I. International health insurance Australia
I. International health insurance Australia
Do you need an international health insurance in Australia?
Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) is available only to citizens, permanent residents, and nationals of countries with a reciprocal agreement. Most expats, including temporary workers and investors, are required to have private coverage.
Australia offers an exceptional lifestyle, world-class universities, and a strong healthcare system, attracting professionals, families, and retirees from all over the world. But while the public system (Medicare) covers many residents, expats often face restricted access, long waiting lists, and lack of coverage for private care or overseas treatment. International health insurance provides clarity, flexibility, and full access to care from day one.
International health insurance offers:
Eligibility from the moment you arrive, without restriction
Full access to Australia’s private healthcare sector
Coverage for outpatient care, maternity, vision, and dental
Protection during travel or relocation across the Asia-Pacific region
Our Australia-based advantages
Accepted by private hospitals and clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth
Designed for families, students, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile executives
What our expat clients in Australia value most ?
Coverage for life
Lifetime renewable coverage, regardless of visa or employment changes
No medical exclusions
No exclusions for chronic or pre-existing conditions
Simplified claims
Direct billing and high limits for hospitalisation and diagnostics
Worldwide portability
International portability when moving to or from Australia
All-round protection
Full access to maternity, mental health, and specialist services
Destinations covered for Australia residents
Expats based in Australia often travel or relocate between:
OnlyHealth ensures uninterrupted coverage wherever you reside, travel, or receive care. Benefits work worldwide without any translation needed, offering freedom of choice for the best treatment and respecting your medical care habits.
What is the average cost of medical care in Australia?
Australia’s private healthcare sector is efficient and high quality, but without Medicare, services can be costly.
Routine medical care
Routine medical care in Australia is generally accessible and efficient, especially in private practices. Without Medicare, however, the cost can quickly add up for expats paying out-of-pocket.
AUD 80 to AUD 150
AUD 250 to AUD 600
AUD 80 to AUD 200
Dental care
Dental care in Australia is entirely private and often excluded from local insurance. International health plans provide vital support for both routine and complex procedures.
AUD 120 to AUD 200
AUD 150 to AUD 300
AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000
AUD 3,000 to AUD 6,000
Optical care
Optical care in Australia includes a wide range of services, from standard exams to prescription eyewear. Costs are fully borne by patients unless covered by a private plan.
AUD 300 to AUD 700
AUD 60 to AUD 120
AUD 80 to AUD 150
Medical imaging
Medical imaging in Australia is highly advanced, with modern diagnostics available in both public and private settings. Without Medicare or insurance, fees can be significant.
AUD 800 to AUD 2,000
AUD 250 to AUD 500
AUD 200 to AUD 400
AUD 500 to AUD 1,500
Specialist consultations
Australia offers access to highly qualified specialists, but private consultations come at a cost if not covered by insurance. Wait times are shorter in private clinics.
AUD 200 to AUD 400
AUD 180 to AUD 350
AUD 200 to AUD 400
AUD 250 to AUD 500
AUD 150 to AUD 300
Hospitalization in Australia
Hospitalization in Australia without Medicare can lead to high expenses. International coverage ensures access to private rooms, better facilities, and faster care.
AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000
AUD 2,000 to AUD 4,000
AUD 10,000 to AUD 30,000
AUD 8,000 to AUD 15,000
ICU :
AUD 3,000 to AUD 6,000
Per day
II. What every expat should know before moving to Australia
II. What every expat should know before moving to Australia
Australia is a top destination for skilled professionals and families, but navigating its residency rules, private insurance market, and housing systems can be complex without proper guidance.
Visa and residence permit
Most expats enter under a work, study, or investment visa. Many visa subclasses (e.g. 482, 500, 188) require proof of private health insurance as a condition of entry and stay.
Accommodation and housing
Housing is in high demand, especially in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,500. Lease terms typically require a bond and proof of income.
| Education and schools
Australia has excellent public and private schools. International schools are available in major cities, with tuition ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 40,000 per year. Universities are globally ranked but costly for international students.
| Transport and mobility
Australia’s cities are well connected by public transport, though owning a car is common outside urban cores. Domestic flights are essential due to the country’s vast geography.
| Employment and business
Australia is open to skilled professionals in healthcare, engineering, finance, and tech. Entrepreneurship is supported through innovation visas and tax incentives. Comprehensive health coverage is a must for relocation approval and long-term stability.
| Language and integration
English is the national language, and integration is generally easy for expats. Public services are accessible, but healthcare navigation can still be challenging without a dedicated advisor.
| Healthcare and insurance
Without Medicare, expats must rely on private insurance. Even for residents, private cover is recommended to access shorter wait times and better facilities. International insurance is ideal for mobility, high limits, and broader benefits.
| Cost of living and housing
Living in Australia is expensive, especially housing, private healthcare, and schooling. Groceries and transport are manageable. Costs vary widely between urban and regional areas.
III. Freedom to live fully in Australia and beyond
III. Freedom to live fully in Australia and beyond
From Bondi Beach to Brisbane boardrooms, Australia offers extraordinary lifestyle potential. OnlyHealth makes sure your health coverage lives up to that potential, globally connected, locally effective, and built for a life without limitations.