Health insurance

Some Australian visas require you to provide evidence of adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia before we determine whether or not a visa is granted.

We might ask you to provide a copy of a current private health insurance policy held with an Australian registered private health insurer for you and any additional applicants applying for the visa with you.

Check the requirements of the visa you are applying for.

Prospective visitors to Australia​ are encouraged to shop around to get the best value private health insurance product for their time in Australia. Visitors to Australia are recommended to visit the Australian Government website: www.privatehealth.gov.au for further information about private health insurance in Australia to ensure they fully understand their requirements and available options. The Government website also provides a list of private health insurers operating in Australia to help consumers choose an insurer for the uptake of cover.

Adequate health insurance for visa holders

​You are financially responsible for any health care debts you incur in Australia. We might consider any outstanding health debts you have if you apply for a visa in future.

In the majority of cases, visitors to Australia do not have access to Medicare, and are therefore responsible for all costs associated with hospital, medical and para-medical health care rendered in Australia, whether provided in a public and or private hospital setting.

Eligibility under Medicare is governed by the Health Insurance Act 1973, is generally restricted to people who are permanently residing in Australia, and are either:

• Australian citizens

• permanent visa holders

• New Zealand citizens, or in certain circumstances, applicants for permanent residence visas.

In the absence of Medicare eligibility, all visitors to Australia are strongly recommended to make their own arrangements for private health insurance (regardless of whether or not it is a visa condition) to ensure they are fully covered for any unplanned medical and or hospital care they may need while in Australia.