OSHC to OVHC for your 485: the gap-free timeline

The move from a student visa (subclass 500) to a graduate visa (subclass 485) is the single most common point where international graduates trip over health insurance requirements. Your OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover — does not carry over to the 485. You need OVHC, and you need it on day one. Here’s how to make the switch without a coverage gap.

Step 1: Know your dates

Three dates matter:

• Course completion date — the date on your completion letter from your university
• Student visa expiry — check VEVO (VEVO is the Department’s online visa checker)
• 485 grant date — when your graduate visa is approved

Your OSHC typically expires shortly after your student visa. Your OVHC must start on or before the day your 485 visa takes effect — which is usually the grant date (for onshore applicants).

Step 2: Buy OVHC before your 485 is granted

You can (and should) buy OVHC while your 485 application is being processed. You don’t need to wait for the grant. Set your OVHC policy start date to:

• Your 485 application date (safest — covers you from the moment your bridging visa activates)
• Or the date your OSHC expires (if you’re still covered by OSHC during processing)

Most graduates buy OVHC with a start date matching their OSHC expiry, then adjust if the 485 grant comes through faster than expected.

Step 3: Cancel your OSHC and claim a refund

OSHC policies are typically paid upfront for the full student visa period. If you bought cover past your actual study end date, you’re entitled to a refund for the unused portion. Here’s how:

1. Contact your OSHC insurer — Allianz, Bupa, Medibank, ahm, or nib
2. Provide your course completion letter — this is the key document that proves you finished earlier than the policy end date
3. Request a pro-rata refund — refund is calculated from your course completion date, not the visa expiry
4. Expect 2-4 weeks for processing

Some insurers charge a cancellation fee (~$50) — check your policy document.

Step 4: Submit your OVHC certificate with your 485 application

When lodging your 485 visa application, attach:

• Your OVHC policy certificate (showing start date, insurer, and level of cover)
• Evidence that your OSHC covered you up to the OVHC start date

The Department checks for continuous cover. A gap of even one day can trigger a request for further information — which delays your application.

Common mistakes

• Buying OVHC too late: Your OVHC start date is after your OSHC expired → breach of condition 8501
• Extending OSHC instead: OSHC is only valid for student visas. The Department will reject it for a 485
• Setting wrong start date: OVHC starting after 485 grant date → immediate 8501 breach
• Not claiming OSHC refund: Graduates leave hundreds of dollars unclaimed every year

FAQ

Can I keep my OSHC for the 485? No. OSHC is specifically for student visa holders. Your 485 requires OVHC. They are different products with different regulatory frameworks.

How much OVHC do I need to buy? At minimum, cover matching your 485 visa period. The 485 Graduate Work stream is typically 18 months; the Post-Study Work stream is 2-4 years depending on your qualification. Buy cover for the full period if you can — it avoids renewal gaps.

What if my 485 is refused? Most OVHC insurers allow cancellation with a full refund if your visa is refused. Confirm this before purchasing.

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Sources: Department of Home Affairs visa condition 8501; OSHC and OVHC insurer PDS documents (2026).