The Department of Home Affairs has updated its guidance about adequate health insurance for Australian visa applicants and visa holders.
If you are applying for an Australian visa or currently hold a temporary visa, it is important to understand whether you need health insurance and what healthcare costs you may be responsible for while in Australia.
Why Health Insurance Is Important
Most temporary visa holders and visitors are not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
This means you may need to pay for your own medical treatment and other healthcare costs while you are in Australia. These costs can be significant, particularly if you require hospital treatment or unexpected medical care.
Having appropriate private health insurance can help protect you against unexpected healthcare expenses during your stay.
Health Insurance May Be a Visa Requirement
For some Australian visas, maintaining adequate health insurance may also be part of the visa requirements or conditions.
The type of health insurance you need will depend on the visa you hold and your individual circumstances. It is therefore important to understand the requirements that apply to your particular visa.
Home Affairs Has Updated Its Guidance
The Department of Home Affairs has updated its guidance to make it easier for visa applicants and visa holders to understand adequate health insurance requirements and their healthcare responsibilities in Australia.
Home Affairs has also released a new Adequate Health Insurance Factsheet, which provides practical information about these requirements.
Check Your Health Insurance Requirements
If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa or already hold a temporary visa, you should check whether adequate health insurance is required for your visa and ensure you maintain appropriate cover where required.
For further information, you can read the official Home Affairs guidance and factsheet below.
Source: Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs, 6 October 2026.
Adequate Health Insurance Factsheet – Department of Home Affairs
Adequate health insurance for visa holders – Department of Home Affairs