Understanding Visa Condition 8501 for Australia

Thinking of working in Australia?

Most Australian work visas include a key rule: Condition 8501. This visa requirement means you and any family members traveling with you must have adequate health insurance during your entire stay in Australia.
What does this mean?

To comply, you’ll need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) that matches the essential services provided by Australia’s Medicare system for locals. All OVHC policies compared on GetMyPolicy fully meet the 8501 standard, so you’re in safe hands.

What is Visa Condition 8501?

Condition 8501 is mandatory for most people arriving in Australia on a work visa. It requires visa holders to have suitable health insurance in place before arriving in Australia.
This insurance is designed to help cover medical expenses if you or a family member becomes ill or injured. Importantly, you must show proof of this insurance regular travel insurance isn’t accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Which Visas Require 8501-Compliant Health Insurance?

Most temporary work and visitor visas are subject to Condition 8501. That means you must arrange your health cover before coming to Australia.
On GetMyPolicy.online, you can easily compare health cover options from all the leading OVHC providers who meet these government requirements, including:

Visas where Condition 8501 applies include:

Student Visa (subclass 500): Requires Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

What Does OVHC Need to Cover for Condition 8501?

To satisfy visa condition 8501, your OVHC policy must include:

Hospital treatment: Cover for care in a public hospital if you need treatment.
Emergency ambulance: Cover for urgent ambulance transport.
Medication: Benefits for prescriptions listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
General treatments: Coverage for all items listed under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

With approved OVHC, you’re protected for unexpected medical events while you’re in Australia.

Is 8501 Health Insurance Mandatory?

Yes, it’s compulsory. Most overseas workers and visitors can’t access Medicare, the public healthcare system for Australian citizens and permanent residents. For this reason, holding valid OVHC throughout your stay is a strict requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs.
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If your policy lapses, you risk facing costly medical bills and may also breach your visa conditions—potentially impacting your visa status.

When Should I Buy OVHC?

You must arrange and purchase OVHC before you apply for your visa and before you travel to Australia. The start date of your cover should match your planned arrival date in the country.
Once your purchase is complete, your insurer will provide a certificate often within minutes to submit with your visa application.

Why Choose OVHC from GetMyPolicy.online?

We only work with certified providers whose OVHC plans are 100% compliant with Condition 8501. With us, you can:

Instantly compare features and pricing from all leading Australian insurers
Receive your policy certificate fast—so you can finalize your visa application
Feel confident that your health cover will satisfy government requirements

Compare and Secure Your OVHC Policy Now

Don’t leave your visa or your health to chance.
Start comparing OVHC plans on GetMyPolicy.online today.
Get covered, get your certificate, and get ready for your Australian adventure!

‍Need help? Chat with our support team for guidance on finding the right OVHC for your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Visa Condition 8501 for Australia

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