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Choose from 19 overseas visitor health cover policies to meet your visa requirements for when you come to australia..

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What is overseas visitors health cover?

What's not covered by ovhc, do you need overseas visitor health cover, reciprocal health care agreements, what if my visa has changed, what is condition 8501, which health funds offer visitors health cover in australia, frequently asked questions.

Overseas Health

Overseas funds

Overseas visitors health cover (OVHC) is private health insurance designed specifically for people coming to Australia on a temporary visa. It's mandatory on some visas, but you may be exempt if you're a citizen of a country with a reciprocal health care agreement. If you're a student, you may need overseas student health cover .

OVHC can cover the following:

Hospital care

Cheaper policies will cover emergency ambulance rides and treatment in a hospital , plus accommodation fees. Other common services include cover for hernias, cancer and joint replacements.

Extras (out-of-hospital services)

Extras cover includes out-of-hospital care such as dental, optical, physiotherapy and chiropractic . Some more expensive OVHC policies will cover these treatments automatically. In other cases, you may need to take out a separate extras policy in addition to basic OVHC cover.

Doctor's appointments

This is when you need to make an appointment at a doctor's clinic, known as a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia, because you're feeling unwell or have some other health issue that may require medication.

Prescribed medicine

If you are on medication, it's likely worth getting a policy that will cover your prescriptions. Otherwise, medicine can be quite expensive in Australia.

Repatriation

If you become seriously unwell or suffer a life-altering disability, most overseas visitor policies will pay to fly you home under medical supervision.

There are some conditions and treatments that OVHC won't typically cover. Here are a few of the most common:

• Ambulance rides that aren't considered an emergency
• Elective cosmetic surgery such as a nose job or breast implants
• Treatment arranged in advance of your arrival in Australia
• IVF and other assisted reproductive services
• Services provided outside of Australia

If you plan on working in Australia, your visa application will generally require you to have OVHC in place by the time you enter Australia, unless you're a citizen of a country that has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.

When should you get overseas visitor health cover?

Migrants need to have health insurance from the time that they enter Australia . For example: Scenario 1) John Doe applies for a visa offshore and the visa is granted. He will arrive in Australia at 4:00am on 20/09/2022. He should get a health insurance policy that starts at 12:00am 20/09/2022. Scenario 2) Jane Doe is already in Australia under a particular visa that requires her to have health insurance, and applies for a subsequent visa onshore that also has this requirement. As she should already have a health insurance policy, she should continue to pay for this policy on an ongoing basis.

Kaku Caro Immigration Lawyer - LegalVision

If you're from 1 of the 11 specific countries in the list below, you're eligible for Medicare and won't be required to have OVHC (although we still recommend it). That's because your country and Australia have an agreement called a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) .

Here are the countries that have an RHCA with Australia:

• To another visa
• To Permanent Residency (PR)

If you're changing to another visa, your best bet is to just carry on with the OVHC cover that you already have. For example, if you are on a temporary graduate visa (485) and are switching over to a temporary skill shortage visa (482).

If you've got your PR, then you are not required to keep your OVHC – but make sure you don't cancel before you get it. Once your PR has been approved, you will be eligible for private health insurance like most Australians.

You know that visa requirement we've been talking about? That's requirement 8501 , and it means your visa may not be approved if you don't have health cover in place when you arrive in Australia.

To meet condition 8501, your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Be fully comprehensive
• Provide cover that is equivalent to or better than Medicare
• Cover prescriptions

Applicants generally provide a letter or policy statement from the insurance provider indicating that the person(s) have made adequate arrangements for health insurance. Generally speaking, health insurance is not a requirement for the visa to be granted . Rather, it is a visa condition imposed as part of the visa grant, commencing when they enter Australia.

To provide evidence you have adequate health insurance in place, most insurers will send you a copy of your policy as soon as you purchase it. You can attach this to your visa application.

Which visas need mandatory health insurance?

I arrived in Australia from the UK with no clue about health insurance, medicare or bulk billing! However, getting OVHC was a requirement for my visa. I took out a policy with Allianz, which covered the visa condition 8501. Policies with GP and dental visits cost quite a lot more, so i just got a basic policy for $80 that would cover me if i needed to go to Emergency. Luckily, i haven't had to use the policy much, but it's been great having peace of mind while also keeping the Australian Government happy!

• Participating health funds
• Full list of health funds

Is OVHC private health insurance?

Yes. OVHC is private health insurance, designed for international visitors on a temporary visa.

What’s the cheapest OVHC?

The cheapest OVHC policy is HCF Short Stay Visitor Visa according to our research of 14+ policies. It costs $55.50 per month.

Can you get dental with OVHC?

Yes. Some OVHC policies provide cover for dental treatment including general dental services like cleanings and simple fillings as well as major dental work like root canals, crowns and bridges.

Not all insurers offer it, but the ones that do usually include it in their top-level policies only. You can also get dental cover by purchasing a standalone "extras" policy on top of your OVHC.

How does OVHC work for pregnancy?

Most OVHC policies will cover pregnancy, but at a reduced rate compared to other covered treatments. That's because not everyone needs pregnancy-related services and it's generally not considered an unexpected medical need.

Insurers who cover pregnancy at a reduced rate (typically in a basic policy) will pay your hospital accommodation fees in a public hospital, but the rest will be up to you, including doctors fees, delivery fees, blood tests, ultrasounds and anaesthesia.

However, some insurers do offer higher levels of private pregnancy cover that also include your choice of an obstetrician. These insurers will offer full cover for pregnancy within their mid- or top-level policies.

For private pregnancy, you will have a waiting period of 12 months before you can use it. That means you will have to buy your policy well before you get pregnant.

Can you get overseas visitors health cover with no waiting periods?

The only way you can get out of your OVHC waiting periods is if you already served them with another insurer and you're switching to a similar policy with a new insurer. If you are taking out OVHC for the first time, you'll have to wait around 2 months for most treatments and 12 months for pre-existing conditions.

Do couples and families need overseas visitors health cover?

If your visa requires you to have health insurance and the other members of your family are coming over on the same visa as you, everyone will be required to have OVHC. Most insurers offer singles, couples and family policies so that you can all be covered under the same policy.

Do you need to inform your health fund if your visa status changes?

If you are switching to another visa that also requires you to have health cover, you'll probably need to ask your insurer for proof of cover to provide with your visa application. Otherwise, it's not necessary to let your insurer know about your visa change unless you want to make changes to your policy, cancel your policy or switch to a new policy.

Does extras cover satisfy the health insurance conditions of your visa?

No, if your visa requires you to have health insurance, a standalone extras policy won't cut it because it won't cover in-hospital treatments. Only an OVHC policy will meet your visa requirements, although you are free to purchase a standalone extras policy on top of your OVHC for additional cover.

Do I need OVHC if I'm eligible for Medicare?

No, but even with Medicare cover, it's still a good idea to get overseas visitor health cover because it covers you for the following (whereas Medicare won't):

• Emergency ambulance rides
• Dental work (only with some policies)
• Medical evacuation to your home country if you need it
• Your own private room in a private hospital (or as a private patient in a public hospital)
• Your choice of doctor
• Natural therapies (only on some policies)

In addition to that, if you make more than $93,000 per year and you don't have private health insurance, you will be required to pay a tax called the Medicare Levy Surcharge .

