Training Visa
Home Affairs lists subclass 407 as subject to Condition 8501 on a mandatory basis.
VISA HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Condition 8501 for Working Visas
Understand what “maintain adequate health insurance” means, which working visa subclasses can be subject to Condition 8501, and what to check before choosing or changing cover.
✓ Condition 8501 explained✓ 407, 408, 417, 462, 482 & 485✓ Adequate cover checklist✓ Avoid cover gaps
THE CONDITION
What does Condition 8501 mean?
Condition 8501 means that the visa holder must have and maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. Home Affairs' visa-condition guidance states that adequate health insurance must be maintained for the whole stay.
8501
Maintain adequate health insurance
Keep appropriate health cover for your whole stay in Australia.
Your own visa grant letter and VEVO should be checked to confirm the conditions attached to your visa.
WORKING VISA SUBCLASSES
How Condition 8501 relates to the visas we compare
Home Affairs' published list of visas subject to Condition 8501 includes the six subclasses below. The way the condition is imposed can differ: Home Affairs marks some subclasses as mandatory and others as discretionary. Always confirm the conditions on the individual visa grant.
Temporary Activity Visa
Subclass 408 is listed as subject to Condition 8501 on a discretionary basis.
Working Holiday Visa
Subclass 417 is listed on a discretionary basis, so check the individual grant conditions.
Work and Holiday Visa
Subclass 462 is listed on a discretionary basis, so check the individual grant conditions.
Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482 is listed as subject to Condition 8501 on a mandatory basis.
Temporary Graduate Visa
Subclass 485 is listed as subject to Condition 8501 on a mandatory basis.
Check your own visa: Use your visa grant letter or VEVO rather than assuming that another person's conditions are the same as yours.
ADEQUATE INSURANCE
What should adequate health insurance cover?
Home Affairs recommends a minimum level of private health insurance based on OSHC base-cover requirements. Its guidance says visitors should consider cover equivalent to the following areas.
Doctor services
Out-of-hospital medical services such as GP visits.
Hospital treatment
Eligible in-hospital treatment in a public or private hospital.
Surgery
Surgery and relevant medical devices and human tissue products.
Tests
Blood tests, x-rays and other eligible diagnostic services.
Pharmaceuticals
Benefits for eligible prescription medicines, subject to policy terms and limits.
Ambulance
Ambulance services including emergency treatment and inter-hospital transfers.
WAITING PERIODS
Waiting periods still matter
Home Affairs' adequate-health-insurance guidance suggests maximum waiting periods no higher than the government settings it identifies for comparable base cover. Your actual insurer policy determines the waiting periods that apply to your selected product.
12 monthsPregnancy and birth-related treatment in the circumstances described by Home Affairs
12 monthsPre-existing conditions
2 monthsPsychiatric treatment, rehabilitation or palliative care
2 monthsOther treatments under the recommended maximum framework
Important: Do not treat these as a promise of benefits. Insurer definitions, exclusions, waiting periods and product terms must be checked before purchasing.
AVOIDING A GAP
Why continuous cover is important
If Condition 8501 applies, maintaining adequate health insurance is an ongoing visa condition. Cancelling one policy before replacement cover starts may create a period without insurance.
1
Check the new policy
Confirm eligibility, benefits, waiting periods and the exact commencement date.
2
Line up the dates
Arrange the new policy so there is no unintended gap in required cover.
3
Then end old cover
Only cancel the previous policy after you understand when replacement cover takes effect.
MEDICARE
Does Medicare satisfy Condition 8501?
Home Affairs explains that most visitors are not eligible for Medicare, although some temporary visa holders may be eligible under particular rules or a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. Medicare eligibility and compliance with a visa health-insurance condition should be checked separately.
If you have Medicare or RHCA access, do not assume that this automatically removes an insurance obligation attached to your visa. Check your grant conditions and current Home Affairs guidance.
OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
Adequate cover does not mean every bill is fully paid
Home Affairs warns that healthcare costs are unlikely to be completely covered by private health insurance. Depending on the policy and treatment, you may still have an excess, co-payment, patient contribution or gap fee.
ExcessAmount that may apply to a hospital admission
Co-paymentPossible contribution under the policy terms
Gap feeDifference between the healthcare charge and insurer benefit
QUICK CHECKLIST
Before you buy or change working visa cover
✓ Check your visa grant letter or VEVO
✓ Confirm the product is appropriate for your visa
✓ Review hospital and medical benefits
✓ Check ambulance benefits
✓ Understand waiting periods
✓ Check excesses and other out-of-pocket costs
✓ Review exclusions and benefit limits
✓ Avoid an unintended gap when switching
COMMON QUESTIONS
Condition 8501 FAQs
What is visa Condition 8501?+
It is the requirement to have and maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia.
How long must I maintain insurance?+
Home Affairs says adequate health insurance must be maintained for the whole of your stay where Condition 8501 applies.
Does Condition 8501 apply to subclass 407?+
Home Affairs lists the Training visa (subclass 407) as subject to Condition 8501 on a mandatory basis.
Does Condition 8501 apply to subclass 408?+
Home Affairs lists subclass 408 on a discretionary basis. Check the conditions attached to the individual visa.
Does Condition 8501 apply to subclass 417?+
Home Affairs lists subclass 417 on a discretionary basis. Check the individual grant letter or VEVO.
Does Condition 8501 apply to subclass 462?+
Home Affairs lists subclass 462 on a discretionary basis. Check the individual grant letter or VEVO.
Does Condition 8501 apply to subclass 482?+
Home Affairs lists subclass 482 as subject to Condition 8501 on a mandatory basis.
Does Condition 8501 apply to subclass 485?+
Home Affairs lists subclass 485 as subject to Condition 8501 on a mandatory basis.
Is OVHC suitable for Condition 8501?+
Home Affairs says OVHC products commonly provide the recommended minimum level of private health insurance, but cover varies. Check the product and any insurer notice about visa suitability.
Can I change health insurers?+
You may be able to change insurers, but if Condition 8501 applies you should avoid an unintended gap in adequate cover and check waiting-period implications.
Does adequate insurance cover every medical cost?+
No. Home Affairs notes that private insurance may not completely cover healthcare costs and you can remain responsible for excesses, contributions or gap fees.
Where can I check my visa conditions?+
Check your visa grant letter or use VEVO to see the conditions attached to your visa.
Compare working visa health insurance
Compare participating insurers, then check that the selected product is appropriate for your visa and individual circumstances.
Compare Working Visa Health Insurance →General information only. Visa conditions and health-insurance requirements can change and may differ between visa holders. Check your individual visa grant letter or VEVO and current Department of Home Affairs guidance. Insurance benefits, waiting periods, exclusions, limits and premiums depend on the insurer and product.