Key cover considerations
Review the main points, then check the insurer's current product details before choosing cover.
Subclass 408 and Condition 8501
The Department of Home Affairs says subclass 408 applicants must have adequate health insurance and maintain adequate health cover for the whole of their stay if the visa is granted. Evidence of adequate health insurance for the applicant and accompanying family members is required as part of the application process. Condition 8501 means maintaining adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia.
Before you buy
Check the live premium and current insurer documents. Home Affairs notes that OVHC products commonly provide the recommended minimum level of private health insurance, but the level of cover can vary. Your healthcare costs may also not be completely covered by private insurance.
What to compare
Look beyond the monthly premium. Compare hospital and medical benefits, ambulance cover, hospital excess, waiting periods, exclusions, benefit limits and possible out-of-pocket costs. Product features vary between insurers and between levels of cover.
Cover for family members
Subclass 408 applicants can include eligible family members. Home Affairs says evidence of adequate health insurance is required for the applicant and family members included in the application, so obtain the appropriate membership type and check who is actually covered.
Before you buy
Check the live premium and current insurer documents. Home Affairs notes that OVHC products commonly provide the recommended minimum level of private health insurance, but the level of cover can vary. Your healthcare costs may also not be completely covered by private insurance.
What should you look at before choosing your 408 cover?
A low monthly premium is only one part of the decision. Review the cover level, hospital excess, waiting periods, ambulance benefits, medical benefits and possible out-of-pocket costs before purchasing.
A simple 408 health insurance checklist
Check your visa
Review your visa requirements and any conditions shown on your grant letter or VEVO.
Compare the cover
Compare hospital, medical, ambulance, excess, waiting periods, exclusions and limits.
Confirm your quote
Use the live insurer quote to confirm the current premium and membership details.
nib 408 Health Insurance FAQs
Common questions about nib OVHC, subclass 408 and choosing suitable health cover.
1. Do subclass 408 visa holders need health insurance?
Home Affairs says subclass 408 applicants must have adequate health insurance and maintain adequate health cover for the whole stay if the visa is granted.
2. What does Condition 8501 mean for a 408 visa?
Condition 8501 requires a visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. Check your visa grant letter or VEVO for the conditions applying to you.
3. Does nib offer OVHC for eligible temporary visa holders?
nib provides OVHC options for eligible temporary visa holders. Confirm the selected product is currently appropriate for your subclass 408 circumstances before purchasing.
4. How much does nib 408 health insurance cost?
Policy Direct currently shows an indicative comparison price of $64.57 per month. Premiums can change and depend on the selected cover and membership details, so check the live nib quote before purchasing.
5. What should I compare when considering nib OVHC?
Compare the premium together with hospital and medical benefits, ambulance cover, hospital excess, waiting periods, exclusions, benefit limits and possible out-of-pocket costs.
6. Does nib cover every medical expense?
No assumption should be made that every expense will be fully covered. Benefits, exclusions, limits, excesses, waiting periods and possible gap costs depend on the selected product and treatment.
7. Can my partner or children be covered?
Eligible family members may be included in a subclass 408 application. Check nib's available membership types and make sure every person who needs cover is appropriately insured.
8. Are there waiting periods?
Waiting periods may apply to particular treatments or services. Check the current nib product documents for the waiting periods applying to the cover you select.
9. What about pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions may be subject to insurer definitions, waiting periods, exclusions or other policy rules. Review the current nib documentation before relying on cover for an existing condition.
10. Should I check ambulance cover?
Yes. Ambulance benefits should be checked together with hospital and medical benefits because cover, exclusions and limits can vary by product.
11. What is a hospital excess?
A hospital excess is an amount you may need to contribute when admitted for eligible hospital treatment. Compare the applicable excess as well as the monthly premium.
12. Should I compare GP and specialist benefits?
Yes. Medical benefits vary by product and can affect potential out-of-pocket costs. Check the benefits applying to eligible GP, specialist and other medical services.
13. Can I change to nib from another insurer?
You may be able to change insurers, but avoid creating a gap in adequate health cover. Coordinate cancellation and commencement dates and check how waiting periods are treated when transferring.
14. When should my 408 health cover start?
Your policy dates should support the requirement to maintain adequate health cover for the required period of your stay. Check your visa documentation and insurer commencement rules.
15. What should I check before purchasing nib 408 cover?
Confirm current visa eligibility, live premium, hospital and medical benefits, ambulance cover, excess, waiting periods, exclusions and limits, and read the current insurer documents before purchasing.