How does switching OVHC work?

You'll need to get a clearance certificate from your current health fund, before you switch to your new one. Once you switch, you won't need to serve any waiting periods if you already served them on your previous fund.

Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

Read more on this topic

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If you’re in Australia on a bridging visa, it’s important that you choose a suitable level of private health insurance cover.

HIF Overseas Visitors Health Cover provide varying levels of hospital and extras cover that complies with visa requirements for those coming to Australia for work or leisure.

Find an adequate level of private health insurance to cover any medical costs incurred during your trip to Australia on a subclass 600 visa.

HCF Overseas Visitor Health Cover offers hospital and optional extras cover for overseas visitors who are eligible to work in Australia but who are not covered by Medicare.

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Allianz Care Australia

Overseas visitor health cover  , why choose allianz care australia.

Access to health care

24/7 Emergency Phone

Receive certificate of insurance online

Adequate health insurance (visa condition 8501)

Health insurance for overseas visitors and workers.

Working Visa Health Insurance

Visas 482, 485 , 417 , 188, 403, 408  and more.

For when you are temporarily working in Australia or you are visiting on a working holiday.

We offer a range of cover options to suit your budget and health needs.

Visas we cover

Health Insurance for Visitors or Tourists

Visas, 600, 601, 651, 870  and more.

For when you are visiting Australia on holiday, or for your family if they are visiting from overseas.

We offer a range of cover options to suit your budget and health needs. 

We support you during your time in Australia

Allianz care telehealth powered by doctors on demand, access to help and support, find a doctor online tool.

Our find a doctor tool helps you find health professionals close by that bill us directly.  Simply enter your postcode and choose your closest health professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is health insurance for international visitors visiting or working in Australia on a temporary visa. OVHC is available for people travelling to Australia on holidays, visiting relatives, or for those who are working on a temporary basis.

If you become sick or have an accident while you are here in Australia, Allianz Care Australia OVHC will help you pay for your medical costs.

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or a citizen of a country that has a Reciprocal Health Agreement with Australia, you will not be eligible for Medicare - the public health insurance system. Without access to Medicare, paying for medical treatment can be prohibitively expensive.

If your visa is subject to condition 8501, you’re required to maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and any family. This means that maintaining adequate health insurance is a mandatory requirement while the visa holder is in Australia.

There might be times when you are sick or injured and need assistance. Your OVHC covers you for medical costs that would normally be covered by the Australian Medicare system if you were an Australian resident.

Whether you’re coming to Australia for a holiday, visiting family or friends, or visiting for work, we provide OVHC that meets visa condition 8501 which applies to the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage and 485 Temporary Graduate visas as well as others.

Overseas visitors may want to consider OVHC to help pay for medical treatment in Australia as it can be expensive and y ou may not be eligible for Medicare (the public health insurance system for Australian residents). OVHC is a requirement if your visa is subject to visa condition 8501. Allianz Care Australia OVHC policies meet the requirements of adequate health insurance (visa condition 8501).

When you are away from home, it is important to know medical treatment is available and affordable if something was to happen to you. 

For relevant visa types subject to visa condition 8501, the Australian Government requires that you and your dependants have adequate health insurance for the entire length of your and your dependants' stay in Australia.

Your cover starts on the later of, the start date shown on your Certificate of Insurance, the date your eligible visa is granted or the date of your arrival in Australia.

Your cover ceases on the date of your departure from Australia, the date you cease to hold an eligible visa, the date we or you cancel your policy or the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance, whichever occurs first.

In Australia, health care is made up of a mixture of services funded by the Australian Government and private health insurance. Australian residents are automatically covered for many hospital and medical costs under the Government’s Medicare scheme, but many Australians choose to take out additional cover through the private health care system.

Medicare covers areas of medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, but doesn’t cover medical services like private hospital costs, dental, physiotherapy and similar services, emergency ambulance assistance or other transport to hospital.

For international workers and visitors who are not covered under Medicare, you can purchase  Overseas Visitor Health Cover  (OVHC).

If your visa type requires you to maintain adequate health insurance while you are in Australia (visa condition 8501), Allianz Care Australia OVHC policies meet the requirements of adequate health insurance (visa condition 8501).

If your visa type is not subject to condition 8501 and you are not eligible for Medicare, you may like to consider purchasing an Allianz Care Australia OVHC policy to ensure that you have cover for any unplanned medical or hospital care you may need while in Australia.

You can check your visa conditions  here

For the list of visas that we cover, click  here

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What health insurance do I need for my Australian visa?

Are you planning on visiting Australia for work, study or travel? If the answer is yes, you will need to apply for a visa.

For help finding the right visa, use the  Department of Immigration and Border Protection's Visa Finder .

Many Australian visas require you to get health insurance. Each visa is different, but generally, they will want to see proof that you’ve purchased adequate health cover with the minimum medical, hospital and ambulance cover. 

Medibank offers several overseas health cover plans  for people visiting Australia, whether alone or with partners or families. These can help meet the health insurance requirements of the relevant visas, and allow you to relax, knowing that you and your loved ones are members of by Australia’s leading health insurance provider.

We’ve answered some frequently asked questions for student, worker and visitor visas below. If you have more questions,  contact Medibank . 

Student Visas

What visa do i need to study in australia .

There is now only the Student visa -  subclass 500  - no matter if you’re coming to study at university, TAFE, or high school. If you hold a closed student visa - subclasses 570-576 - the following information is for you too.

If you are planning to study in Australia for less than three months, you may be eligible for a visitor visa. 

What kind of health insurance do I need for my student visa?

To be granted a Student visa for Australia you must purchase  Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) . 

There are some countries with special agreements with Australia, and people from those countries may be exempt from needing OSHC.  Find out if you are from one of those countries here. 

What does OSHC cover me for? 

At the least, an OSHC plan must provide adequate medical and hospital cover, plus emergency ambulance transport and limited pharmaceutical cover. This will help with the costs for some doctors and hospital visits, should you need them.  Here’s a detailed list of what to look for in an OSHC plan .

What doesn’t OSHC cover me for? 

Here’s a detailed list of treatments not covered in a basic OSHC plan .

OSHC generally doesn’t cover you for services such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. But if you’d like to be covered for these services, you can take out ancillary or extras cover. You can  talk to Medibank 's overseas health cover team about the best extras cover for you. 

Extras cover

Extras cover gives you money back for non-hospital services such as dental, physio, optical and more.

The amount of money you can claim back depends on the level of cover you have.

Generally speaking, the higher the level of cover, the higher your annual limit and higher the percentage you can claim back.

What does Medibank offer?

Medibank offers two different OSHC plans  to visiting students and their partners and families. Both plans are 100% compliant with your visa health insurance requirements, and both can be upgraded with optional extras. 

Working Visas

What visa do i need to work in australia .

