Monthly premium
The recurring amount you pay to keep your policy active. Compare like-for-like cover rather than price alone.
WORKING VISA INSURANCE COST GUIDE
Working Visa Health Insurance Cost
Compare current indicative monthly prices from participating insurers, then look beyond the premium to excesses, waiting periods, benefits and possible out-of-pocket costs.
✓ 5 participating insurers✓ Monthly price comparison✓ Excess explained✓ Hidden costs to check
PRICE SNAPSHOT
Working visa health insurance prices
The following indicative starting prices are the same prices currently displayed in Policy Direct's working visa comparison. They are a starting point only: the premium offered to you can depend on the insurer, product, cover type and other eligibility factors.
| Provider | Indicative price | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| AIA | $59.35 / month | Check current quote and policy details |
| nib | $64.57 / month | Check current quote and policy details |
| Medibank | $72.30 / month | Check current quote and policy details |
| Allianz Care | $72.50 / month | Check current quote and policy details |
| Bupa | $108.85 / month | Check current quote and policy details |
Price note: Prices shown are indicative starting prices used on our current comparison page and are not guaranteed premiums. Always confirm the live quote, product eligibility, excess, benefits, waiting periods and policy terms before purchasing.
THE REAL COST
Five costs to consider besides the premium
Hospital excess
An amount you may need to contribute when admitted for eligible hospital treatment, depending on the policy.
Medical gaps
A provider may charge more than the amount recognised or paid by your insurer, leaving you with an out-of-pocket gap.
Benefit limits
Some services may have annual, per-service or other benefit limits. Check the policy before relying on a benefit.
Waiting periods
You may need to hold cover for a specified period before benefits are payable for certain treatments or conditions.
EXCESS EXPLAINED
How a hospital excess can affect value
A hospital excess is an amount specified by the policy that may be payable when you are admitted for eligible hospital treatment. A product with a lower monthly premium can still cost more in a year if you need hospital treatment and its excess or other out-of-pocket costs are higher.
Example only
Compare total value, not just the monthly price
Policy A may have a lower monthly premium but a higher hospital excess. Policy B may cost more each month but have a different excess or broader benefits. The better fit depends on the actual policy terms and your circumstances.
WHY PRICES DIFFER
What can change the cost of OVHC?
Level of cover
Products with different hospital, medical and additional benefits can have different premiums.
Single or family cover
Covering a partner or eligible family members can materially change the premium.
Excess option
Where an insurer offers excess choices, the selected excess can affect the premium and potential hospital costs.
Insurer pricing
Each insurer sets its own product pricing and can change premiums, products and promotions.
Eligibility & circumstances
The available product and final premium can depend on the insurer's eligibility and underwriting or pricing rules.
Promotions
Temporary offers may reduce the effective cost, but check eligibility, conditions and whether the ongoing premium changes later.
ADEQUATE COVER
Don't choose on price alone
Home Affairs says most visitors are not eligible for Medicare and can be responsible for their healthcare costs. It recommends private health insurance for visitors who are not eligible for Medicare and notes that OVHC products commonly provide the recommended minimum level of private health insurance, although cover varies between products.
If Condition 8501 applies to your visa, you must have and maintain adequate health insurance for your whole stay. Check your visa grant letter or VEVO and make sure the policy you choose is suitable for your circumstances.
Useful comparison: Home Affairs' guidance refers to out-of-hospital medical services, hospital treatment, surgery, blood tests and x-rays, pharmaceuticals and ambulance when describing recommended adequate cover. Compare the actual benefits and exclusions of each policy.
MEDICARE & RHCA
Could Medicare reduce your healthcare costs?
Some temporary visitors may have Medicare access, including eligible visitors from countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. Australia currently has agreements with 11 countries, but the services available depend on the particular agreement.
Medicare or RHCA eligibility does not automatically tell you whether you have met a visa health-insurance requirement. Check Medicare eligibility and your visa conditions separately.
SMART COMPARISON
A simple way to compare the real cost
1Check monthly premium
2Check hospital excess
3Review benefits & limits
4Check waiting periods
5Confirm visa suitability
COMMON QUESTIONS
Working Visa Health Insurance Cost FAQs
How much does working visa health insurance cost?+
Policy Direct's current comparison shows indicative starting prices from $59.35 per month among the participating products displayed. Your actual premium can differ, so obtain a current quote.
Which working visa health insurance is cheapest?+
On the current Policy Direct price snapshot, AIA is displayed at $59.35 per month, followed by nib at $64.57. This is a price comparison only, not an assessment of which policy is most suitable.
Why do OVHC prices differ between insurers?+
Insurers offer different products, benefits, excesses, limits and pricing. Eligibility and cover type can also affect the final premium.
Is a cheaper policy always better value?+
No conclusion can be made from premium alone. Compare the excess, hospital and medical benefits, ambulance, waiting periods, exclusions and limits.
What is a hospital excess?+
It is an amount specified by the policy that you may need to pay when admitted for eligible hospital treatment. Check the policy for when and how it applies.
Can I pay OVHC monthly?+
Payment frequencies depend on the insurer and product. Check the insurer's current payment options when obtaining a quote.
Does adding my partner increase the cost?+
Couple or family cover generally has different pricing from single cover. Obtain a quote for the people who need to be insured.
Can OVHC premiums change?+
Yes. Insurers can change premiums and product terms. Use a current quote rather than relying on an older price.
Do promotions make a policy cheaper?+
A promotion may reduce the effective cost for eligible customers, but check its conditions, duration and the normal ongoing premium.
Does Medicare mean I don't need OVHC?+
Medicare eligibility and visa health-insurance requirements are separate. Check your Medicare eligibility and your individual visa conditions before deciding.
Does Condition 8501 affect which policy I choose?+
If Condition 8501 applies, you must maintain adequate health insurance for your stay. Check that the selected product is appropriate for your visa circumstances.
How should I compare OVHC costs?+
Compare the premium together with excesses, benefits, waiting periods, limits, exclusions and possible out-of-pocket gaps.
Compare working visa health insurance
Review current prices from participating insurers and check the policy details that can affect your total cost.
Compare Working Visa Health Insurance →General information only. Indicative prices shown reflect the values currently used on Policy Direct's comparison page and can change. Insurer eligibility, premiums, promotions, benefits, excesses, waiting periods and policy terms may vary. Check current insurer information and your visa conditions before purchasing or changing cover.