457 Visa Health Insurance Comparison

If you're planning to live and work in Australia on a visa, you’ll want to get to grips with your health insurance requirements. Not only is private health cover a condition of your visa, but it will also give you peace of mind and financial protection while you're living abroad. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about meeting your visa requirements and finding the right health cover for your needs.

What is a 457 visa?

The Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457) was one of Australia’s most common pathways for skilled workers to enter the workforce temporarily. You can find the skilled occupation list for more information. While the visa has been replaced by the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482), many of its conditions and requirements are still relevant for those who want to live and work in Australia.

Some of the top features of this visa type include:

• Work and live in Australia for up to four years.

• Bring family members, including spouses, children and dependants.

• Travel freely to and from Australia.

• Eligibility for permanent residency after meeting certain requirements.

What is 457 visa health insurance?

Yes, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for 457 visa holders and their families. The Department of Home Affairs specifies that visa condition 8501 requires that you “have and maintain adequate health insurance” throughout your entire stay in Australia.

Without valid health insurance, visa applications can be – and in most cases are – rejected, and existing visas can be cancelled.

How much is health insurance for a 457 visa?

The price you’ll pay for 457 visa health insurance – or the equivalent TSS visa – will depend on things like your age, location and the amount of cover you and your family need:

• Singles cover: Can start from around $15 per week for budget policies up to $63 for the most comprehensive cover.

• Couples cover: Can start from around $30 per week up to $145 weekly for a policy that includes extras like dental, optical and physiotherapy.

• Family cover: Can start from around $43 for basic cover up to $177 or more for the best coverage.

Minimum cover requirements for 457 visa health insurance

Health insurance for 457 visa holders must include (but is not limited to):

• Public hospital treatment: Cover for overnight stays, emergency fees and admitted patient care at rates equivalent to public healthcare.

• Prostheses: Full cover for surgically implanted devices.

• Pharmaceutical benefits: Access to all medications listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

• Ambulance services: 100% cover for necessary ambulance transport provided by approved services.

• Admitted medical services: Services with a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number.

Waiting periods: No longer than 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related treatments.

Can you use Medicare instead of private health insurance?

Citizens from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements can be covered by Medicare, which is Australia’s public healthcare system. Countries with such an arrangement include:

• Belgium

• Finland

• Australia

• Italy

• Malta

• The Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Republic of Ireland

• Slovenia

• Sweden

• United Kingdom

While Medicare covers basic medical services, it might not fully satisfy visa condition 8501. It also excludes extras like dental and physiotherapy, which is why supplementing Medicare with private health insurance will give you the most complete cover and minimises your out-of-pocket costs.

Why choose comprehensive cover?

While meeting the minimum requirements is mandatory, taking out the most comprehensive policy means you’ll get to enjoy:

• A broader choice of providers: With access to private hospitals and your choice of specialists.

• Fewer out-of-pocket costs: Covers gaps in Medicare and basic insurance policies.

• Family benefits: Means your dependants, including children and spouses, will also be covered.

• Extras: Higher-tier policies can include dental, optical and alternative therapies, which are not covered under public health and basic policies.

How to prove you have 457 visa health insurance

When applying for a 457 visa or the equivalent TSS, you must provide evidence of adequate health insurance. Acceptable proof includes:

• A certificate of insurance or policy letter from your health insurer.

• Documentation confirming your cover meets visa condition 8501.

Expert tip: Failing to maintain valid health insurance can result in your visa being cancelled, or you being ineligible for future visas.

Other considerations

Transitioning to permanent residency

After two years of working for the same employer, 457 visa holders can apply for permanent residency, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Keeping your health insurance supports this transition by making sure you are always in compliance with your visa conditions.

Cover for reciprocal healthcare countries

While reciprocal healthcare agreements mean those citizens will get essential medical services covered, it’s limited to medically necessary treatments. Private health insurance provides broader and more reliable cover for visa holders and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need health insurance for a 457 visa?

Yes, private health insurance is mandatory under visa condition 8501.

How much does health insurance cost for a 457 visa?

Costs range from anywhere between $15 per week for budget singles policies, right up to $177 per week or more for family cover.

Can family members be included in the health insurance policy?

Yes, these policies can cover spouses, children and other dependants.

Is Medicare sufficient for 457 visa holders?

Only citizens from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements can use Medicare. Even so, supplementing it with private health insurance is strongly recommended.

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Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

Meet our health insurance expert, Chris Stanley

Chris's top health insurance tips

• 1

  Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.

• 2

  An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.

• 3

  Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.

• 4

  Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).