If you’re coming to Australia to work temporarily you will most likely need to apply for a working-type visa, the most common types are the  Temporary Skill Shortage visa 482 ,  Temporary Graduate visa 485 , or  Working Holiday visa 417. 

What kind of health insurance do I need for my work visa? 

To be granted a 482 visa or 485 visa for Australia you must purchase a suitable level of health cover. Medibank offers  Working Visa Health Cover , which is 100 per cent compliant for these visas.

Purchasing health insurance isn’t mandatory for 417 visas, but it is recommended you get cover anyway. 

There are some countries that have special agreements with Australia, and people from those countries may be eligible to receive subsidised healthcare once they arrive.  Find out if you are from one of those countries here.

What does working visa health cover provide? 

At the least, a working visa health cover plan must provide coverage for in-patient medical services and hospital cover, plus ambulance cover. This will help with the costs of some doctors and hospital visits, should you need them.

What doesn’t working visa health cover provide? 

Most working visa health covers don’t cover you for services such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. If you want any of these services covered, you can purchase a higher level plan, or take ancillary or extras cover. You can  talk to Medibank 's overseas health cover team about the best extras cover for you.

What does Medibank offer? 

Medibank offers four different plans  for people working temporarily in Australia. Each one offers unlimited emergency ambulance cover + , and all meet the minimum requirements for your visa. Choose from basic cover with the bare necessities, up to comprehensive cover with included extras. Plus, if you buy online you’ll get your visa health insurance certificate immediately.

Visitor Visas 

What visa do i need to visit australia for a holiday or business.

If you’re coming to Australia for a visit or for business, you will most likely need to apply for a  Visitors visa 600 ,  an eVisitor visa 651  or an  Electronic Travel Authority 601 .  Here’s a full list of visitor and business visitor visas . 

What kind of health insurance do I need for my visitor visa?

Generally, you don’t need to hold health insurance to be granted a visitor or business visitor visa for Australia. However Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) means you can enjoy your trip, knowing your health insurance will help pay for the essential treatment you’re most likely to need in Australia. 

Medibank offers Overseas Visitor Health Insurance  for people visiting Australia who are not eligible for student or working visa health cover, with unlimited emergency ambulance cover + . 

What doesn’t Overseas Visitor Health Insurance provide?

Overseas Visitor Health Insurance is a basic level of cover and doesn’t cover you for general medical treatments such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. 

Overseas Visitor Health Insurance may not be suitable if you are subject to visa condition 8501 - you may need a comprehensive level of health cover, call us on 132 331 to discuss with our Overseas Health Cover team.

 + For ambulance attendance and transportation to a hospital where immediate professional attention is required and your medical condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way.

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Looking for something else?

Visit our Overseas Health Cover Guides homepage to find more information and advice.

Your guide to navigating Australian healthcare

Most visitors to Australia have no access to Medicare. Like most countries in the world, health care costs in Australia can be expensive.

Need some help?

We’re here to help you choose the health cover that matches your needs while you’re in Australia.  Contact Medibank how it suits you; messaging, WeChat, in-store or by phone.

Overseas students (OSHC)

Message one of our friendly staff about your cover options.

Visitor, working and working holiday (OVHC)

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Things you should know

While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs.  You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care . While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).

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COVID-19 Health Assist - Expression of interest

Complete this form to express your interest in one of our programs. If you're eligible, a member of our team will call you within 2-3 business days.

What program are you interested in?

Sorry, only members with current Hospital cover are eligible to participate in these programs

Eligible Medibank members with Extras cover are able to access a range of telehealth services included on their cover - you can find out more here . Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our team about your cover, we're here on 132 331 .

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By clicking Submit, I understand that Medibank or its subsidiaries may contact me to discuss my eligibility for the Covid-19 Heath Assist program(s), and will disclose my personal information within the Medibank Group of companies and to third party service providers. Please see Medibank’s privacy policy for further information about how Medibank will handle my personal information, and how to contact Medibank: https://www.medibank.com.au/privacy/

Thank you for expressing your interest in one of our COVID-19 Health Assist programs.

If you are eligible, one of our health professionals will call you in 2-3 business days to discuss your situation and help to enrol you in the relevant program.

There is no cost to participate, however some referred services may incur an out of pocket cost.

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Australia Travel Insurance for Visitors

Travel insurance and safety advice for visitors to australia.

Learn what you need to know about travel insurance and safety for an Australian journey, including our top seven tips for safe travel.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Australia?

You are not required to have travel insurance to visit Australia, but it is strongly encouraged. Australia’s government travel authority says, “ If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.”

Medical care in Australia can be expensive for travelers and visitors. A doctor or dentist visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Most hospital stays, for emergencies or illnesses, cost a visitor several thousand dollars – often more. Visitor health coverage in Australia is worth the investment if you get sick or injured.

Read the fine print of your travel insurance before you sign up for a plan. Try to match the insurance coverage with your trip plans and coverage needs. If you are scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, for example, make sure appropriate adventure sports insurance is included when considering travel insurance policies. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, make sure those will be treated with the coverage you select.

Some Countries Share Reciprocal Health Care with Australia – and Their Visitors Still Choose Travel Insurance

People from some countries can receive coverage for emergency health care in Australia as part of a reciprocal health care agreement. These countries include the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, and Malta.

However, travelers from these countries still purchase travel insurance with comprehensive health coverage for visits to Australia. Travel health insurance provides many more benefits than basic emergency care. These can include repatriation support or special travel accommodations after an emergency.

Related: Health Insurance in Australia for Expats and Foreigners

What Vaccinations Are Required for Travel to Australia?

Travelers who have been in a yellow fever danger zone within six days before their arrival in Australia also need to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

You may want a rabies vaccine if you plan on outdoor activities, like caving or conservation volunteering, where you might get bitten by a bat. While Australia is rabies-free, its bats can carry the closely related illness, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which the rabies vaccine also protects against. Get the rabies vaccine two weeks before you travel, and bring proof of vaccination with you.

Starting in November 2021, travelers to Australia had to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, that requirement was lifted in July 2022. For the latest information about COVID-19 and travel from Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs . Since issues around the COVID-19 pandemic change rapidly, you should also keep up to date with the  Australia Travel Declaration in case it becomes necessary again.

Bring Your Necessary Medications and Prescriptions

You need to bring your own medications to Australia, and it’s helpful to bring printed copies of your necessary prescriptions. When packing your medication for your trip, leave all medication in its original, labeled container. Try to bring enough to cover your entire trip. For any medications you need, also bring a prescription and note from your doctor containing the generic name of the drug and an explanation of why you need the medication.

Some drugs found over-the-counter in your home may need a prescription in Australia. These include oral contraceptives, asthma medication, all antibiotics, and medicine for pre-existing medical conditions.

Get Online Travel Insurance Quotes for Australia

You should have travel insurance that includes visitor health cover and cover for theft, evacuation, repatriation, and trip interruption. We have two recommendations for the best travel insurance for visitors to Australia.

