Holidaying Down Under?
Get visitors visa health insurance.

With our beautiful beaches, bustling city life, iconic wildlife and endless sunshine, it's no wonder Australia is a popular holiday destination. So if you're planning a trip here in the future, why not purchase your health cover today - then you can focus on the fun stuff!

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An affordable hospital cover option to suit your needs and budget.

If you're visiting Australia on a non-working visa, you may need to purchase private health cover for the duration of your stay down under.

Key:

Included
Not included

Middle cover

Visitor Saver

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- Visa Compliance Letter
  This level of cover is not visa-compliant.
- Private Hospital - Shared Room
  This provides cover for the cost of a shared room in an HIF-contracted private hospital anywhere in Australia.
- Public Hospital - Single Room
  Not covered.
- Public Hospital - Shared Room
  This provides cover for the cost of a shared room in a public hospital anywhere in Australia.
- Road Ambulance Transport
  This provides 100% coverage for unlimited emergency and non-emergency transport by road ambulance with a government approved ambulance service.
  That includes admission to hospital, emergency treatment on-site, or inter-hospital transfers where the original admitting hospital does not have the required clinical facilities.
  Waiting period: Ambulance emergency 1 day, ambulance non-emergency 30 days.
- Rehabilitation
  Hospital treatment for physical rehabilitation for a patient related to surgery or illness.
  For example: inpatient and admitted day patient rehabilitation, stroke recovery, cardiac rehabilitation.
  Waiting period: 2 months.
- Hospital psychiatric services
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for the treatment and care of patients with psychiatric, mental, addiction or behavioural disorders.
  For example: psychoses such as schizophrenia, mood disorders such as depression, eating disorders and addiction therapy.
- Palliative care
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for care where the intent is primarily providing quality of life for a patient with a terminal illness, including treatment to alleviate and manage pain.
- Brain and nervous system
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the brain, brain-related conditions, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
  For example: stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
  Treatment of spinal column (back bone) conditions is listed separately under ‘Back, neck and spine’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Bone marrow transplants and organ transplants
  Not covered.
- Eye (not cataracts)
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the eye and the contents of the eye socket.
  For example: retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed trauma to the eye.
  Cataract procedures are listed separately under ‘Cataracts’.
  Eyelid procedures are listed separately under ‘Plastic and reconstructive surgery’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Ear, nose and throat
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the ear, nose, throat, middle ear, thyroid, parathyroid, larynx, lymph nodes and related areas of the head and neck.
  For example: damaged ear drum, sinus surgery, removal of foreign bodies, stapedectomy and throat cancer.
  Tonsils, adenoids and grommets are listed separately under ‘Tonsils, adenoids and grommets’.
  The implantation of a hearing device is listed separately under ‘Implantation of hearing devices’.
  Orthopaedic neck conditions are listed separately under ‘Back, neck and spine’.
  Sleep studies are listed separately under ‘Sleep studies’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Tonsils, adenoids and grommets
  Hospital treatment of the tonsils, adenoids and insertion or removal of grommets.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Bone, joint and muscle
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
  For example: carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and bone cancer.
  Chest surgery is listed separately under ‘Lung and chest’.
  Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under ‘Brain and nervous system’.
  Spinal column conditions are listed separately under ‘Back, neck and spine’.
  Joint reconstructions are listed separately under ‘Joint reconstructions’.
  Joint replacements are listed separately under ‘Joint replacements’.
  Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under ‘Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon)’.
  Management of back pain is listed separately under ‘Pain management’. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under ‘Pain management with device’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Joint reconstructions
  Hospital treatment for surgery for joint reconstructions.
  For example: torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments.
  Joint replacements are listed separately under ‘Joint replacements’.
  Bone fractures are listed separately under ‘Bone, joint and muscle’.
  Procedures to the spinal column are listed separately under ‘Back, neck and spine’.
  Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under ‘Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon)’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Kidney and bladder
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the kidney, adrenal gland and bladder.
  For example: kidney stones, adrenal gland tumour and incontinence.
  Dialysis is listed separately under ‘Dialysis for chronic kidney failure’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Male reproductive system
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the male reproductive system including the prostate.
  For example: male sterilisation, circumcision and prostate cancer.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Digestive system
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, liver and bowel.
  For example: oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gall stones and haemorrhoids.
  Endoscopy is listed separately under ‘Gastrointestinal endoscopy’.
  Hernia and appendicectomy procedures are listed separately under ‘Hernia and appendix’.
  Bariatric surgery is listed separately under ‘Weight loss surgery’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Hernia and appendix
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of a hernia or appendicitis.
  Digestive conditions are listed separately under ‘Digestive system’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy
  Hospital treatment for the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of the internal parts of the gastrointestinal system using an endoscope.
  For example: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
  Non-endoscopic procedures for the digestive system are listed separately under ‘Digestive system’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Gynaecology
  Gynaecology
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system.
  For example: endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer.
  Fertility treatments are listed separately under ‘Assisted reproductive services’.
  Pregnancy and birth-related conditions are listed separately under ‘Pregnancy and birth’.
  Miscarriage or termination of pregnancy is listed separately under ‘Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of a miscarriage or for termination of pregnancy.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy & immunotherapy for cancer
  Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer or benign tumours.
  Surgical treatment of cancer is listed separately under each body system.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Pain management
  Hospital treatment for pain management that does not require the insertion or surgical management of a device.
  For example: treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer by injection of a nerve block.
  Pain management using a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator) is listed separately under ‘Pain management with device’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Skin
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin, skin-related conditions and nails. The removal of foreign bodies is also included. Plastic surgery that is medically necessary and relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is also included.
  For example: melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses.
  Removal of excess skin due to weight loss is listed separately under ‘Weight loss surgery’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Breast surgery (medical necessary)
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction following breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy.
  For example: breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia.
  This clinical category does not require benefits to be paid for cosmetic breast surgery that is not medically necessary.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Diabetes management (excluding insulin pumps)
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and management of diabetes.
  For example: stabilisation of hypo- or hyper- glycaemia, contour problems due to insulin injections.
  Treatment for diabetes-related conditions is listed separately under each body system affected. For example, treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions is listed separately under ‘Eye’.
  Treatment for ulcers is listed separately under ‘Skin’.
  Provision and replacement of insulin pumps is listed separately under ‘Insulin pumps’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Heart and vascular systems
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the heart, heart-related conditions and vascular system.
  For example: heart failure and heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
- Lung and chest
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the lungs, lung-related conditions, mediastinum and chest.
  For example: lung cancer, respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, and treatment of trauma to the chest.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Blood
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of blood and blood-related conditions.
  For example: blood clotting disorders.
  Treatment for cancers of the blood is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Back, neck and spine
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion.
  For example: sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, and spine curvature disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis.
  Joint replacements are listed separately under ‘Joint replacements’.
  Joint fusions are listed separately under ‘Bone, joint and muscle’.
  Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under ‘Brain and nervous system’.
  Management of back pain is listed separately under ‘Pain management’. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under ‘Pain management with device’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery (medically necessary)
  Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident or congenital.
  For example: burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma.
  Plastic surgery that is medically necessary relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is listed separately under ‘Skin’.
  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under ‘Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Dental surgery
  Hospital treatment for surgery to the teeth and gums. For example: surgery to remove wisdom teeth, and dental implant surgery.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Podiatric surgery
  Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon, but limited to cover for:
  - accommodation; and
  - the cost of a prosthesis as listed in the prostheses list set out in the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules, as in force from time to time.
  Note: Insurers are not required to pay for any other benefits for hospital treatment for this clinical category but may choose to do so.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Implantation of hearing device
  Hospital treatment to correct hearing loss, including implantation of a prosthetic hearing device.
  Stapedectomy is listed separately under ‘Ear, nose and throat’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Cataracts
  Hospital treatment for surgery to remove a cataract and replace with an artificial lens.
  
