The Australian Government’s Medicare program allows Australians and some overseas visitors to access health and hospital services at little to no cost.

Unfortunately 489 Visa Recipients are not covered by Medicare, leading many to consider purchasing health insurance to aid in the often significant out-of-pocket costs if the need for health or hospital services arises.

The Australian Government provides independent information about private health insurance on the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s private health insurance website. Within this site, there is information about how health insurance works in Australia, a useful health insurance comparison tool, and a full listing of registered health insurers with links to their websites.

If Vevo does not list it among the visa requirements, then it is a matter of choice. While, it is not RDA Murray’s place to say you “must” have health insurance, we highly recommend health insurance for 489 visa recipients.. Even minor medical procedures or a visit to a doctor can be costly. If you have not got private health insurance and you are not a permanent resident of Australia, then getting it can be very practical in financial terms.

491 Skilled Work Regional Visa holders are covered by Medicare, however may chose to purchase health insurance for other benefits it may provide. The Australian Government’s private health insurance website provides a comparison between private health and Medicare to help make this decision.

The Department of Home Affairs also provides advice on adequate health insurance for visa holders on their website that may be useful to you.

It is important to note that most health insurance policies do not cover pregnancy and having a baby during the first 12 months of the policy.