For most travelers to Australia, we recommend the Atlas Travel Insurance plan for affordable global coverage. For US citizens traveling to Australia, we recommend GeoBlue Voyager Insurance. This is a premium option with a high level of coverage for a slightly higher rate. Get quotes for each of these options here.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Seven Top Tips for Travel Safety in Australia

Here are our top seven tips for safe travel and travel insurance in Australia. With common sense and good travel insurance, you can prepare for every adventure Australia offers.

1.       Be Sensible Around Personal Security

Australia is a relatively safe destination for personal security. Take special care when out late at night in city centers. Do you plan on enjoying the nightlife? Have fun, but don’t leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. And only get rides from licensed taxis or rideshare providers.

If you are staying in a quiet rural area, lock your doors, and keep valuables and luggage in your lodging, not in your vehicle. Tourist rental cars sometimes get broken into at remote parking lots for natural attractions. A travel insurance plan with theft and loss coverage will support you if this happens.

2.       Stay Informed With Australian Travel Warnings and Updates

Australian emergency services provide travel warnings and updates. Check the Australian Bureau of Meteorolog y for reports about weather and, in summer, bush fires.

In 2019 and 2020, extreme bush fires in Australia made international news. If you are visiting an area and a bush fire breaks out, follow local evacuation orders. Travel insurance can support you if your plan covers evacuation and accommodation around emergencies or travel delays.

3.       Prepare for Weather Extremes – Sun and Heat, Dryness and Rain

Out of all the outdoor perils in Australia, you are most likely to encounter the harsh sun. The saying Down Under is "slip, slop, and slap" – slip on a shirt, slop on lots of sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Even schoolchildren wear hats and long sleeves to go outside at recess. Sunscreen is required, too. Australian high-SPF sunscreens, starting at 30 SPF, are made for Australian conditions. A good visitor health plan will cover you if you need emergency care for an extreme sunburn – but you’ll still have to deal with discomfort and inconvenience.

Australian weather can be extreme. A warm day can cool down to a chilly evening. Summer days in desert areas like Alice Springs can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The intense sun can be dry and thirst-inducing one day, and the next day can bring monsoon-like rains. When you go on night-time tours, it can get extremely cold. Bring layers of clothing to wear, and accessorize with your favorite hat and water bottle.

4.       Watch Out for Wildlife

Australian wildlife is famous for being venomous, poisonous, and dangerous. You are most likely to encounter the smaller venomous animals. Snakes often bask by roadsides, in parking lots, and on hiking trails. Spiders love to sneak into human bathrooms and surprise you at night. To avoid both, wear shoes or sandals, and shake out clothes and footwear before you put them on. In the water, watch out for jellyfish. Australians nickname them "stingers"  because of their often powerful and occasionally fatal sting. Beaches that have a lot of jellyfish usually post warning signs.

Most people are wary around sharks and crocodiles in Australian waters. Swim securely at beaches with lifeguards and other people around. Lifeguards will warn you if they see or hear about risky creatures. Lifeguards can also provide first aid and get you to help. A beautiful beach with no swimmers and no lifeguards may conceal dangerous creatures!

The smallest animals in Australia can make you very uncomfortable. Insects like mosquitos, ticks, and sandflies are major pests. Mosquitos can carry diseases, including dengue fever, encephalitis, and Ross River virus. Sandfly bites are notorious for being very uncomfortable.

Protect yourself from insect stings. Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. Sleep in rooms with screened windows. And invest in Australian insect repellent with at least 20% DEET, even if you wouldn't use it normally. If an insect bite is swollen or infected, get emergency care for the reaction. This will be covered by a good travel health insurance plan.

5.       Swim and Boat Safely

Australia is full of beautiful beaches and idyllic rivers. The first point of being safe around them is, again, to swim at beaches with lifeguards and other people. If a beach or a river is empty of people, there is often a good reason for that: contaminated water, dangerous currents, or the presence of sharks and crocodiles.

Visitors often rent jet skis, kayaks, and other boating equipment. Follow the safety instructions and laws when you hire these and go out on the water. Always wear a life jacket, and never go out on unfamiliar waters alone. If you’re planning on jet skis and kayaks, boost your travel insurance with adventure sports coverage.

6.       Driving the Outback? Be Prepared

Adventure-minded travelers love to hit the road in Australia. In Australia, the road rules are to drive on the left side of the road. Not familiar with this? Take some time to practice in a quiet area. A car rental location can often tell you a good area nearby to practice Australian driving.

For long rural drives in Australia, know that you are driving through remote deserts. Bring extra gasoline, water and food in your vehicle. Let someone know when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to arrive. If you are looking at Google maps and you don’t see any small towns or buildings, that means no places to buy food or fuel. So be prepared!

Roads in the Outback are often unpaved, dusty and stony. Watch out for rocks damaging axles and stones chipping windscreens. If it rains, you can suddenly be driving in a stream bed. Most distressing of all, if you don’t drive carefully, you might hit an animal, especially at night. Kangaroo-and-car collisions are very common. Make sure that you have comprehensive vehicle insurance so that all these things are covered – even the kangaroo collision.

7.       Get Ready When Hiking or Tramping

Hiking or tramping in the Outback or natural parks like the Blue Mountains calls for extra safety, too. Here are some of the basics for hiking safely in Australia. Planning to hike? Definitely learn more before you go.

Again, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. You may ask a local if anything unusual has happened in the area where you plan to hike, such as a forest fire. Bring more food and water than you need and first aid supplies. Dress for the extremes of the weather where you are going. Serious hikers can rent a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon in case of emergency. Consider buying Emergency Evacuation Insurance which will transport you to the closest medical facility able to handle your injury or illness.

The best safety aid in the Outback is an experienced guide. Guides will provide first aid, communication help, and knowledge of the country. Hiring a local guide is an excellent way to support Australia’s many indigenous communities. A good guide makes your Outback journey far safer and truly special.

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Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Do I need travel insurance to visit Australia?

Best travel coverage for visiting australia, what does travel insurance for australia cover, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for australia, how much does travel insurance for australia cost, tips for getting the best australia travel insurance, australia travel information & requirements, australia travel insurance faqs, related topics.

Australia Travel Insurance: Trip Info & Quotes for U.S. Visitors

• To travel to Australia, you must have a valid U.S. passport , but you don’t need a visa.
• The Australian government doesn’t require American tourists to purchase travel insurance, but it’s wise to have at least medical and medical evacuation coverage since your U.S. health insurance won’t work in Australia .
• In addition to medical emergencies, travel insurance can also cover things like trip cancellations, trip interruptions and rental car damage .
• According to our research, our top picks for travel insurance for Australia come from Travel Insured, Travelex and Faye ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
• We recommend using an online comparison tool to find the best travel insurance policy to suit your needs.

Our top picks for the best australia travel insurance

• Travel Insured International: Best for Robust Coverage
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Basic Medical Coverage
• Faye Travel Insurance: Best for Digital Claims Process & App

Our top picks for travel insurance for Australia

Travel insured international, travelex insurance services, faye travel insurance.

Australia doesn’t require U.S. tourists to buy travel insurance, but we highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive policy before your trip commences.

Below are some risks you may encounter that would make purchasing travel insurance worthwhile .

