OVHC for 485 Graduate visa holders: switching from OSHC

You've finished your degree and been granted a 485 Temporary Graduate visa. Congratulations. Now there's one piece of paperwork that's easy to get wrong: your health insurance. You've been on OSHC as a student, but the 485 requires OVHC — and the switch can be confusing.

Why the switch matters

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is for subclass 500 student visa holders. OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover) is for everyone else on a temporary visa — including 485 graduates. They're different products with different rules, and your 485 visa carries condition 8501. A gap in cover, even for one day, is a visa breach.

The gap-free timeline

1. Before your student visa expires: Research OVHC policies. Get quotes from all five insurers.
2. When your 485 is granted: Buy OVHC immediately with a start date matching the grant date or the day after your OSHC expires (whichever is later).
3. Same day: Email your OSHC insurer to cancel and request a refund of unused premiums. Attach your 485 grant letter and OVHC certificate.
4. Within 2-6 weeks: Refund arrives. Most insurers refund pro-rata with no cancellation fee.

Which OVHC should you choose?

Most 485 graduates are young and healthy — you don't need top-tier cover. Here's what matches your situation:

• Budget (~$75/month, ahm): Satisfies condition 8501. Covers public hospital and ambulance. No extras. Ideal if you're cost-conscious and healthy.
• Mid-tier (~$112-135/month, Bupa/Medibank): Adds dental check-ups, optical, and physio. Good value while you're job-hunting and want some extras.
• Comprehensive (~$182-208/month): Private hospital room, major dental, full physio. Rarely needed for young graduates unless you have a pre-existing condition.

Common mistakes

• Letting OSHC auto-renew: Your OSHC insurer may auto-renew your policy. Cancel it when you get your 485 — you need OVHC, not OSHC.
• Buying OVHC too early: Don't buy OVHC while still on your student visa. The start date must align with your 485 grant date.
• Forgetting the refund: Unused OSHC premiums can be hundreds of dollars. Don't leave that money on the table.

See also: Skilled Worker OVHC · Working Holiday OVHC · Full switching guide · Condition 8501 explained