485 Visa Health Coverage: What Graduates Need to Know

Many grads want to stay in Australia longer after they finish their studies. This is possible with the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 because it lets you work full-time and gives you more time to earn points for permanent status. This blog will talk about important parts of health benefits for 485 visa holders, so graduates know what their options are for health care while they are there.

Eligibility for a 485 Visa

International graduates who have completed a minimum of two academic years in Australia can apply for health insurance for the 485 visa. This visa allows them to reside in Australia for a period. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate possession of a valid Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) to obtain the Temporary Graduate visa, commonly known as a 485 visa.

Criteria for 485 Visa Application

The criteria for applying for a 485 visa include: 

• Visa eligibility: Applicants must hold an eligible visa.
• Recent Student Visa: Applicants must have held a Student Visa in the past six months.
• Age requirement: No one older than 50 years old can apply.
• Visa status: Applicants must be covered by a Bridging or Substantive visa.
• Study duration: Applicants must have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 92 academic weeks in Australia.
• Visa stream selection: Applicants can apply under either the Graduate Work Stream or Post Study Work Stream, based on the level of coursework completed during their student visa.
• Stream nomination: Applicants must select only one visa stream, as it cannot be changed after application.
• Additional requirements: Applicants must meet any additional criteria specified.
• Industry accreditation (for Graduate Work Stream): Depending on the qualification/skill, applicants may need accreditation from the relevant industry body.

Stream Options in Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa offers two stream options: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream. Applicants have the flexibility to choose either stream for their application.

Post-Study Work Stream Overview

Under the Post-Study Work Stream, university grads from Australia can stay and work in Australia. Some important things about this stream are: 

1. Duration of stay: Graduates can work and live in Australia for 2 to 4 years, depending on their qualifications.
2. Eligibility: Graduates must have completed a degree from a CRICOS-registered course.
3. Family inclusion: This stream allows graduates to bring their family to Australia.
4. Visa processing time: The visa processing time for this stream is approximately 4 months.

Overview of Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work Stream is for recent college graduates whose courses prepared them for jobs in Australia that are lacking in skilled workers. People with this visa can study, live, and work in Australia. Key points of this stream include: 

1. Duration of stay: Graduates can work and stay in Australia for up to 18 months.
2. Eligibility criteria: Applicants must possess a qualification relevant to an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
3. Family inclusion: The visa allows graduates to bring family members to Australia.
4. Processing time: The processing period for this visa is approximately four months.

Is Health Cover Mandatory for 485 Visa Holders?

Should you want to apply for a 485 Visa, you need to buy Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC). This change from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to OVHC is very important to make sure that the 8501 visa condition is met. OVHC lets you pay your premiums every month, while OSHC requires you to pay for the whole stay all at once. Even after getting your 485 visa, you need to make sure you have enough health insurance for the whole time you're in Australia.

Health Cover Pre-Purchase Considerations

There are several things to think about before choosing a health insurance plan. To begin, you should know that Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) has three types of coverage: hospital cover, hospital cover plus GP cover, and hospital cover plus GP plus extras cover. Next, figure out how long you want to stay in Australia and how much money you have to spend. With these things in mind, you can start looking at different cover choices. It's best to put your budget first while also thinking about what kind of support you need for your job. If the job you have involves risks, you should choose better coverage. In addition, if you have long-term health problems, make sure that the insurance covers them. As part of your OVHC insurance, you might want to buy Extra coverage to cover things like dental care, contact lenses, physiotherapy, psychology, chiropractic care, hearing aids, and more.

Smart Strategies for Choosing Your Health Cover in Australia

In conclusion, choosing the right health cover involves assessing various factors such as duration of stay, budget constraints, profession-related risks, and coverage for chronic conditions. By prioritizing these considerations and selecting the appropriate level of coverage, individuals can ensure comprehensive healthcare protection during their time in Australia.