Risks with adventure activities

Australia is one of the best places to visit if you love parasailing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, diving and other adventure activities. Unfortunately, these activities are risky, so there’s a chance that you’ll break a bone or sustain some other type of injury.

Travel insurance covers medical expenses and other costs associated with these injuries, ensuring you don’t end up with a huge hospital bill. This type of insurance is especially helpful if you plan to explore the Great Barrier Reef, take an excursion into the Outback or swim near the shoreline of one of Australia’s beautiful beaches.

Risks due to wildlife

Australia is full of dangerous critters, from venomous spiders and snakes to aggressive kangaroos. Depending on where you visit, you may end up encountering an unfriendly Tasmanian devil. U.S. medical insurance typically doesn’t work in Australia, so it’s important to have travel insurance for these unexpected situations. If you’re bitten by a Tasmanian devil or sustain some other wildlife-related injury, travel insurance takes the place of your regular medical insurance.

Risks due to bushfires

Bushfires  have a high heat output and can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time. If you find yourself in Australia during one of these fires, you may have to contend with damage to your rental car or your personal belongings. Comprehensive travel insurance may reimburse you for damaged or destroyed items, or it may reimburse your rental car agency for the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.

Risks related to long-distance driving

Australia has many isolated regions that are hundreds of miles from the nearest populated area. You may have to drive several hundred miles to reach your destination, so it’s important to have travel insurance before you set off on an adventure.

Best for Robust Coverage

Why we like it.

• Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• No rental car coverage

Best for Basic Medical Coverage

• Plans can be customized with upgrades
• Children 17 and under included for free with some plans
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions available
• CFAR coverage is available as an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance plan
• Optional CFAR coverage only reimburses 50% of prepaid travel expenses, which is less than some competitors
• Travel Select plan only has $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, which is lower than some competitors
• The baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour waiting period
• CFAR coverage is not available with all Travelex plans

Best for Digital Claims Process & App

Editor's take

Faye is a new travel insurance disruptor that offers an innovative solution to travel insurance with a digital-first approach. What sets them apart is their user-friendly solution to a traditionally bureaucratic system. With Faye, users can manage everything online or via the Faye app – including the entire booking and claims process. Although it’s a newer provider in the travel insurance industry, Faye is already rising as a fan favorite among young, tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads who want quick, convenient, and reliable travel insurance without having to go through an agent.

Apart from their online-first approach, Faye is easy to use and caters to all types of travelers including those who may want help via phone support.

Another feature that sets Faye apart from the competition is their plan offerings. Faye offers one base plan with an array of comprehensive coverage and optional add-ons to customize your plan.

Potential Add-ons include:

• Rental car care
• Cancel for any reason
• Vacation rental damage
• Adventure & extreme sports

If you are looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to insure your vacation, consider opting for Faye travel insurance. *Note: Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

Read our full review

• Friendly agents
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
• Prompt replies to questions
• Long wait times for reimbursement
• Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat

Travel insurance can cover a wide range of circumstances, but each plan has different inclusions and exclusions. Here is a look at the most important types of travel insurance coverage to consider getting when visiting Australia.

Trip cancellation insurance

Australia is far away and is a developed nation on par with the United States. That means trips to Australia are usually quite expensive. It’s never fun to cancel a vacation you’ve been looking forward to for months, but it’s even worse when a cancellation results in significant financial losses.

Trip cancellation insurance protects you if you have to cancel your trip to Australia for a reason stipulated in the policy. For example, if one of your travel companions is diagnosed with a serious illness before your departure date, you can use your insurance to recoup pre-paid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

If you want to have coverage for any type of circumstance, you can also purchase cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance . Typically sold as an add-on, this type of coverage will reimburse you for around 50% to 70% of your total prepaid costs .

Trip delay insurance

To get to Australia, you may have to rely on the services of multiple common carriers. For example, you may have to fly to Australia and then take a ferry to your final destination. Trip delay insurance reimburses you for any expenses you incur as the result of a common carrier delay. If your flight is canceled, for example, your insurer may reimburse you for meals, a hotel, additional transportation costs, and other related expenses.

Trip interruption insurance

Imagine that you arrive in Australia, enjoy a few days of fun and then come down with a severe illness. You’re so sick that you have to return to the United States sooner than expected. Trip interruption insurance reimburses your pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses in this type of scenario. It should also cover the cost of adjusting your travel plans or accessing emergency assistance services.

Travel medical insurance

As noted previously, it’s unlikely you will be be able to use your U.S. health insurance in Australia . Therefore, it’s important to have travel medical insurance to cover things like urgent care, hospitalization, blood tests, CT scans and other healthcare services. If you’re injured while snorkeling or suddenly develop appendicitis during your trip, you can rest easy knowing that your medical expenses are covered.

Medical evacuation insurance

If you’re injured in the Outback, you can’t exactly hop in a cab and get to a hospital within a few minutes. Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transporting you to a healthcare facility that’s capable of meeting your needs. For example, if you need emergency assistance, your policy may cover the cost of air medical services (like helicopter transportation).

Insurance for personal items

We recommend that you leave your valuables at home, but if you just have to take jewelry, designer clothing or expensive sports equipment on your trip, make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for lost, stolen and damaged items. This type of coverage reimburses you if a common carrier loses or damages your luggage or its contents.

Rental car coverage

Rental car coverage can protect you under the following circumstances:

• You’re involved in an auto accident caused by someone else.
• Someone vandalizes your rental vehicle.
• Someone steals your rental vehicle.

If your policy includes this type of coverage, your insurer will reimburse the rental agency any time you experience a covered loss. For example, if you get into a fender-bender in one of Sydney’s famous traffic jams, your insurance company should reimburse the rental agency for the cost of repairs.

Travel insurance for Australia doesn’t cover the following:

• Pre-existing conditions: If you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like asthma or diabetes before you buy your travel insurance, your insurer won’t pay for medical expenses associated with that diagnosis. In some cases, however, you can opt for a plan with a waiver. This can ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions during your trip.
• Illegal activities: Travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses arising from any illegal activities, such as injuries that occur while under the influence of illicit substances.
• Fear of travel: If you book a trip and then suddenly develop a fear of flying, your insurance company won’t reimburse you for your pre-paid expenses. The same applies to a fear of seeing a spider or encountering a Tasmanian devil during your trip.
• Expected events: Travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses associated with events that you knew about (or should have known about) before a trip. For example, if you book a trip and buy insurance after a named storm has started developing, your insurer won’t reimburse you if the storm forces you to cancel or interrupt your trip.

For a trip to Australia, we found that the cost of travel insurance ranges from less than $1 per day to around $11 per day depending on the type of coverage.

To give you a better idea, we requested multiple quotes from leading travel insurance providers.

These quotes are based on the following criteria:

• Age: 35 years old
• Destination: Australia
• Trip Length: 7 days
• Trip cost: $2,000

You can see our quotes for basic travel insurance in the following table. The cheapest travel insurance plan costs just under $1 per day .

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

The plans in this next table are more comprehensive. In addition to medical and medical evacuation coverage, they also include trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. According to our quotes, these plans cost between $7 and $11 per day .

