Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Overview
Australia has world-class healthcare, but most expats can't access the public Medicare system. Unless you're a permanent resident or citizen, you'll need private health insurance—and many visas actually require it.
The good news: Australia's healthcare quality is excellent. The challenge: it's expensive without coverage. A simple hospital stay can cost A$1,500+ per day, and even GP visits run A$80-150 without Medicare.
No Medicare
For most expats
A$1,500+/day
Hospital costs
Required
For most visas
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Healthcare System
Australia's healthcare is split between the public Medicare system and private healthcare. Understanding which you can access is essential.
Medicare: Who Qualifies?
Medicare is Australia's universal healthcare system, but "universal" is misleading for expats. You only qualify if you're:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A New Zealand citizen (limited access)
- From a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Australia has RHCAs with 11 countries: Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK. If you're from one of these countries, you may get limited Medicare access for medically necessary treatment—but not full coverage.
RHCA coverage is basic and temporary. It doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, non-urgent care, or medical evacuation. Most expats from RHCA countries still get private insurance.
Private Healthcare
Australia's private healthcare system is excellent. Major private hospitals like Ramsay Health Care, Healthscope, and various Catholic Health Australia facilities offer high-quality care with shorter wait times than public hospitals.
Private GPs and specialists are widely available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Quality is comparable to the best healthcare systems globally.
Visa Insurance Requirements
Many Australian visas require "adequate health insurance" as a condition. This isn't optional—it's a legal requirement.
Visa Categories and Insurance Requirements
- Student Visas (Subclass 500): Must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for entire stay
- Working Holiday (Subclass 417/462): Insurance required, international plans accepted
- Skilled Worker Visas: "Adequate" health insurance required until eligible for Medicare
- Partner Visas: Insurance required during processing
- Parent Visas: Must maintain private health insurance
What Counts as "Adequate" Insurance?
For visa purposes, "adequate" generally means coverage comparable to Medicare, including hospital treatment, GP visits, and emergency care. International health insurance plans typically meet this requirement, but verify with your visa conditions. Budget travel insurance usually doesn't qualify.
OVHC vs International Health Insurance
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is an Australian-specific product designed for visa compliance. It's often cheaper than international plans but only covers you in Australia.
If you travel frequently or want coverage outside Australia, international health insurance is more practical. Major international insurers can provide letters confirming your coverage meets visa requirements.
Recommended Plans
For expats in Australia, we recommend international health insurance over domestic-only OVHC. International plans offer flexibility, global coverage, and portability if you relocate.
| Provider | Type | Price (Age 35) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | International | $250-400/mo | Executives, families |
| BUPA Global | International | $200-350/mo | UK expats, long-term |
| Allianz Care | International | $180-300/mo | EU expats, value |
| AXA Global | International | $170-280/mo | Budget-conscious |
| IMG Global | International | $150-250/mo | Flexible coverage |
| SafetyWing | Travel Medical | $45-70/mo | Digital nomads |
Top Recommendations by Situation
Corporate Expats and Families
Cigna Global and BUPA Global lead for comprehensive coverage. Both have strong networks in Australia and can coordinate care at major private hospitals. Expect $250-400/month for individuals, more for families.
Long-Term Residents
Allianz Care and AXA Global offer solid coverage at better prices. Both are well-suited for expats planning multi-year stays in Australia. BUPA Global is particularly popular with UK expats due to brand familiarity.
Working Holiday and Short-Term
SafetyWing works for budget-conscious travelers on Working Holiday visas. At $45-70/month, it provides emergency coverage while you're healthy and mobile. For longer stays or health concerns, upgrade to comprehensive international insurance.
Students
Student visas specifically require OSHC from an approved Australian provider (Medibank, Allianz OSHC, BUPA, etc.). This is non-negotiable for visa compliance. International plans won't satisfy student visa requirements.
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Expected Costs
Australia has expensive healthcare by global standards. Without insurance, even routine care adds up quickly.
| Service | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| GP Visit | A$80-150 | Covered/copay |
| Specialist | A$200-400 | Covered |
| Hospital (per day) | A$1,500-3,000 | Covered |
| Emergency Room | A$500-1,500 | Covered |
| MRI Scan | A$400-800 | Covered |
Insurance Premium Ranges
For a healthy 35-year-old in Australia:
- Budget (SafetyWing): $45-70/month - travel medical coverage
- Mid-range (IMG, AXA): $150-280/month - comprehensive international
- Premium (Cigna, BUPA): $250-400/month - top-tier global coverage
Prices increase with age. A 50-year-old might pay 40-60% more; a 60-year-old could pay double or more.
Deductible Strategy
Australia's high healthcare costs make deductible selection important. A $500 deductible typically saves 15-20% on premiums versus zero deductible. Given that even a GP visit costs A$80+, you'll likely hit your deductible quickly if you need care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Medicare as an expat?
Only if you're a permanent resident, citizen, or from an RHCA country (and even then, only for limited services). Most work visa holders don't qualify for Medicare at all.
What happens if I don't have insurance?
You may violate your visa conditions, which can affect future visa applications. Practically, you'll pay full price for any healthcare—which can be financially devastating for serious illness or injury.
Is Australian healthcare good?
Excellent. Australia consistently ranks among the world's best healthcare systems. Private hospitals offer short wait times and modern facilities. You won't need medical evacuation—the care is available locally.
Do I need evacuation coverage in Australia?
Medical evacuation within Australia isn't necessary—quality care is available in all major cities. However, coverage for repatriation to your home country in extreme circumstances is still valuable.
What's the difference between OVHC and international insurance?
OVHC only covers you in Australia and is designed for visa compliance. International health insurance covers you globally, travels with you if you relocate, and typically offers broader coverage. International plans cost more but provide more flexibility.
Which cities have the best healthcare?
Sydney and Melbourne have the most extensive private hospital networks and specialist availability. Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide also have excellent facilities. Regional areas have fewer options, making comprehensive coverage more important.
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Disclaimer: Insurance requirements vary by visa type and individual circumstances. Verify requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs and consult with insurers about visa compliance before purchasing.
