• Visa Applications & Processing

  Medicare vs. Private Health Insurance Options

  Posted by Janey on April 8, 2025 at 10:05 am

  Hello everyone – I previously held a 485 Graduate visa and was covered by private health insurance through BUPA, which has now expired because I have applied for the 186 Direct Entry visa and received a Bridging Visa A that comes with no restrictions (only travel rights).

  My main question is: What type of health insurance should I consider applying for now? Should I choose another private provider like BUPA, or can I enrol in Medicare?

  Out of curiosity, my BUPA insurance remains valid for another month, but I’m unsure about what steps to take next.

  Thank you for your assistance!

  Mark replied 6 hours, 49 minutes ago 2 Members · 1 Reply

  • Bridging Visa A
  • health insurance Australia
  • Medicare
  • OVHC
  • subclass 186
  • visa 186
• 1 Reply

• 

  Mark

  Administrator

  April 8, 2025 at 10:08 am

  Hi Janey,

  Thanks for your detailed post, and congrats on lodging your 186 Direct Entry visa application!

  Because you’ve applied for a permanent visa (Subclass 186) and now hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you may be eligible to enrol in Medicare under the Interim Medicare program while your application is being processed. This is possible because the 186 visa is classified as a permanent visa.

  Here are some suggested options for you 😊

  1. Check Medicare Eligibility – To confirm eligibility, visit your nearest Services Australia (Medicare) office or call 132 011. Bring your Bridging Visa grant letter and a copy of your 186 visa application acknowledgment.

  2. Apply for Medicare – If eligible, complete the Medicare enrolment form and submit it with the required documents (including passport and visa grant notice). Info here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare

  3. Private Health Insurance (Optional) – While waiting for Medicare to kick in, or if you’re not eligible, you can temporarily maintain your BUPA coverage or switch to another Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) provider.

     Once you’re on Medicare, you can then look into local private health insurance for extras like dental or physio, which Medicare doesn’t fully cover.

  I hope this clarifies things, and you’ll be on your way to full Medicare access soon! Let me know if you’d like help with anything else.

  Warm regards,
  Mark

  

  servicesaustralia.gov.au

  Enrolling in Medicare

  Find out how to enrol in Medicare.

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