Health Insurance Requirements For 457 Visa Applicants
01 Feb 2017
To many people, visas to visit Australia seem complicated and maybe even scary. But don’t worry – Canstar is here to explain the health insurance requirements you need for a 457 visa (Temporary Work Visa Subclass 457).
What is a 457 visa?
A Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) allows a skilled worker to travel to Australia to work in their nominated occupation for up to 4 years. In order to succeed in your application, there are a number of requirements you must meet.
Before applying, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you been sponsored by an approved business?
- Do you have the required skills to fill a position nominated by that approved business? Do you have proof of these skills through certificates or licenses, etc.?
- Do you have a valid passport or other relevant travel documents? Have you obtained them before beginning the visa application?
- Can you speak vocational English? You need to be able to speak enough English to do your job.
- Do you have the right health insurance for a 457 visa?
Compare 457 Health Insurance (OVHC) with CANSTAR
Do I need to get 457 health insurance before I apply for a visa?
If you want to be sponsored as an employee under the subclass 457 visa program, there are 3 parts you must complete in the application process:
1. Sponsorship:
If the employer cannot find an Australian Citizen or permanent resident to do the work for them, they can apply to become a standard business sponsor. (This step is required before an employer can nominate you for a job for a 457 visa.)
2. Nomination:
The next step involves the employer nominating you for a job position at their company. This can be accessed on the Department of Border and Immigration website here.
3. Visa application:
Once you have been nominated, you are now able to apply for a Temporary Work Visa subclass 457. This is when you need to get 457 health insurance. You can compare 457 health insurance on the Canstar website:
Compare 457 Health Insurance (OVHC) with CANSTAR
The application can be lodged from anywhere worldwide – you don’t have to be in Australia to lodge an application.
Health insurance for 457 visa
As mentioned previously, you must have 457 health insurance in order to apply for a 457 visa.
What does 457 health insurance cover?
Most 457 health insurance funds cover the basic requirements to apply for a 457 visa. Some of these include accidental injury, public and private hospital cover, repatriation cover, cover for theatre and intensive care fees, and emergency ambulance cover. Check with your individual fund about the benefits they provide.
Do I need to get a health examination to get 457 health insurance?
All applicants are required to undergo health examinations to get 457 health insurance, and the number of health examinations you may need depends on your personal circumstances. You may need more or fewer health examinations depending on your personal circumstances, including:
- Your country of citizenship
- Your period of stay
- The presence of any significant medical conditions
- The type of visa you are applying for
- Your country level of tuberculosis risk as explained here
- The time you’ve spent in another country during the last 5 years
- Your intended activities in Australia
The process will apply to both you, and any family members who are included in your application.
It is also a requirement that you have adequate health insurance unless you are already covered by Medicare via reciprocal country agreement. Your 457 health insurance must provide at least the minimum level of coverage required and it must cover you for the entire length of your stay in Australia.
Your health insurance company does not have to be located in Australia – you can get insurance from a company located in your home country.
Compare 457 Health Insurance with Canstar
Australian health insurers offer a range of Overseas Visitor Covers that comply with 457 visa requirements. The products are generally called Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC). We here at Canstar provide a comparison of a number of companies that offer this particular health insurance, so start comparing your options today:
