Understanding 485 Visa Health Insurance Requirements in Australia
Australia is a popular destination for international students and skilled workers alike. To stay in the country after completing their studies or to gain work experience, individuals can apply for a temporary graduate visa, also known as the 485 visa. This visa allows them to remain in Australia for up to two years and work, study or travel as per their interests.
Under Australian law, it is mandatory for all visa holders to have adequate health insurance coverage during their stay in the country. This means that international students and skilled workers who are on a 485 visa need to fulfill certain health insurance requirements. In this article, we will discuss the 485 visa health insurance requirements in detail.
What is a 485 Visa Health Insurance requirement?
As mentioned, it is a legal requirement for all 485 visa holders to have a valid health insurance policy while residing in Australia. The purpose of the requirement is to ensure that international students and skilled workers are not burdened with unexpected health expenses, which can be substantial in Australia. It also prevents delays in acquiring medical attention due to a lack of funds.
In simple terms, 485 visa health insurance is a form of medical insurance that pays for medical care if the policyholder falls ill or has an accident while living in Australia. The health insurance policy must meet certain criteria to qualify as an acceptable form of 485 visa health insurance.
What are the criteria for acceptable 485 visa health insurance?
The Department of Home Affairs has laid down specific criteria that a health insurance policy must meet to qualify as an acceptable form of 485 visa health insurance. According to these criteria, 485 visa health insurance must cover:
– Medical treatment as a public patient in a public hospital
– Medical treatment as a private patient in a public or private hospital
– Ambulance services
– Prescription medicines
– Other medically necessary services not covered under Medicare
In addition, the policy must also meet the following requirements:
– It should have a minimum coverage period of 12 months from the start date of the visa
– It should provide coverage for the entire 485 visa duration
– It should provide coverage for the visa holder and any dependent family members included in the visa application
– It should be issued by a registered private health insurer in Australia
– The policyholder should receive a certificate of insurance that specifies the policy details, including the start and end date of coverage, and a list of services covered under the policy.
What are the consequences of failing to meet the 485 visa health insurance requirement?
Failing to meet the 485 visa health insurance requirement can lead to serious consequences. Immigration officials can cancel the visa and deport the individual from Australia. This can result in a permanent exclusion from the country, along with a dent in the individual’s future prospects of traveling or working in Australia.
Moreover, if an individual falls ill and does not have adequate health insurance coverage, they may face hefty medical bills that they cannot afford to pay. Australian healthcare is one of the most expensive in the world, with hospitalization costs sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars per day.
How to choose the right 485 visa health insurance plan?
With so many health insurance policies available in Australia, it can be overwhelming for international students and skilled workers to choose the right one. Ideally, one should choose a policy that provides comprehensive coverage for all medically necessary services and has a network of hospital and healthcare providers throughout Australia.
It is also advisable to check the policy’s waiting period, which is the time between enrollment and when the coverage begins. Some policies have a waiting period of up to 12 months for pre-existing conditions, while others provide immediate coverage.
In conclusion, meeting the health insurance requirement for a 485 visa is crucial for international students and skilled workers staying in Australia. By choosing the right policy that meets the Department of Home Affairs’ criteria, they can enjoy their stay in Australia without worrying about medical expenses or any legal hassles accompanying the violation of the law.
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