Why OSHC Is No Longer Valid After Your Student Visa Ends

OSHC exists solely to meet student visa conditions. The moment your student visa expires:

• OSHC no longer matches your visa status
• Claims may be rejected if treatment occurs after expiry
• Continuing OSHC does not satisfy 485 visa expectations

Even if your 485 is lodged on time, your insurance must reflect your current visa, not the visa you are waiting for.

Applying for a 485 Does Not Automatically Change Your Insurance

Lodging the 485 Is Not the Same as Holding the 485

When you apply for a 485:

• You usually move onto a Bridging Visa A (BVA)
• Medicare is generally not available
• OSHC is no longer appropriate

This is the exact point where many graduates unknowingly become uninsured.

OVHC Is the Correct Cover After Student Visa Expiry

Why Overseas Visitors Health Cover Fits the 485 Stage

Once your student visa ends and you’re on a bridging visa (or the 485 itself), Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) becomes the correct form of insurance.

OVHC is designed for:

• Temporary residents
• Bridging visa holders
• Graduates awaiting work rights or PR pathways

It aligns with your visa status and provides hospital and medical protection while Medicare is unavailable.

When Exactly Should You Switch from OSHC to OVHC?

Timing Is Critical

The correct sequence is:

• Keep OSHC only until the last day of your student visa
• Start OVHC from the day your student visa ends
• Avoid any gap between the two policies

Switching too early or too late can create compliance and claim problems.

What Happens If You Stay on OSHC After Student Visa Expiry

Remaining on OSHC after your student visa ends can result in:

• Claims being declined
• Insurer disputes about eligibility
• Full out-of-pocket hospital costs

Insurers assess claims based on visa status at the time of treatment, not intention or future visas.

OVHC Coverage While Waiting for Your 485 Grant

Protection During the Uncertain Period

While your 485 is processing, OVHC typically covers:

• Hospital treatment
• Inpatient medical services
• Emergency ambulance
• Medically necessary care

Coverage details depend on the policy tier, waiting periods, and exclusions - not on the visa outcome.

OVHC vs OSHC vs Medicare During the 485 Transition

Medicare usually only becomes available after permanent residency, not during the 485 stage.

Do Waiting Periods Apply When Switching to OVHC?

Continuity of Cover Matters

When moving from OSHC to OVHC:

• Waiting periods may apply for some services
• Pre-existing condition rules reset in many cases
• Maintaining continuity reduces risk but doesn’t eliminate all waits

This makes planning the switch early essential.

Which OVHC Policies Do 485 Graduates Commonly Choose?

For transparency and trust, graduates often review OVHC options from:

• Bupa (Working Cover / Visiting Cover)
• nib OVHC
• Medibank OVHC
• Allianz Care OVHC
• AIA OVHC

Policy choice depends on work rights, length of stay, and hospital cover needs.

Common Mistakes Graduates Make After Student Visa Expiry

Graduates often face problems when they:

• Assume OSHC remains valid
• Delay switching until after the 485 grant
• Allow a gap between policies
• Choose visitor cover that doesn’t match work conditions

These mistakes are avoidable with correct timing.

How to Choose the Right OVHC for Your 485 Period

A practical approach involves:

• Matching cover start date to student visa expiry
• Selecting a policy suited to work rights
• Understanding hospital categories and exclusions
• Avoiding unnecessary upgrades too early

Health insurance during the 485 stage is about compliance and protection, not over-insurance.