8501 Visa Condition Explained for Overseas Visitors
Key Points in Brief
Condition 8501 requires adequate health insurance for your entire stay in Australia.
Applies to certain visas, including some streams of the 600 Visitor visa.
Health cover must include: Hospital treatment, Ambulance services, PBS medications, Out-of-hospital services under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Annual benefit limit: at least AUD $1 million per person.
Travel insurance does NOT meet the requirement.
Compare compliant 600 Visitor visa health insurance at www.600visainsurance.com.au or call 0479 070 270 for more information.
What Is Visa Condition 8501?
Condition 8501 is a legal requirement for certain visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance in Australia. It ensures that you can access medical treatment, hospital care, and other healthcare services during your stay.
Travel insurance alone is not sufficient. You must hold a policy that meets Department of Home Affairs standards. Proof of insurance may be requested at visa application or after your visa is granted.
Who Needs to Comply?
Mandatory: Student visa (subclass 500), Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and some other visas such as Sponsored Temporary Parent visa (subclass 870) etc.
Discretionary / certain streams: Visitor visa (subclass 600) – check your visa grant notice to confirm.
Not all 600 visa holders have condition 8501; always verify your specific visa grant letter from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
Health Cover Requirements
Your insurance must be adequate as defined by the Department of Home Affairs:
- Hospital treatment: overnight/day surgery, theatre fees, ICU
- Ambulance & emergency care
- Surgically implanted prostheses at required benefit levels
- PBS-listed medications supplied during hospital stays
- Out-of-hospital MBS services: GP visits, pathology tests
- Annual benefit limit: ≥ AUD $1,000,000 per person
- No buy-out clauses
- Policy must remain active for entire stay in Australia
Lapsing or insufficient coverage may result in visa breach.
Exemptions & Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Some visitors from RHCA countries may have limited Medicare access.
Exemptions from 8501 are assessed individually by the Department.
Even with RHCA coverage, private OVHC insurance is recommended to avoid unexpected costs.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Visa application refusal if insurance is not obtained before arrival
Breach of visa conditions if insurance lapses during stay
Possible visa cancellation or difficulties extending your stay
Personal responsibility for medical costs if uninsured
How to Choose Compliant Health Insurance
Only Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) policies meeting 8501 standards are acceptable.
Coverage should match the duration of your visa.
Compare providers, benefits, and costs for 600 Visitor visa insurance at www.600visainsurance.com.au or call us on 0479 070 270 for more detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is travel insurance enough?
No. Only approved OVHC policies meet 8501 requirements.
2. Can I get an exemption?
Limited Medicare access via RHCA may allow exemption, but it is assessed individually. Private insurance is recommended.
3. When should I buy insurance?
Before arriving in Australia, starting on your arrival date, and maintained for the entire stay.
4. What happens if my insurance lapses?
It is considered a visa breach, risking cancellation, extension issues, and personal medical costs.
5. Where can I compare health insurance?
At www.600visainsurance.com.au for policies designed to meet condition 8501 or call at 0479 070 270.