The 485 Visa will provide you with full work rights and the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
However, the Australian government wants to encourage you to take out sufficient medical cover during your extended stay. Australia’s public health system, Medicare, does not generally subsidise any medical bills for non-citizens, so you’ll need to make sure you have the right health cover in case of unexpected injuries and illnesses.
Who needs a 485 Visa Australia?
All international graduates who’ve completed at least 2 academic years of studies in Australia, and want to remain in Australia for a period of time, need to apply for a 485 Visa. To get a Temporary Graduate visa, also called the TSR visa, you’ll also need to show proof of a valid health insurance policy.
The timing of your application is important. 485 Applications should be done in the time between completing your studies and your student visa expiring. Make sure you have the appropriate health insurance in place or your application might be declined.
Proof of your health insurance must accompany your application.
How to go from a study visa (457) to temporary graduate visa?
Going from a study visa health insurance to a graduate visa 485 health insurance is a simple process. All you really need is proof of your health insurance and that you will be covered for the duration of your stay.
Your temporary graduate visa gives you the choice between 2 work streams. The amount of time you will be allowed to extend your stay will depend on the work stream you are eligible for:
A checklist for 485 visa health insurance requirements
The list of requirements you have to meet before receiving health insurance for visa 485 might seem daunting. However, you’ll find that you probably already have most of these checked off.
- Cover by a Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B or substantive visa.
- Studied in Australia within the last 6 months.
- Enrolled in your course for at least 2 academic years.
- Moving over from Visa Subclass 500, 570, 572, 573 or 574.
- Applied for the 485 Visa within 6 months of the final date of your graduate course.
- Graduated with a degree, masters or doctorate listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- Younger than 50 years old.
- Meet the English Language requirement.
- For the graduate work stream, you’ll possibly need accreditation from the industry body associated with your skills/qualifications.
485 Visa health insurance comparison
Generally, al health insurance providers will expect you to meet certain health requirements and might request a medical examination. Your results will be valid for 12 months.
Each health fund below complies 100% with the Australian Government and a visa letter will be sent to you once you apply.
485 Visa Health Cover
$69.80 per month for Budget Cover
Minimum Working Visa
$75.00 per month for Frank Minimum Visa Cover.
485 Visa Health Insurance
$77.42 per month for Budget Visitors (Hospital only).
$112.42 per month for Visitors Plus (most popular option).
485 Visa Health Insurance
$109.62 per month for Essential Visitors Cover.
$222.88 per month for Gold Visitors Cover.
$328.08 per month for Platinum Visitors Cover (most comprehensive).
Health Insurance for 485
$96.60 per month for Working Visa Basic Insurance.
$120.04 per month for Working Visa Hospital Insurance.
Be careful not to choose a health fund solely based on the premium price. The cheapest policy isn’t necessarily the best one.
How to choose the right health fund that also offers the cheapest health insurance for 485 visa?
Before choosing a health fund, you should first consider your health care needs:
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- How long you intend to stay in Australia.
- The type of career you’ll pursue. For example, you might need more health cover if your occupation is more physical in nature.
- How much you can afford, including premium and excess amounts.
- A list of prescription medicines you or your family need.
- A list of future extras you might need, for example, prescription glasses and dental.
- How many doctors visits you normally have each year, including your GP, specialists and physical and occupational therapists.
- Do you expect to need any surgeries or other major procedures in the near future?
- Do you have any chronic conditions, like diabetes, that could increase your health risks?
For the purpose of your visa application and your health requirements check the health fund for:
- Access to providers: Is your preferred hospital, doctor and pharmacy in the fund’s network?
- The services you need cover for, as listed above (medications, dental, GP visits etc.)
- The excess you’ll have to pay when in hospital.
- The number of services you can claim for per year.
- Whether you need a referral to see a specialist or get other services.
- How many doctors visits you normally have each year, including your GP, specialists and physical and occupational therapists.
- The maximum out-of-pocket limits for prescription drugs.
Health insurance for visa 485 not only gives you the opportunity to start your career in Australia, but it also provides you with confidence that your health will be properly taken care of. Visit allianzassistancehealth.com.au or a health fund that provides Visa 485 health insurance.