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Joint replacement
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses.
  For example: replacement of shoulder, wrist, finger, hip, knee, ankle, or toe joint, spinal disc replacement.
  Joint fusions are listed separately under ‘Bone, joint and muscle’.
  Spinal fusions are listed separately under ‘Back, neck and spine’.
  Joint reconstructions are listed separately under ‘Joint reconstructions’.
  Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under ‘Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon)’.
- Dialysis for chronic kidney failure
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for dialysis treatment for chronic kidney failure.
  For example: peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis.
- Pregnancy and birth
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and child birth. Treatment for the baby is covered under the clinical category relevant to their condition.
  For example, respiratory conditions are covered under ‘Lung and chest’.
  Female reproductive conditions are listed separately under ‘Gynaecology’.
  Fertility treatments are listed separately under ‘Assisted reproductive services’.
  Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy is listed separately under ‘Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy’.
- Assisted reproductive services
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for fertility treatments or procedures.
  For example: retrieval of eggs or sperm, In vitro Fertilisation (IVF), and Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT).
  Treatment of the female reproductive system is listed separately under ‘Gynaecology’.
  Pregnancy and birth-related services are listed separately under ‘Pregnancy and birth’.
- Weight loss surgery
  Not covered.
  Hospital treatment for surgery that is designed to reduce a person’s weight, remove excess skin due to weight loss and reversal of a bariatric procedure.
  For example: gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy.
- Insulin pumps
  Hospital treatment for the provision and replacement of insulin pumps for treatment of diabetes.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Pain management with a device
  Hospital treatment for the implantation, replacement or other surgical management of a device required for the treatment of pain.
  For example: treatment of nerve pain, back pain, and pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator).
  Treatment of pain that does not require a device is listed separately under ‘Pain management’.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Sleep studies
  Hospital treatment for the investigation of sleep patterns and anomalies.
  For example: sleep apnoea and snoring.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Repatriation
  Not covered.
- Doctor (GP) consultations
  A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients.
  Waiting period: No waiting period.
- Outpatient specialist consultations
  On request by one physician, another physician can review a patient's medical history, examine the patient, and make recommendations as to care and treatment options.
  The medical consultant is often a specialist with expertise in a particular field of medicine.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Radiology (e.g. x-ray scans)
  Radiology is the use of radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury.
  Radiology involves a variety of imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Pathology (e.g. blood tests)
  The medical consultant is often a specialist with expertise in a particular field of medicine.
  Waiting period: No waiting period (12 months for pre-existing conditions).
- Outpatient psychiatric services
  Not covered.
- Pharmacy PBS items
  Please note: benefits payable at 50% of the script up to annual limit of $300 per person
  Waiting Period: No waiting period

