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Best medical insurance for visitors to Australia
Are you moving to Perth or any other Australian city? Here's everything you need to know about choosing health insurance in Australia.
Planning to spend some time in the land of opportunities? In that case, you’ll already know how important it’s to find good medical insurance for Australia. In a destination where medical services can be quite expensive and the health system is governed by strict regulations for outsiders, it’s important to be covered so you don’t end up broke.
With this article, we want to help you find the right one for you. To do so, we’ll take a look at the type of insurance available for expatriates, long-term travellers, international students, digital nomads and anyone who wishes to protect their health during their time in this diverse and attractive destination. We’ll also go through the coverage and prices of the best insurance companies.
Which foreigners need medical insurance in Australia?
To understand the need for medical insurance in Australia for foreigners, it’s essential to first know how their healthcare system works. Australia has a high-quality public health care system known as Medicare, which provides free or subsidised health care to citizens and permanent residents. This system covers a wide range of services, from medical consultations to hospitalisation and specialised treatment. However, for visitors and temporary residents, access to Medicare may be limited or even non-existent, depending on their visa and country of origin.
There are reciprocity agreements that allow some visitors access to Medicare in urgent situations, but these agreements are limited and only apply to certain countries. In addition, private health care is popular in Australia, as it significantly reduces waiting times and allows access to a wider range of services. Many foreigners opt for private medical insurance that covers both routine and emergency care, hospitalisation and, in many cases, dental and mental health treatment.
Given the way the system works and the Medicare restrictions, the groups most likely to benefit from medical insurance in Australia include:
- International students: Overseas students are required to have medical insurance, known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), for the duration of their stay in Australia. This insurance ensures that they can receive basic medical care, which isn’t always covered by Medicare and is a requirement for obtaining a student visa.
- Temporary workers and expatriates: Those moving to Australia to work on temporary visas often need medical insurance. While some can access Medicare through reciprocity agreements, most international workers rely on private insurance to cover consultations, treatment and emergencies.
- Tourists and long-stay visitors: Those visiting the country for more than a few months or planning adventure activities should consider medical insurance to cover possible accidents, hospitalisation and repatriation. Travel insurance for Australia usually includes health cover to ensure that visitors can receive care in the event of an emergency.
- Digital nomads and freelancers: Australia has become an attractive destination for remote workers, thanks to its high quality of life and connectivity. For those who spend long periods of time in the country, having private medical insurance to cover consultations, emergencies and treatment is crucial, especially if you engage in risky activities or travel extensively within the country.
In short, medical insurance in Australia is a key measure of protection for those who are not covered by Medicare and want to be prepared for any medical eventuality.
What types of medical insurance are required for foreigners in Australia?
Foreigners in Australia have a number of medical insurance options available to them to suit different needs, ranging from basic insurance to more comprehensive health plans. The Australian health system combines public and private services, so depending on the type of visa and length of stay, it’s possible to choose the right insurance to be covered in all situations.
There are three main types of medical insurance for foreigners in Australia:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): OSHC is compulsory for those studying in Australia on a student visa. This insurance gives them access to basic medical and hospital care, covering everything from consultations to hospitalisation and medicines. In addition, the OSHC is a requirement to maintain the visa for the duration of the stay in the country.
- Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC): This type of insurance is ideal for those travelling to Australia on temporary work visas or for residents who aren’t yet entitled to Medicare. OVHC covers essential services such as hospitalisation, consultations and emergencies. Basic and comprehensive coverage options are available to suit different budgets and needs. Some temporary workers may also benefit from Medicare if their home countries have reciprocity agreements with Australia.
- Travel insurance with medical cover for tourists and visitors: For tourists or digital nomads staying in Australia for shorter periods, travel insurance with medical cover is essential. This insurance covers situations such as accidents, medical consultations and emergency hospitalisation. It’s a very convenient option for those involved in outdoor activities or adventure sports, as it usually covers rescue and repatriation expenses in case of need.
It’s important that foreigners in Australia select the right insurance for their situation, as medical bills can be high without the necessary cover. Having good medical insurance in Australia not only ensures access to timely and quality care, but also allows you to enjoy the country with greater peace of mind.
How much do health services cost in Australia?
