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Finishing your studies in Australia is a huge achievement - but if you’re staying back to work under a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), there’s one important thing you can’t overlook: your health insurance.
Your existing Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) ends when your student visa ends. Once you move to a 485 visa, you’re legally required under Visa Condition 8501 to have adequate health insurance, which means you’ll need to switch to Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
You should switch as soon as:
During the bridging visa stage, you must maintain continuous cover — there can’t be a gap between your OSHC ending and OVHC starting, or you risk non-compliance with Visa Condition 8501.
According to the Department of Home Affairs and the OSHC Deed (2025), OSHC policies are only valid for student visa holders (subclass 500).
Once you move to a 485 visa, your student visa becomes inactive - which automatically makes your OSHC invalid for visa purposes.
Providers like Bupa, nib, and Medibank clearly state in their fund rules that each product type applies only to eligible visa categories
So, even if you still have months left on your OSHC, it won’t meet 485 visa requirements once your visa changes.
Step 1: Check Your OSHC Expiry
Your OSHC certificate shows the policy end date. Make sure it matches your student visa end date.
Step 2: Apply for a 485-Compliant OVHC Plan
Compare and purchase an OVHC policy that covers your entire intended stay.
You can instantly compare plans on GetMyPolicy.online from:
Step 3: Cancel OSHC After OVHC Starts
Once your OVHC policy is active, you can request your OSHC provider (e.g., ahm, Allianz, Bupa, nib, Medibank) to cancel your old policy and apply for a refund for unused months.
Refunds are allowed if your visa status changes or you permanently leave Australia
Step 4: Upload New Policy to Your Visa Application
Attach your new OVHC certificate when applying for your 485 Graduate Visa to prove you meet the health insurance requirement.
Most Standard or Mid-Tier OVHC plans include:
Higher-level plans (e.g., Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care, AIA) may also include:
Waiting periods - such as 12 months for pregnancy or pre-existing conditions
Consistent with all providers, OVHC excludes:
Can I stay on OSHC until my 485 visa is granted?
You must hold continuous health cover. OSHC remains valid only while your student visa is active. Switch to OVHC as soon as you apply for the 485 visa or receive a Bridging Visa.
Will I lose money by switching early?
Most providers (like Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care, ahm) offer pro-rata refunds for unused OSHC months once you provide visa proof.
Which plan should I choose for a 485 visa?
Choose an OVHC plan specifically labeled for 485 or work visas, covering hospital and medical costs. Compare quotes from AIA, Allianz Care, Bupa, nib, and Medibank on GetMyPolicy.online.
What happens if I don’t have valid health cover?
Your visa may be breached under Condition 8501, and you’ll have to pay full hospital or doctor fees - which can be extremely expensive in Australia.
Can I include my partner or dependants on OVHC?
Yes. Most providers allow couple or family OVHC policies. Dependants must also be included on your 485 visa to be covered.
When you graduate and apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, your OSHC no longer meets visa requirements - you must switch to OVHC.
By transitioning early, you ensure continuous coverage, avoid visa breaches, and stay protected in case of medical emergencies.
With GetMyPolicy.online, you can instantly compare AIA, Allianz Care, Bupa, nib, and Medibank plans and get the quote to buy the best Visa Cover for yourself.
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