Is there a waiting period for Hospital Cover?

Whether we’re answering your call, or helping you switch from another health fund, we don’t like to keep people waiting. But unfortunately waiting periods (the time you have to wait before you can claim for treatment) are a necessity. We wouldn't be able to offer our affordable premiums and generous benefits without them.

Waiting periods exist so we can protect our members against people who simply join us, claim large amounts and then leave. That’s why, if you join us from another health fund, we’ll take your previous membership into account, so you won’t have to re-serve waiting periods on an equivalent level or lower level of health cover. If you're transferring to a higher level of cover, you will need to serve waiting periods for those services not included in your previous level of cover.
For Overseas Visitors Hospital and Medical Cover, the waiting periods are as follows:

Emergency Ambulance – 1 day
Non-Emergency Ambulance - 30 days
Rehabilitation regardless of whether or not the condition is pre-existing - 2 months
All treatment related to a pre-existing condition - 12 months
All other treatments - no waiting period

Important note.

Waiting periods are effective from your arrival into Australia.
Non-Working Visa Cover is only available to international visitors to Australia aged less than 65 years.
These policies are not compliant for student visa purposes.

What's not covered on Non-working Visa Cover?

Please view our Non-Working Visa Fact Sheets to see what services are excluded.

What's a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is defined as: ‘Any ailment, illness, or condition where, in the opinion of a medical adviser appointed by the health insurer, the signs or symptoms of that illness, ailment or condition existed at any time in the period of six months ending on the day on which the person became insured under the policy.’

The Pre-Existing Condition waiting period applies to new members and existing members who upgrade their policy to access higher-level benefits. The test applied under the law relies on the presence of signs or symptoms of the illness, ailment or condition, not on a diagnosis (i.e. it’s not necessary for the member or their doctor to know what their condition is or for it to be diagnosed).

In forming an opinion about whether or not an illness is a pre-existing condition, an HIF-appointed medical practitioner will take into account information provided by the member’s treating doctor.

Need Overseas Visitors Health Cover, pronto?

Too easy! Join online to find the policy that best suits your needs and budget, then join on the spot.

What about everyday services like dental and optical?

If you would also like to be covered for other common services like dental, optical, physio, chiro, remedial massage, gym memberships, weight loss programs, cancer screenings and more, you also have the option to add one of our popular Extras Cover options to your overseas visitors health insurance policy.

Looking for Working Visa Cover instead?

No worries! If you've come to the wrong page, just head over to our Working Visa Cover page instead. It includes four value-packed options for international travellers who are planning to work while visiting Australia.

Frequently asked questions about HIF Overseas Visitors Cover.

Check out the articles below for more information on Medicare eligibility, visa compliance letters, and why purchasing HIF Working Visa Health Cover is a smart idea.

Will I be eligible for Medicare in Australia?

How do I change from visitors cover to a domestic policy?

How quickly will I get my visa compliance letter?

What do green blue and yellow Medicare cards represent?

How does the health system work in Australia?

Can I get a refund if my visa is not approved?

What is repatriation?

Can I switch health funds if I received a visa compliance letter from another fund?

What is a reciprocal country?

Can I add Extras cover to my Overseas Visitors policy?

Important, please note:

In addition to the exclusions listed in the table above, there's a few other situations where you won't be covered by HIF.

When a claim for any form of compensation or damages can or will be made
Services where benefits are claimable from another source
Travelling to and from Australia
When services are provided outside Australia
When services you’re claiming for are not covered by Medicare for Australian residents
Services are not covered by Medicare (e.g. health screening insurance examinations and services that do not have a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)