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Essential Guide to Health Insurance for 482 Visa Holders in Australia

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Published
07/21/2025

The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa allows skilled overseas workers to fill positions in Australia where local talent is not available. It’s a popular option for employers needing specialised roles, and it offers workers an opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to four years.

One of the key requirements of this visa is maintaining adequate health insurance. Since 482 visa holders are generally not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, they must purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). The 482 visa health insurance cover ensures that visa holders are protected against unexpected medical expenses and helps meet visa condition 8501, which mandates health insurance from the moment of arrival.

 

What Must Be Included in a 482 Visa Health Insurance

To comply with government requirements, health insurance for 482 visa holders must provide certain minimum levels of cover. This includes:

  • Hospital accommodation and treatment in both public and private facilities

  • Surgical services and medically necessary procedures

  • Intensive care, emergency department fees and operating theatre charges

  • Access to prescription medicines listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

  • Emergency ambulance transport

  • Surgically implanted prostheses and related services

This level of coverage ensures that temporary residents have access to essential medical care without facing overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Considerations When Choosing a Policy

Choosing the right OVHC policy involves more than just finding the lowest price. It’s important to ensure that the policy:

  • Complies with the visa’s health insurance requirements

  • Offers access to general practitioners (GPs) and specialist consultations

  • Covers common medications and diagnostic services

  • Includes support for pre-existing conditions after any applicable waiting periods

  • Provides options for family members or dependents joining the visa holder

It’s also worth checking whether the insurer offers 24/7 support and an easy claims process, which can be crucial in times of medical need.

 

What Is Not Covered by Standard OVHC

While OVHC offers broad protection, there are common exclusions in most policies. These can include:

  • Dental, optical, and physiotherapy services

  • Elective or cosmetic surgeries

  • Treatment received outside of Australia or before the start date of the policy

  • Complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy, or naturopathy

  • Assisted reproductive services, organ transplants, and experimental procedures

To cover these additional needs, some visa holders choose to add extras cover, which is an optional add-on that includes dental check-ups, glasses, physiotherapy and other allied health services.

 

Why Having OVHC Is Not Just Mandatory, but Smart

Beyond visa compliance, there are many practical reasons to have OVHC in place:

  • Financial protection: Medical costs in Australia can be high, especially in emergency situations. OVHC helps prevent unexpected bills.

  • Access to care: With health cover, you can seek treatment when needed without delays or the worry of affordability.

  • Peace of mind: Knowing you’re protected lets you focus on settling into your new job and life in Australia.

  • Family support: Some policies offer affordable add-ons for partners and children, keeping your loved ones safe too.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Policy

Here are some useful tips to help you make an informed choice:

  • Compare policies: Look at multiple insurers and weigh their inclusions, exclusions, and premium costs.

  • Review waiting periods: Some treatments may not be covered immediately. Check if you can transfer credits from a previous policy.

  • Look at customer service: A reliable insurer should offer 24/7 medical helplines, multilingual support, and a straightforward claims process.

  • Read the fine print: Understand what’s included, what’s not, and any limits or caps on services.

  • Plan ahead: Arrange your insurance before arriving in Australia to avoid any gaps in coverage.

 

Conclusion

482 visa health insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring temporary workers are protected during their stay in Australia. It’s not only a visa requirement but also a practical safeguard against the high cost of healthcare. A good OVHC policy gives you access to essential services, financial peace of mind, and compliance with government standards. 

By comparing plans, understanding your needs, and choosing wisely, you can confidently begin your journey in Australia—knowing you’re covered from day one.

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