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

Your costs won’t be exactly the same, as insurance companies base their premiums on these factors:

• Trip cost: Insurance companies reimburse you for up to 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. The more your trip costs, the more your insurance provider has to pay you if you experience a covered loss. Therefore, the cost of your insurance plan depends on the cost of your trip.
• Age: Older people are more likely to develop serious medical problems while traveling, so it costs more to insure a 60-year-old or 70-year-old traveler than it does to insure someone in their 20s.
• Insurance benefits: Some travel insurance plans come with more benefits than others. For example, a plan that offers $1 million in medical evacuation coverage will cost more than a plan that comes with only $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
• Destination: Some destinations are riskier than others, so insurance companies charge different rates based on your itinerary.
• Add-on coverage: You may need to purchase add-on coverage, such as insurance for adventure activities. If so, you’ll pay an additional premium for the extra benefits.

To find the best travel insurance for your needs, follow these tips:

Consider how you’re getting to and around Australia.

You’ll have to take an airplane from the United States to Australia, but depending on your plans, you may also need to ride a train or take a ferry at some point. The more carriers you use, the more likely you are to experience delays and other problems, increasing the amount of coverage needed.

Think carefully about what you plan to do.

If you want to visit the Sydney Opera House and check out the Australian Museum, you won’t need as much coverage as someone who plans to camp in the Outback or go parasailing over the Gold Coast. You may also want to limit your cancellation costs by purchasing cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Time your purchase carefully.

Although you can buy Overseas Visitors Cover when you arrive, it’s typically cheaper to purchase travel insurance well in advance of your trip.

Are there COVID-19 restrictions for U.S. tourists?

No. Australia has no COVID-19-related restrictions for American travelers. However, the Australian government does recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine, wearing masks and practicing good hygiene.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Australia?

Yes. You need a valid U.S. passport with at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

Is it safe to visit Australia?

The United States and Australia have a strong diplomatic relationship. Although there’s always some level of risk involved in traveling to a foreign country, Australia is generally safe for Americans. The U.S. Department of State has issued a  Level 1 travel advisory , indicating that you don’t need to take any special safety precautions when visiting the “Land Down Under.”

What travel insurance do I need to travel to Australia?

You’re not required to purchase travel insurance for Australia, but we highly recommend that you do. You never know when you’re going to have an emergency or encounter some kind of problem during a trip. To find the right policy to suit your needs, try using an online comparison tool .

Does American health insurance work in Australia?

In most cases, no. Medicare and Medicaid only work in the United States, and most private health insurance companies will only cover expenses if you use U.S. medical facilities.

Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Australia?

When you travel to Australia, you have the option of buying Overseas Visitors Cover. However, not many companies provide this type of coverage. There may also be waiting periods for medical coverage. Therefore, we recommend that you buy travel insurance before you leave the United States.

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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Policy Details

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Travel Insurance For Visitors To Australia

Are you visiting Australia from overseas? Or do you live in Australia and need to arrange travel insurance for friends or family visiting you?

If that's you, you might be finding it tricky to find cover. To buy a standard comprehensive travel insurance policy , most insurers in Australia require you to be a resident to qualify for cover, but there are options out there for you!

What Are Visitors Options?

Visitors to Australia can either choose to buy a policy from within their own country or opt for Overseas Visitors Cover, which unfortunately only a handful of companies in Australia offer.

What Is Overseas Visitors Cover?

Overseas Visitors or Inbound policies generally are for those travellers coming to Australia on holiday (or business) who do not have travel cover from their home country. While it is typical to purchase travel insurance from your home country before you depart, more and more travellers to Australia are taking out policies with Australian brands for their perceived reliability. With one in four Australians born overseas, and 46% of Aussies have at least one parent born overseas, increasingly these policies are bought by locals for friends and family visiting Australia.

What Are The Conditions of Inbound Travel Insurance?

• A visitors policy will typically cover your flight to Australia, the time while you are here, but cover will stop when you reach immigration at the airport when you are returning home
• Age restrictions may apply
• All or the majority of your trip must be within Australia to qualify for cover
• A waiting period may apply to medical claims
• Must purchase within a specified time frame of landing in Australia
• If you have Medicare, you may not be eligible for cover from some providers

Where Can You Buy Overseas Visitors Cover?

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

What’s Typically Included?

• Medical cover within Australia:  Medical expenses for injury or illness including hospital stays, surgery, dental, prescription drugs, doctor and dentist office visits. You will not be covered for medical treatment outside of Australia  
• Luggage and personal items:  Loss, theft or damage to luggage and personal items  
• Personal liability:  Cover in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property  
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits:  The cost of rearranging or cancelling your trip because of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accidents and extreme weather conditions   
• Rental vehicle excess:  Cover for the excess payment on your rental vehicle’s insurance if the car you are driving is involved in an accident or is stolen  
• Hospital cash allowance:  A daily allowance if you are hospitalised overseas (allowance will start after a specified period of time spent in hospital)

Like any policy there are exclusions around pre-existing medical conditions and cancellation cover, so make sure you understand your cover by reading the Product Disclosure Statement before you buy.

Just After Medical Only Cover?

If you're finding it difficult to get travel insurance, but are mainly concerned about medical benefits, perhaps you'd consider overseas visitors health insurance cover instead? A few Australian health insurers (not travel insurers) offer cover to non-Australians, but remember these policies will not include any travel insurance benefits like cancellation, luggage, or personal liability benefits  at all.  Australian Unity, Bupa, HBF, HCF and  Medibank  all offer visitors health cover.

Do You Qualify For Medicare?

Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia such as; New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia and Norway.

Lucky for you, if you're from one of these countries and you've got your Medicare card, you're covered for medical treatment you receive while you're here already.

Are You A Non-Resident Living In Australia For A Few Years?

If you're in Australia on a working holiday visa (417), a sponsorship visa (457), a defacto visa, or even a student visa you should look into  non-permanent resident travel insurance  rather than a visitors policy. Follow the link for more info.

Whether you're here for a quick visit, or an extended break, overseas visitors travel insurance cover is a vital part of every trip. Get cover today to ensure a smooth-sailing, stress free holiday!  

Travel Insurance Extraordinaire At Your Service  

Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!  

Hayley Kennedy

Originally from the UK, Hayley took a gap ‘year’ in 2011… and it’s still going! She’s travelled all over the world, volunteering in a Ugandan orphanage, skydiving in Australia, shark diving in South Africa, and skiing in the Alps (and snapping in a ligament in the process!). Certified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice and working in travel insurance for over two years, Hayley is a thrillseeker and a storyteller who loves hearing about customers’ holiday plans and sharing her own tips and must-see spots to help get them inspired.

oTHER USEFUL T ips 

non resident cover

Are you living in Australia on a temporary visa and planning a trip overseas? We've done the hard work for you. 15 out of 20 insurers offer travel insurance to non-residents. Yippee

riding a moped or scooter?

Riding a motorcycle or scooter on holiday can be a thrilling, inexpensive way to travel...until something happens! Make sure you ride safe, and have adequate cover before you hit the road.