Australia has a mixed health system in which prices for medical services vary considerably between the public and private sectors. While public care provides coverage for many residents and certain emergency services, foreigners often have to pay full fees at private hospitals and clinics. This makes knowing the average prices of consultations, treatments and procedures in the private sector essential for any foreigner. Here are some indicative data:
| Health Service | Approximate price in the private system |
| General medical consultation | $50-100 A ($33-66 US) |
| Consultation with a specialist | $130-250 A ($85-164 US) |
| Emergency care (without hospitalisation) | $400-1,000 A ($263-657 US) |
| Inpatient day (includes basic tests and treatments) | $750-1,000 A ($493-657 US) |
| Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRI, etc.) | $100-800 A ($66-525 US) |
| Minor surgery (e.g. cyst removal) | $1,000-3,000 A ($657-1,971 US) |
| Major surgery (e.g. appendectomy) | $5,000-15,000 A ($3,285-9,857 US) |
| Dental treatment (cleaning and filling) | $150-500 A ($98-329 US) |
| Psychological therapy (per session) | $100-200 A ($66-131 US) |
| Physiotherapy session | $60-150 A ($39-98 US) |
Top 5 best medical insurance for foreigners in Australia
If you know you need medical insurance for Australia, the next step is to choose the one that best suits your needs. As such decisions depend on a number of factors such as your health, the length of your stay and your budget, we have prepared a list of the five best-rated options for expatriates. These insurance plans stand out for their coverage, ease of use and customer service, so you can enjoy your time in Australia with complete peace of mind.
Bupa Australia
Founded in 1947, Bupa Australia is one of the country’s largest medical insurers. It’s known for its extensive experience in the healthcare sector and its commitment to customer satisfaction. It offers 24-hour customer service and has an intuitive app that makes it easy to access its services from anywhere in the world. It also provides multilingual assistance, a great relief for those who prefer to manage their insurance in their native language. It stands out from other options for its coverage of a large network of hospitals and clinics in Australia, as well as offering flexible options to suit different types of needs and budgets.
Within its various policies, Bupa Australia offers the Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) and the Working Visa Health Cover (WVHC), designed to cover foreign nationals in all situations, from medical consultations to hospitalisation and emergencies. Both plans have different levels of coverage ranging from basic options to more comprehensive plans with full coverage for hospitalisation and specialties.
Coverage and services
Coverage and services depend on the policy taken out. In Australia, you’ll usually have to pay for medical services and then Bupa’ll reimburse you. The most important coverages of Bupa’s policies usually include:
- General and specialist medical consultations
- Complex diagnostic and laboratory tests
- Hospitalisation, operating theatre, intensive care and maternity area for deliveries.
- Coverage of emergencies in the network of affiliated hospitals
- Medicines approved by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and supplied as part of the treatment prescribed by the hospital.
- Health services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics
Plans and prices
- Essential Lite– mid-level medical and hospital cover to protect against the unexpected while working in Australia. Designed for those holding work visas of types 457 (Temporary Skilled Work Visa), 482 (Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa) or 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa), among others. From $1,198.56 A per year ($99.88 US per month). It includes rehabilitation, inpatient psychiatric services, chemotherapy, joint replacements, dental surgery or gynaecology, among many others.
- Essential Lite Visitors Cover with Freedom 50 Extras: from $119.88 US per month. It includes more services than the Essential Litte plan, such as physiotherapy or dental services.
- Essential Lite Visitors Cover with Freedom 60 Extras: from $161.25 US per month. Add some extras to the above plan, such as acupuncture or ophthalmology coverage.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Includes hospital stay in a private room, medication, physiotherapy, emergencies, specialist consultations and many other medical services.
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
Customer service and agile digital management | High rates on full plans |
Dental and ophthalmological basic coverage | Limited for pre-existing conditions |
Extensive network of hospitals and clinics | Doesn’t include aesthetic treatments |
Allianz Care Australia
Allianz Care, part of the Allianz Group, has a strong global track record and is widely known for its comprehensive service for expatriates. Based in Australia, Allianz Care offers a wide range of medical insurance products tailored to the needs of foreign nationals residing temporarily or permanently in Australia. Its service includes 24/7 assistance, and the company provides an app where policyholders can manage their claims and access their medical benefits quickly and easily. In addition, Allianz Care has assistance in multiple languages.
The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy is one of the most popular, ideal for international students, while its Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is recommended for those working in the country. The different plans suit a variety of budgets and allow for customisation of coverage, whether the insured requires only basic coverage or a comprehensive plan with specialties and hospitalisation.
Coverage and services
- General and specialist medical consultations
- Coverage of hospitalisation and surgery
- Diagnostic and laboratory tests
- Emergency care throughout Australia
- Dental care and mental health services
- Coverage for chronic conditions
Plans and prices
- Budget Working Cover: From $66.40 A ($43.62 US) per month. Covers ambulance and hospital admissions.
- Standard Working Cover:: $113 A ($74.23 US). In addition to the basics, it covers medical appointments, specialists, medical examinations and medicines.
- Mid Working Cover: $183.70 A ($120.68 US). It includes some extras, such as physiotherapy or minor dental treatment.
- Top Working Cover: $345.10 A ($226.71 US). It includes other extras, such as psychology or podiatry.
- Overseas Student Health Cover: From $53 A ($34.82 US). It includes on-campus support at a number of universities in Australia.
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive medical coverage throughout Australia | Advanced plans with high prices |
| Quick access to specialists | Limitations on dental services |
| Ease of access to a national medical network | Exclusions for pre-existing conditions |
Medibank
Medibank, with more than 45 years in the industry, is one of Australia’s leading insurers, known for its strong health coverage and focus on customer service. This company offers service in several languages and has an app that facilitates the management of the insurance. It stands out for its focus on preventive health and wellness programmes designed to improve the quality of life of policyholders.
