FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

What happens if I’m on a bridging visa?

If you’re on a bridging visa, you should generally remain on Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) while your visa status is being finalised.

In most cases, you’ll need to keep OVHC until you’re eligible for Medicare and have received your green Medicare card. OVHC can help you meet visa condition 8501 (adequate health insurance) during this period. Once you become eligible for Medicare and receive confirmation (such as your green Medicare card), you can then apply to move to a resident health insurance product.

Important:

Medicare eligibility depends on your visa type and individual circumstances. We recommend confirming your eligibility directly with Services Australia (Medicare) before changing or cancelling your cover.