If you’re a family member of a New Zealand citizen living or working in Australia and plan to join them – but you’re not an NZ or Australian citizen yourself – you’ll likely need to take out private health insurance as part of your 461 visa conditions.
This insurance can cover medical treatment you might need while in Australia and can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
461 visa holder health insurance requirements
If you hold a 461 visa, you may be required to have adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This is known as condition 8501. As a 461 visa holder, you aren’t eligible for treatment under the public Medicare system (unless you are from a country with a reciprocal agreement), so private health insurance is essential.
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a form of private health insurance designed for visa holders. Cover can vary depending on your visa type, such as if you are working or visiting, but will generally include:
- Hospital treatments
- Emergency ambulance
- Specialists
- Prescribed medicines
- Medical tests
You may also be able to add extras such as physiotherapy, optical, dental treatment and mental health support, depending on your needs.
How much is health insurance on a 461 visa?
The cost of health insurance on a 461 visa depends on both the provider and the level of cover you choose, whether that’s basic hospital cover that meets your visa requirements or comprehensive packages including extras cover.
Here’s an example of what a 30-year-old single person on a 461 visa might pay for an OVHC visitor plan that meet condition 8501:
| Provider | Cheapest policy (per month) | Most expensive policy (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz | $164 | $724 |
| Bupa | $207 | $235 |
| Source: Compare Club, January 2026 Price ranges shown include policies with excesses ranging from $0 to $500. Some policies in these ranges include extras cover, which can increase the premium. |
||
How do I get health insurance for a 461 visa?
As part of your 461 visa, you’ll need to take out health insurance that covers your entire stay in Australia. While there are several providers available, using a comparison service can make it easier, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Australian healthcare system.
Savvy can help you compare a range of OVHC plans in one place, tailored to your visa and needs. Getting started is simple:
-
Apply through Savvy
Tell us who needs cover, your visa type and the level of cover you’re looking for.
-
Connect with an advisor
A health insurance expert will contact you to discuss your options.
-
Take out your policy
Choose your OVHC plan and you’ll be covered for your time in Australia!
