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When you’re waiting for your next Australian visa to be approved, being on a Bridging Visa (A, B, or C) can feel like you’re stuck in limbo - especially when it comes to maintaining health insurance.
Australia’s visa condition 8501 requires that you maintain adequate health cover at all times. But what happens when your student, visitor, or work visa expires, and your new visa is still in process?
This guide explains everything you need to know about health insurance for Bridging Visa holders - from choosing the right policy to staying compliant during visa delays.
If your previous visa required OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) or OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover), that requirement continues even while you’re on a Bridging Visa.
Many applicants mistakenly assume their health cover automatically extends - but insurers like nib, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, AIA, ahm, and Medibank treat a Bridging Visa as a new visa class, meaning you must ensure continued or renewed coverage.
What Happens If You Let Your Policy Expire?
That’s why it’s crucial to renew or switch your OSHC/OVHC policy as soon as your previous visa ends.
The type of insurance you need depends on which visa you’ve applied for.
If you’ve applied for a 485 Graduate Visa or another temporary visa after your Student Visa, your OSHC will end with your student visa expiry.
You’ll need to switch to an OVHC plan that covers you during the Bridging period until your next visa starts.
Example: If you completed your studies and applied for the 485 visa, purchase OVHC (Working Visa Cover) from trusted brands like AIA, Medibank, Bupa, Allianz Care, or nib to stay compliant.
If you’ve applied for another visitor visa or work visa after your subclass 600, continue your OVHC (Visitor Cover).
If your 482 or 491 visa expires and you’re awaiting another skilled visa decision, maintaining your OVHC (Workers Cover) is mandatory.
Choose a plan that provides hospital and outpatient coverage, so you stay compliant with visa condition 8501.
Most insurance providers allow you to extend your current plan or switch to a new category.
Here’s how you can do it easily:
1. Do I need health insurance while on a Bridging Visa?
Yes. If your new visa (like 485, 482, or 600) requires health insurance under condition 8501, you must maintain it continuously - even during application delays.
2. Can I use my existing OSHC on a Bridging Visa?
Only if your new visa application also requires OSHC. Otherwise, you’ll need to switch from OSHC to OVHC when your student visa expires.
3. What happens if I don’t renew my health cover while waiting for my new visa?
You risk becoming non-compliant with visa conditions and might face high medical expenses without coverage. It can also delay your visa processing.
4. How long should my bridging visa health insurance last?
Your insurance should ideally match your expected Bridging Visa duration - typically 3 to 12 months, depending on your application timeline.
5. Which providers offer insurance for Bridging Visa holders?
Top Australian insurers like nib, Bupa, Allianz Care, AIA, and Medibank offer policies suitable for bridging visa holders.
You can easily compare their quotes on GetMyPolicy.online.
6. Can I change providers during my Bridging Visa period?
Yes. You can compare plans and switch insurers anytime to get better rates or coverage options - especially if your next visa type changes.
7. Will my new policy automatically activate when my next visa starts?
You can usually adjust your policy start date when purchasing through GetMyPolicy.online, ensuring seamless coverage between visa stages.
At GetMyPolicy.online, we make comparing and purchasing health insurance simple and transparent.
You can instantly get quotes from trusted providers - including nib, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, AIA, and Medibank - all in one place.
No hidden costs - just accurate comparisons that help you find a visa-compliant health policy quickly and affordably.
Stay Covered, Stay Compliant
Waiting for your visa shouldn’t mean waiting for peace of mind.
Compare policies from Bupa, nib, Allianz Care, Medibank, AIA, and ahm today on GetMyPolicy.online and stay insured while you wait for your new visa.
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