SUBCLASS 600 VISITOR VISAS: THE FACTS

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) from Allianz Global Assistance is health insurance designed for international visitors on visas like the subclass 600 visa. In fact, one in five of Allianz Global Assistance’s OVHC customers are on a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa.

The subclass 600 visa lets you visit Australia for up to 3, 6 or 12 months if you’re travelling as a tourist, for business, to visit family or friends, or on a tour with a registered travel agent from China.

Whether you’re on a short business trip or staying with family for a year, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for your own health costs while in Australia.

STREAMS

The business visitor stream is for people travelling to Australia on a short business trip for the purpose of business negotiations, participating in a conference or making general business or employment enquiries.

The tourist stream is for people travelling to Australia for purposes not related to business or medical treatment, for example a holiday, recreation or to visit family and friends.

The sponsored family stream is for people travelling to Australia to visit their family, provided you have a sponsor. Your sponsor may be asked to provide a bond.

The approved destination status stream is especially for visitors from the People’s Republic of China who are travelling in an organised tour group. You must be in China when you apply for this visa.

HEALTH INSURANCE

You’re responsible for all your own health costs while in Australia. You won’t be covered by Australia’s national health scheme (Medicare) unless your country has a reciprocal health care agreement in place with Australia.

As a result, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) recommends that subclass 600 visa holders take out health insurance each time they travel to Australia.

OVHC from Allianz Global Assistance includes cover for a range of medical services to help you stay healthy, including prescription medicines, in-hospital medical treatment, emergency ambulance transport and more

Allianz Global Assistance’s OVHC policies offer:

• Cover from as little as $18 a week for singles
• Fortnightly and monthly payment options
• Refunds may be available if you leave Australia early
• 2 levels of cover to choose from: Budget Visitors – Hospital Only and Visitors Plus
• Waiting periods waived if you have continuous cover between Overseas Student Health Cover and OVHC
• 24/7 phone assistance

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SUBCLASS 600 VISA?

According to the DIBP, if you're in Australia you can apply for the tourist stream of the subclass 600 visa online, as long as you have a valid visa that doesn't have condition 8503 imposed.

If you're outside Australia, only certain passport holders can apply for this visa online. If you can't apply online you can lodge a paper application.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The base application charge for this visa ranges from AUD$130 to AUD$335. However, the DIBP says holders of certain passports may be eligible for a free or cheaper visa.

The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is free to apply for, but you must be a passport holder of a certain country.

The Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) has an AUD$20 service charge but, again, you must be a passport holder of a certain country.