Compare Heath Cover for 600 Visa with 8501 Condition

If you’re travelling to Australia on a visitor visa (Subclass 600), also referred to as a 600 visa, you may be required to purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to cover any medical expenses during your stay. 

Here's what you need to know about OVHC, including costs, cover, and any mandatory conditions that come with your visa.

What is the 600 Visitor Visa?

The visitor visa (Subclass 600) is typically granted to tourists, business visitors, and individuals visiting family in Australia for up to three, six, or 12 months. In certain cases, this visa is subject to Condition 8501, which requires you to hold private health insurance throughout your stay. 

Why Is OVHC important for 600 visa holders?

Without OVHC, you could be financially responsible for the full cost of medical treatment in Australia, which can be significant. In fact, failure to meet the Condition 8501 requirement can even lead to visa rejection.

How much Does OVHC for a 600 Visa Cost?

The cost of OVHC depends on:

• Your level of cover (basic or comprehensive)

• The insurer you choose

Basic OVHC plans are more affordable but may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses. Comprehensive plans come with higher premiums but offer better protection. It’s possible to find cost-effective options through comparison services like Compare Club#.

Note: Health insurers in Australia generally offer different tiers of OVHC, with higher-tier plans providing more comprehensive cover, but often at a higher-priced premium.

Does Medicare cover you on a 600 visitor visa?

Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system, which covers a portion of essential medical treatments for Australian citizens and permanent residents. 

If your home country has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHCA) with Australia, you may be entitled to some Medicare benefits during your visit. Countries with RHCA agreements with Australia include:

• Belgium

• Finland

• Ireland

• Italy

• Malta

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Slovenia

• Sweden

• United Kingdom

Important: Medicare only covers part of the scheduled fee for treatments listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Additionally, even with Medicare cover, you could still be liable for gap fees. 

If your country does not have an RHCA with Australia and your visitor visa is subject to Condition 8501, you will not be eligible for Medicare benefits, making private health insurance essential.

Is OVHC tax-deductible for 600 Visa Holders?

If you hold a complying health insurance policy from an Australian-registered insurer and are eligible for Medicare, you may be entitled to a private health insurance rebate.

However, if you're not eligible for Medicare, you won’t be able to claim this rebate, even if you have OVHC. 

What does OVHC cover for 600 visa holders?

The level of health cover under your OVHC varies by policy and insurer. However, typical benefits of OVHC include:

• Emergency hospital visits

• Emergency ambulance transport

• Doctor's consultations

• Prescription medications

Basic OVHC policies may exclude non-essential services such as:

• Dental care

• Optical services

• Physiotherapy

• Elective or cosmetic surgeries

• Non-emergency ambulance services

If you anticipate needing any of these additional services, you may wish to purchase extras cover, which provides insurance for out-of-hospital treatments like dental and optical care.

Are there any waiting periods for OVHC?

Many OVHC policies come with waiting periods for certain treatments. It’s important to confirm your waiting periods with your insurer to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

The Australian government currently regulates maximum waiting periods for private health insurance providers and you can generally expect:

• Most medical treatments: 2 month waiting period.

• Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related care: 12 month waiting period. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

OVHC is a private health insurance policy that covers visitors to Australia for medical and hospital treatments during their stay.

What is a Visitor Visa 600?

The Visitor Visa 600 is a temporary visa granted for tourism, business, or family visits to Australia typically lasting three, six, or 12 months.

What is the age limit for overseas visitor health cover?

The age range for OVHC varies by insurer  - so it is definitely worth doing your research?

How do I find the best visitor visa 600 health insurance?

Comparing OVHC is the most effective way to find the insurance policy that best suits your needs. The most efficient way to do all this research is via a comparison service like Compare Club.

What is Condition 8501?

Condition 8501 is a visa requirement mandating that the visa holder maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition refers to any medical condition that you were diagnosed with, or were aware of before your health insurance policy began.

Does a waiting period apply to 600 visa health insurance?

Yes, waiting periods often apply. For most treatments, the maximum waiting period is two months. However, for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related healthcare, the waiting period can be up to 12 months.

Is OVHC compulsory if you’re on a 600 visitor visa?

If your 600 visa is subject to condition 8501, health insurance is compulsory. Even if this condition doesn’t apply, the Australian government strongly recommends that all visitors obtain OVHC to avoid high medical costs should you need health care while you’re visiting.

What is the difference between visitor visa 600 & 651 in Australia?

The eVisitor 651 Visa permits short stays of up to 3 months per visit within a one-year period. The Visitor Visa 600 offers more flexibility, with the length of stay depending on your personal circumstances and the purpose of your visit, allowing for stays of up to a year.

The Australian government highly advises all visitors to secure OVHC to protect against potentially high medical expenses in case healthcare is required during your stay.

Additional resources

•  Learn more about health insurance for visa holders. 

• Search medical treatments listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

• More information about how to claim a private health insurance tax rebate. 

Sources

Subclass 600 Visitor visa, Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

Visas subject to condition 8501, Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

Overseas visitors and healthcare, Better Health Channel

Overseas visitors — private health insurance on your tax return, Australian Taxation Office,

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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).