Medibank offers several health plans for foreign visitors and students, including the “Overseas Visitors Health Cover” and the “Overseas Student Health Cover”, which are tailored to different coverage needs. Policies range from consultations with general practitioners and specialists to hospital treatment and emergency care.
Coverage and services
- General and specialist medical consultations
- Laboratory tests and diagnostics
- Coverage for hospitalisation and surgery
- Emergency care
- Optional mental health and dental services
Plans and prices
- Essentials OSHC: From $54.25 per month ($651 per year). Includes ambulance services, rehabilitation, specialties, dental surgeries, hospitalisation in a private room and some medicines.
- Medibank Basic Plus Healthy Start and Healthy Start Extras: $119.27 per month Includes ambulance and some minor operations. Also 60% reimbursement for certain services.
- Medibank Bronze Plus Progress and essential extras: From $117.20 per month.
- Medibank Bronze Plus Assured and Top Extras: From $157.98 per month.
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Extensive hospital network in Australia | Exclusions for some pre-existing conditions |
| 24/7 personalised and digital attention | High cost for full services |
| Variety of plans according to budget | Limited dental coverage |
CBHS International Health
CBHS International Health is a subsidiary of CBHS, an insurer with over 65 years of experience in the Australian health sector. It stands out for its medical insurance plans specifically designed for foreigners, and is known for its personalised care and comprehensive coverage solutions. CBHS also offers telemedicine services and 24-hour assistance, ensuring that policyholders have access to medical care at any time and from anywhere.
CBHS offers the “Overseas Visitor Health Cover”, which includes everything from basic consultations to hospitalisation and emergencies. Its coverage allows policyholders to choose between different levels according to their health care needs and budget, making CBHS an attractive option for those seeking flexibility.
Coverage and services
- General medical care and specialists
- Laboratory services and diagnostics
- Hospitalisation and surgery in private hospitals
- Basic dental care
- Emergency and telemedicine coverage
Plans and prices
- Overseas Worker Base Hospital: $59.97 per month. It covers basic services such as accidents, hospitalisation and emergencies.
- Overseas Worker Mid Hospital and Medical: $95.98 per month In addition to the basics, it covers routine consultations and specialists, among others.
- Overseas Worker Mid Hospital and Medical: $184.99 per month It includes other services, such as pregnancy monitoring.
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Telemedicine and digital access to services | Limited basic dental coverage |
| Specialised medical care at competitive prices | Limitations for pre-existing conditions |
| Full emergency and hospitalisation cover | Higher prices for large families |
HCF (Hospital Contribution Fund)
With over 85 years in the industry, HCF is a not-for-profit medical insurer in Australia, known for its focus on personalised care and its values of transparency. HCF offers an extensive network of hospitals and specialists throughout Australia and is noted for its wellness programme, which includes preventive services and mental health programmes. Its app allows for easy policy management and efficient access to the medical network.
Among its policies for foreigners, HCF offers the “Overseas Visitors Health Cover”, which includes coverage ranging from basic medical care to hospitalisation and dental care. The different options allow the policy to be adapted to the budget of each insured, also offering a special plan for family members.
Coverage and services
- Medical consultations and emergency care
- Diagnostic and laboratory tests
- Hospitalization and surgery in affiliated hospitals.
- Optional dental care and mental health services
- Access to a network of private providers
Plans and prices
- HCF Hospital Bronze Plus: From $31 per week. Basic hospital coverage plan.
- HCF Hospital Standard Silver Plus: From $39 per week. Hospital coverage and some basic procedures.
- HCF Hospital Bronze Plus: From $56.90 per week. Comprehensive coverage (except for pregnancies).
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Affordable and good quality coverage | No international coverage |
| Rapid care in the hospital network | Limited mental health options |
| Low-cost options for students and expatriates | Exceptions for pre-existing conditions |
Which is the best medical insurance for foreigners in Australia?
After analysing the best insurers to buy medical insurance in Australia, there’s one that stands out from the rest: Bupa. Thanks to its experience in the sector and its solid network of hospitals and clinics in the country, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive and versatile service. The company offers plans such as the Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) and Working Visa Health Cover (WVHC), which cover emergencies as well as routine consultations and hospitalisation, essential elements for those seeking peace of mind.
Also, unlike other insurers, Bupa allows you to tailor your insurance to your needs, which can make a big difference to the rate and services included, especially for those who require comprehensive coverage. Its customer service in multiple languages and the agile management through the app are also plus points for those who want ease of use and monitoring of their coverage. You’ll be able to manage your incidents through it, remember to contract your Holafly eSIM before you go so that you can be connected at all times.
So much for our review of medical insurance in Australia. Need more information to become a true Aussie? Be sure to check out our guides on how to get internet in Australia and the Australian dollar.
