%201.svg)
.svg)
Language
When your student journey in Australia comes to an end, your visa status - and your health-cover needs - change too. For thousands of graduates moving to a Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485), it’s time to switch from OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) to either OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) or a Private Health Insurance plan.
At GetMyPolicy.online, we help you make that transition seamless. Our platform doesn’t sell insurance - it compares real-time quotes from Australia’s trusted health-cover providers: Bupa, nib, Allianz Care Australia, Medibank, AIA (OVHC only), and ahm (OSHC only).
Your OSHC expires when your student visa does. If you remain in Australia on a 485 Post-Study Work Visa, the Department of Home Affairs requires that you maintain adequate health insurance under Visa Condition 8501.
That’s where OVHC or Private Health Insurance comes in.
Key Differences Between OSHC and OVHC
Can I stay on my OSHC after finishing studies?
No. Your OSHC is linked to your student visa (subclass 500). When you move to a 485 visa, you must switch to a compliant OVHC or private plan to remain covered and meet Visa Condition 8501.
Will my waiting periods restart after switching to OVHC?
Not if you transfer to a new insurer within 30 days of ending your OSHC policy. For Bupa and nib, continuity applies to the same type of benefits.
Is private health insurance better than OVHC for 485 visa holders?
Private plans offer more extras (e.g., dental, optical, and rehab) but are not mandatory. Most graduates start with a visa-compliant OVHC (Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz, AIA) and later upgrade to private cover once they receive permanent residency.
Which providers are most affordable for 485 holders in 2026?
Based on 2025-2026 pricing trends, nib and AIA offer competitive OVHC rates for individual visa holders, while Bupa and Medibank provide strong family plan discounts. Compare live quotes on GetMyPolicy.online for the latest rates.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
%202.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}