Health Insurance for 457 Visas

Employers who have employees on 457 visas which were granted prior to 14 September 2009 are expected to cover costs of public hospital treatment of the 457 visa holders.

The health obligation is no longer part of the sponsorship obligations for 457 visas granted after 14 September 2009. Instead, employees must show that they have adequate medical insurance to be granted their 457 visa, and must maintain this insurance during their stay in Australia on their 457 visa.

Evidence of Insurance for Visa Grant

Prior to approval of the 457 visa, evidence of coverage must be provided and this would be be either:
  • Evidence of enrollment with Medicare under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement; or
  • A certificate of cover from a private health insurance company.

Countries which currently have Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) with Australia include:

  • United Kingdom
  • Sweden
  • Netherlands
  • Finland
  • Norway
  • Malta
  • Italy
  • Belgium
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
Otherwise, the Department of Immigration has released a template to be completed by a private health insurance company as evidence of cover. The letter must indicate the level of cover, period of insurance and names of family members covered.

Ongoing Monitoring

People granted 457 visas after 14 September 2009 are subject to condition 8501 which requires them to maintain their health insurance. The Department of Immigration has indicated that they have put into place facilities to share information with private health insurance companies to check that 457 holders are meeting this obligation. If a 457 holder cancels their health insurance, this could lead to cancellation of their 457 visa.

Holders of 457 Visas Issued Prior to 14 September 2009

For 457 visas issued prior to 14 September, the Department of Immigration has indicated that the sponsoring employer is still liable for health costs.

If such a 457 holder changes employer without lodging a new 457 visa application, then the health obligation would transfer to the new sponsor.

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