standard pricing shownNo current promotion displayed
- ✓ Hospital cover options
- ✓ Designed for eligible temporary workers
- ✓ Check 8501 compliance for selected cover
408 / worker OVHC
$108.85/ month
Standard pricing shownNo current promotion displayed
- ✓ Hospital cover options
- ✓ Designed for eligible temporary workers
- ✓ Check 8501 compliance for selected cover
Price note: Prices shown are the comparison figures supplied for this page and are displayed from lowest to highest. Premiums and promotions can change and may vary by age, cover type, excess and start date. Use the insurer quote link to confirm the current premium and policy terms before purchasing.
VISA CONDITION 8501
Maintain adequate health insurance
Condition 8501 requires a visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. It can be attached to working visas including subclasses 417, 462, 482, 407 and 408. Always check the individual visa grant letter or VEVO for the conditions that actually apply.
Read our Condition 8501 guide →408 VISA INSURANCE GUIDES
Helpful information for Temporary Activity visa holders
Understand the insurance requirement, costs and important policy features before choosing cover.
VISA REQUIREMENT
Condition 8501 & the 408 Visa
Understand the requirement to maintain adequate health insurance and what to check in your visa documentation.
Read guide → COST GUIDE408 Visa Health Insurance Cost
Compare premiums together with excesses, waiting periods and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Read cost guide → OVHC GUIDEHow to Compare OVHC for a 408 Visa
Compare hospital, medical and ambulance benefits, policy limits, exclusions and waiting periods.
Read comparison guide →COMMON QUESTIONS
408 Visa Health Insurance FAQs
Common questions about adequate health insurance, OVHC and the Temporary Activity visa.
Does a 408 Temporary Activity visa require health insurance?+
Yes. Home Affairs states that if granted a 408 visa you must maintain adequate health cover for the whole of your stay in Australia.
Do I need evidence of health insurance for a 408 visa application?+
Home Affairs says applicants need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for themselves and relevant family members for the duration of their stay.
What is Condition 8501?+
Condition 8501 requires a visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia.
What is OVHC for a 408 visa?+
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is private health insurance commonly used by temporary visa holders. Levels of cover vary, so check that the selected policy is suitable for your visa and healthcare needs.
What should adequate 408 health insurance cover?+
Home Affairs recommends adequate visitor cover include relevant hospital treatment, out-of-hospital medical services, surgery, tests, prescription medicines and ambulance services. Product benefits and limits vary.
Can my partner and children be included on the policy?+
Insurers may offer couple or family OVHC. If family members are included in your visa application, check that each person who needs cover is appropriately insured.
Can I use Medicare instead of OVHC?+
Medicare eligibility is separate from your visa insurance obligations. Some temporary visitors may have limited eligibility, including through a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. Check your individual eligibility and visa requirements.
Does 408 visa insurance cover GP visits?+
It depends on the OVHC product. Some products include out-of-hospital medical benefits while others may provide more limited cover. Compare the product schedule before purchasing.
Does OVHC cover pre-existing conditions?+
Benefits for pre-existing conditions can be subject to waiting periods, exclusions and policy definitions. Check the insurer's current policy documents.
Are there waiting periods on 408 health insurance?+
Waiting periods may apply to particular treatments, including some pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related services. They vary by insurer and product.
What is a hospital excess?+
An excess is an amount you may have to contribute when admitted to hospital for eligible treatment. Compare the excess as well as the monthly premium.
When should my 408 health insurance start?+
Your policy dates should support the requirement to maintain adequate cover for the required period of your stay. Check your visa documentation and insurer commencement rules.
Can I change health insurers while holding a 408 visa?+
You may be able to switch insurers, but avoid a gap in adequate cover. Check cancellation and commencement dates and how the new insurer treats waiting periods.
How do I compare 408 visa health insurance?+
Compare premium, hospital and medical benefits, ambulance cover, excesses, waiting periods, exclusions and policy limits. Confirm current eligibility and terms directly through the insurer before purchasing.