Get your adventure activities covered

Are you a self-confessed adrenaline junkie? If you’re planning on doing some risky activities on your trip make sure you know if they’re covered, as not all of them are!

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Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.

Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. This site compares the following brands: 1Cover, AllClear, Budget Direct, Downunder, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, InsureandGo, iTrek, Simply Travel Insurance, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Travel Insuranz, Wise Traveller, Zoom Travel Insurance . The directors and shareholders are common with companies i-Trek Pty Ltd, Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Australia Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: February 23, 2024

Australia has a complex visa policy, but thankfully visiting Australia as a tourist is quite easy. Australia does not offer visa exemption, so all visitors must obtain a tourist visa. All Australia visa applications are done entirely online. 

Quick summary:

• There is no VISA-FREE access to Australia, everyone must hold either an ETA, eVisitor or Visitor visa
• ETA is available to 33 nationalities, costs 20 AUD, approved immediately
• eVisitor visa is available to 36 nationalities, free of cost and approved within a day
• Visitor visa is available to all nationalities, costs 190 AUD, processing takes 1-3 weeks 

In this article, I will summarize visa requirements, eligibility, and procedure for the four main ways to visit Australia as a tourist: the ETA, eVisitor, tourist visa, and transit visa.

Table of Contents

Australia visa requirements.

Passport validity required

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay to enter Australia as a tourist.

Entry requirements

All tourists coming to Australia must meet the following conditions:

• Must be free from any disease or condition that may be a burden to Australia’s healthcare system, such as tuberculosis.
• Must be a genuine visitor and obey the rules and conditions set by the visa.
• Must have a good character and not have a substantial criminal record.
• Must have enough money to finance your stay in Australia.

Visa Policy and Visa Types

Australia does not offer VISA-FREE access to any nationality. You would either need an ETA or a visa. The main tourist visas are summarized in the following table:

According to the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement, citizens of New Zealand receive a free Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival at any Australian port of entry . This allows them to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

All Australian visas are electronic visas. Visa information is linked to the passport number and verifiable online. 

ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, Subclass 601)

Australia ETA is available to nationals of 33 countries and territories listed below. In most cases, the ETA is approved immediately. For that reason, ETA is often considered a visa exemption or visa waiver.

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Vatican City

The ETA application is entirely online and can only be applied using the Australian ETA mobile phone app. The app is available as a free download.

There is no charge to apply for ETA, but using the app itself costs a service charge of 20 AUD.

For more information, read the complete guide to Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for details on eligibility, required documents, the ETA app and the application process.

eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor visa is available to nationals of 36 countries exclusively in Europe.

The main difference between the eVisitor visa and the ETA is that the eVisitor requires more documents to be submitted, such as a bank statement as proof of sufficient funds. 

Most eVisitor visa applications are processed within a day. There is no fee to apply for an eVisitor visa. 

The success rate of the eVisitor visa is 98.5%, even higher than the ETA’s success rate of 97%. This means that if you’re eligible for both the ETA and the eVisitor, you can save 20 AUD by applying for the eVisitor as they are identical in all other aspects.

For more information, read the complete guide to Australia eVisitor Visa for details on eligibility, required documents, the application process and our personal experience.

Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream, Subclass 600)

The subclass 600 is Australia’s main tourist visa. It has several streams depending on the purpose such as tourism or business and whether you are applying from outside or within Australia. 

For this guide, we will focus on the visitor visa for tourism that can only be applied from outside Australia. 

Eligibility, validity and duration of stay

Visitor visas for tourism are available to all nationalities. 

Australia issues only eVisas. Therefore, the tourist visa is also an eVisa. The visa will be electronically linked to your passport. You can carry a print of the eVisa with you when you travel. 

Visitors visas are either single or multiple-entry valid for up to 3 years. On each visit, you are allowed to stay up to 3 months. 

Application process and documentation

Applications for tourist visas can be made online through the ImmiAccount portal.

The documents required for a tourist visa include any of the below. The actual documents required depends on a case-by-case basis. 

• Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements, pay slips, tax returns, etc.
• Proof of reasons to return home, such as employment letter, property ownership, family dependency, etc. 
• Proof of travel history such as previous visas and entry/exit stamps of the countries you have traveled to.

50% of applications get processed within a week and 90% of all applications get processed within 21 days.

The fee for the tourist visa is 190 AUD. 

For more information, read the complete guide to Australia Visitor Visa for details on required documents, biometric appointment, application process and our personal experience.

Benefits of an Australian visa

Australian tourist visa not only grants you access to Australia but also to many other countries. As of 2024, you can travel to 16 countries with an Australian visa. Read this article on VISA-FREE countries for Australian visa to learn how to visit these 16 countries.

Transit Visa (Subclass 771) 

Eligible nationalities can transit without a visa (TWOV) through Australian airports. For TWOV, you must meet the following conditions:

• Stay airside and not clear immigration
• Have your onward flight within 8 hours of arriving in Australia
• Hold a passport from the following eligible countries

TWOV eligible countries

• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates

Transit visa requirements

If you already hold an ETA, eVistor or Visitor visa, then you do not need a transit visa. Rest must obtain a transit visa (subclass 771). The transit visa allows entry into Australia for short stays of up to 72 hours.

To apply for a transit visa, you must have a confirmed onward ticket to another country within 72 hours of arrival and the required visas for it. In addition to those, you may also require proof of adequate health insurance. 

For more information, read the complete guide to Australia Transit Visa for details on the application process, required documents, fees and transit procedure at the airport.

Visa Extension

Extensions are not allowed for any of the Australian tourist visas. You are allowed to apply for another visa while you are in Australia, such as the Visitor Visa (Onshore stream).

Certain conditions attached to your current visa may prevent you from applying for another visa while in Australia. The most notable one is Condition 8503: No further stay.

When applying for a new visa from within the country, a Bridging Visa is automatically applied for you. A Bridging Visa will keep your stay lawful while waiting for your new visa to be approved.

As a tourist, you will receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while you are waiting for your new visa. BVA expires if you leave Australia.

For more information, read the article on Australia Visa Extension for details on rules, conditions and procedures to extend your stay in Australia.

Entry and Exit Procedures

Australia has one of the most streamlined entry procedures in the world. Passports are not stamped on entry or exit. 

If eligible to use SmartGates, you can process your entry and exit without even speaking to a border official. 

SmartGates eligibility

To use SmartGates at Australian airports, your passport must be an ePassport from one of the following countries. 

You must check your eligibility to use SmartGates at the kiosks just before the gates. If eligible, you will be given a ticket. Then you must proceed to the SmartGates and follow the procedure. 

If not eligible, you will be directed to a border officer.

Other passports

All other passport holders must proceed to an immigration officer box. Answer any questions about your stay and intentions. 

Your passport will not be stamped. But if you need evidence of entry, you can request a stamp. 

Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)

All arriving passengers must complete and present a paper arrival card called Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). You will be given one on your flight to Australia.

Pay attention to the items you must declare. Australia has stringent biosecurity protocols and failure to declare even harmless items, may lead to fines and severe penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i stay in australia for 6 months as a tourist.

