Key takeaways
- The 461 visa is made for relatives of of New Zealand citizens who are not themselves New Zealand citizens.
- to be eligible, you'll need to be a spouse or dependent child of a kiwi citizen.
- While the kiwi in the family is covered by Medicare, the non-kiwi isn't, so will need OVHC.
What is the 461 visa?
A 461 visa is a temporary visa that allows a non-New Zealand citizen who is a member of a family unit of a New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia for up to five years. 'Family Unit' basically refers to a spouse or dependent child, or the child of the kiwi citizen's spouse.
Unlike New Zealand citizens, who are eligible for Medicare (Australia's public health system), 461 visa holders are not automatically covered by Medicare and may have to pay for their own medical and hospital expenses while in Australia.
Why do you need OVHC?
OVHC is a type of health insurance that is designed for visitors to Australia who can't use Medicare. OVHC can help you pay for medical services like hospital stays, doctors' visits, prescription medicine and ambulance services while you're in Australia.
There are two reasons why 461 visa holders will need OVHC:
1. OVHC is visa requirement for the 461 visa
The Department of Home Affairs requires 461 visa applicants to have adequate health insurance for their stay. You've got to have have health insurance that covers at least the minimum level of benefits suggested by the Department, which include:
- Public hospital treatment as a private patient
- Private hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance services
- Pharmaceutical benefits up to $300 per year
- Out-of-hospital medical services such as GP visits and specialist consultations
2. It can save you money
Health care costs in Australia can be very expensive without insurance. Without OVHC, you'll have to pay for these costs out of your own pocket. With OVHC, you can reduce or avoid these costs by claiming benefits from your insurer.
Which OVHC policy is best for 461 visa holders?
There are many OVHC products available in the market, and no one is best for 461 visa holders (or for any other visa). Rather, you'll need to pick a policy that suits you. Here are a few things to consider.
- Check the eligibility. Not all OVHC products are suitable for 461 visa holders, so make sure you check the eligibility criteria before you buy.
- Compare the cover. Different OVHC products offer different levels of cover, ranging from basic to comprehensive. The level of cover you need depends on your personal circumstances, such as your health status, budget and lifestyle. Use the table at the top of this page the help.
- Read the fine print. Once you've chosen cover, you should read the product disclosure statement (PDS) carefully and understand the terms and conditions of your policy. The PDS contains important information such as what is covered and what is not covered, how to make a claim, how to cancel or renew your policy, and what are your rights as a policyholder.
Compare OVHC policies
The following table features OVHC policies, most that will satisfy the health insurance requirements for the 461 visa.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
8501 visa condition
The 8501 visa condition means you need to get health insurance for your stay.
-
600 visa health insurance
Get cover quickly and easily for your stay in Australia.
-
590 Student Guardian Visa Health Insurance
Find out what health insurance you need for the 590 Visa and how to get cover for pre-existing conditions.
-
Permanent residency health insurance
Have you just got your permanent residency? See how you're covered for healthcare in Australia and compare your options today.
-
Medibank Overseas Visitor Health Cover
Compare overseas visitors cover from Medibank.
-
HBF overseas visitor cover review
Compare OVHC options from HBF, and see which one is right for you.
-
408 Visa Health Insurance
Everything you need to know about the health insurance requirements of the 408 visa and how to find the right cover.
-
Health insurance for parents visiting Australia
If your parents are planning to visit you in Australia from another country, they will first need an appropriate visa, and secondly need health insurance while they are here. This guide explains how to do both.
-
Compare Overseas Student Health Cover
If you’re an international student travelling to Australia on a student visa, you’ll need to take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Ask a question