- A child falls off a playground swing and hurts itself.
- You spill red wine on a carpet.
- While cooking, you drop a pan on the glass cooktop, thereby breaking it.
- Your baggage is stolen during your outward journey.
- You need long-term dental care after an accident.
- You have fallen seriously ill and a family member wants to visit you.
Foreign visitors to Australia are not entitled to medical care under the national healthcare system.* Since basic medical care in Australia can quickly add up to several thousand dollars, international health insurance is absolutely essential. You can purchase OVHC insurance (Overseas Visitors Health Cover), recommended by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. It is a special type of insurance for foreign visitors to Australia that is offered only in Australia. These insurance policies are, however, expensive and only offer coverage in Australia, in contrast to international health insurance policies that are valid worldwide.
For their stay in Australia, au pairs have to apply for a Working Holiday visa (visa subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday visa (visa subclass 462). For these visa types, OVHC insurance is neither mandatory nor necessary. However, the situation is different for foreign students for whom OVHC insurance is mandatory.
* Exceptions: Great Britain, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland and New Zealand have a healthcare agreement with Australia so that the citizens of these countries have access to emergency medical care but are not entitled to receive any additional treatment. For more information please go to https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/overseas_visitors_health_cover.htm.
We have put together a list of the advantages of OVHC insurance and a self-chosen insurance policy.
For their stay in Australia, au pairs have to apply for a Working Holiday visa (visa subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday visa (visa subclass 462).
You should comply with the following requirements when travelling to Australia:
You should
- be between 18 and 30 years;
- have at least 200 hours of experience in childcare (with verification);
- have sufficient English skills;
- have the financial means to pay for your stay (approx. AUD 5,000);
- have enough money to pay for your return trip or already have your return ticket.
Please refer to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for detailed information on the visa requirements.
Both types of visa allow you to work for a limited time in Australia, but you will not be subject to the rights and obligations regular employees would have (social security, taxes, compulsory health insurance) as a consequence of your stay. You are responsible yourself for healthcare, though, and can choose a tailored international health insurance solution for your needs.