The eVisitor, ETA, and most Tourist Visas allow stays of up to 90 days at a time. You need to explicitly apply for a 6-month Tourist Visa to stay in Australia that long.

How many times can you enter Australia on a tourist visa?

The eVisitor and the ETA allow unlimited entries into Australia. Regular tourist visas can be either one or multiple entries.

How much bank balance is required for an Australia tourist visa?

Australian Immigration does not specify a minimum and it will depend on the length of your trip. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 4000 AUD per month of intended stay.

How long do you have to leave Australia for before returning?

There is no minimum time outside of Australia required. As long as you have a valid visa, you can go back whenever you want.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
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• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

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Travel Insurance For Vietnam: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 26, 2024, 11:14am

Table of Contents

Do australians need travel insurance for vietnam, what does travel insurance for vietnam cover, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Vietnam is an increasingly popular travel destination for Australians, with the country even hoping to encourage more Aussies to visit by potentially waiving visa requirements in due time.

The Southeast Asian country is set to be high on the list for Aussies going overseas in 2024. The number of Australian tourists in Vietnam now exceeds pre-pandemic levels: more than 317,000 Australians visited Vietnam in 2019 , while there were 390,000 Aussie visitors in 2023.

Plus, as more and more flights become available, such as low-cost carrier Vietjet Air launching a direct service between Hanoi and Melbourne earlier this year, getting to Vietnam is becoming easier for Australians.

If the direct flights, fascinating history, vast scenery and delicious food aren’t enough to convince Australian travellers, the cost may be. Vietnam is considered one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world for Australian tourists due to our strong conversion rate against the Vietnamese Dong and the nation’s low cost of living in comparison to our own.

And while cheap thrills may be what you’re after on your vacation, it’s important not to skimp on the necessities that may cost that little bit extra—such as travel insurance. This guide outlines what you need to know regarding travel insurance in Vietnam.

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Investing in travel insurance is a good idea for any overseas trip. Travel insurance policies can help protect you from having to dive deep into your pockets, with many offering unlimited medical treatment while abroad and cancellation cover for your trip should the unexpected occur.

Travel insurance is not just handy for medical purposes or travel changes, either. Your personal items can be covered, should any baggage go missing or an important item be stolen—which, unfortunately, often occurs in Vietnam.

Smarttraveller warns Australians to be alert at all times in Vietnam, considering petty theft–including bag slashing–is common in tourist areas and crowded places, especially during holiday times. Snatch-and-grab theft by thieves on motorcycles is also common, the website states.

Like most international travel insurance policies, you will be able to find basic coverage for your trip to Vietnam, or choose to opt for a more comprehensive, albeit more expensive, policy.

While a basic policy will often cover medical expenses and lost luggage,a comprehensive policy includes a lot more. Most basic policies also likely won’t offer compensation for travel delays, stolen cash, accidental death and more.

Additionally, if you are going on a trip to multiple countries within the year, it may be worth opting for an ‘annual multi trip’ insurance instead—making sure that there are no exclusions to the regions you are wishing to visit.

Visa Requirements For Australians Travelling to Vietnam

You’ll still be allowed to travel to Vietnam if you don’t invest in travel insurance, but you do so at your own risk—and, as stated, it is highly advised to have a travel insurance policy for any overseas trip.

However, what you cannot do is enter Vietnam as an Australian tourist without a tourist visa. While Vietnam will grant Australian citizens visas on arrival, applying for one online is much easier.

A tourist visa costs under $100 AUD; however the exact price depends on your length of stay.

The Vietnamese government may consider waiving visas for Australian citizens, especially since many other SEA countries have done so such as Indonesia and Thailand .

However, at the time of writing, Forbes Advisor Australia has confirmed that Australian citizens must still obtain a visa to visit Vietnam for tourism purposes.

The exact inclusions of your travel insurance will be dependent on your personal policy and the provider.

However, generally speaking, you can expect a travel insurance policy for Vietnam to offer some level of cover for:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost, damaged or stolen luggage;
• Travel cancellations or delays ;
• Personal liability;
• Credit card fraud;
• Covid-19 expenses;

If you are partaking in certain sports and activities, you will need to make sure that you choose a policy that covers them. You’ll also need to make sure that your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions as well.

Plus, if you are travelling with valuables, you may wish to opt for a policy that lets you increase the protection cover on your items.

Ultimately, you need to consider what your trip consists of, what you will be taking with you, and your physical health to establish what policies would be appropriate for you.

From there, you can compare quotes of different policies and providers to ensure you have the optimal—yet affordable—cover for your trip to Vietnam.

Does Travel Insurance Cover The Ha-Giang Loop?

Considered one of the most scenic motorcycle routes in the world, the Ha-Giang Loop is a popular tourist activity in Vietnam for adventurous travellers. If the Ha-Giang Loop is one of your goals, you’ll need to make sure you have travel insurance that covers motorcycling.

Occasionally a policy may include this as one of their included ‘sports and activities’, but it is more often the case that you will need to purchase an additional ‘adventure pack’ that is either specific to, or includes, motorsports.

Even so, when purchasing an additional pack to cover motorbikes, you need to be cautious of the conditions. For example, some policies will only cover motorcycle riding if the bike you are riding has an engine under a certain size.

Often, coverage will cease and claims won’t be accepted if you haven’t been wearing the correct safety equipment such as boots and a helmet, or have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

What Does Travel Insurance Exclude?

Your travel insurance policy may exclude some activities that you wish to partake in, unless you can opt-in to purchase an additional adventure pack as explained above in regards to motorbike riding.

Just like with the inclusions of a policy, the exclusions depend on what type of policy you choose, and what provider you go with.

Commonly, however, you won’t be covered for instances where you:

• Break the law;
• Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Partake in an excluded activity;
• Receive medical treatment for a pre-existing condition that was not disclosed;
• Travel to a ‘Do Not Travel’ destination as outlined by Smarttraveller.

As always, it is essential to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) of your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what you will and won’t be covered for while overseas.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Yes, as of April 2024, Australian tourists still need a visa to travel to Vietnam. This visa can be obtained on arrival, or purchased online prior to travel. The visa takes approximately three days to process online, and the cost depends on how long you intend to stay in the country.

Does international travel insurance cover Covid-19?

Many comprehensive travel insurance policies now cover Covid-19, including medical conditions related to Covid-19 or trip cancellations due to a Covid-19 diagnosis. However, it is not guaranteed that all policies will. It’s important to check your policy’s PDS carefully to understand what it will and will not cover in regards to Covid-19 for both you and your travelling companions.

Related: Travel Insurance And Covid: Are You Covered?

How much does travel insurance cost for Vietnam?

The cost of your travel insurance for a trip to Vietnam will depend on your age, your health, the activities you wish to partake in, and the length of your stay.

For example, for a 34 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling to Vietnam for two weeks, a policy from some of our top choices for comprehensive travel insurance would cost around $130 (based on quotes from Cover-More , 1Cover , and Fast Cover ).

The prices of these quotes would change depending on a chosen excess, cancellation cover, and any additional coverage options you may choose to purchase such as adventure packs or cruise cover.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.