Going to Australia is a dream for many, whether for tourism, a PVT (Working Holiday Visa), study or expatriation. But before you pack your bags, it’s essential to take out the right travel insurance for Australia. What’s the point? Because medical costs are very high, and your French social security won’t cover you abroad. Find out in this comprehensive guide how to choose the best health insurance in Australia, whether you’re a tourist, a PVT student or an expatriate.

Why take out an international health insurance policy in Australia?

Australia is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, but also for some of the world’s most expensive medical costs:

  • Consultation with a general practitioner: $80 to $120 AUD
  • Emergency visit: approximately $300 to $450 AUD
  • 3-day hospital stay: up to $4,000 AUD
  • Radio or scanner: $500 AUD or more

Without the right health insurance in Australia, these expenses will be your responsibility. Good travel insurance in Australia covers not only your medical expenses, but also repatriation, third-party liability and emergency assistance.

However, there’s no French public medical cover for you when you’re there. In the event of a problem, you’ll have to pay all the costs yourself, unless you have suitable travel or health insurance.

What’s more, good insurance generally includes :

  • Reimbursement of medical and hospital expenses
  • Civil liability abroad
  • Medical repatriation
  • Legal assistance and protection in the event of theft, delay or loss of baggage

What about Medicare? Medicare is the Australian public system. It does not cover the French, with some exceptions (citizens with permanent residency, or UK/New Zealand nationals). You can’t benefit from it on a PVT, student or tourist visa.

Which PVT Australia insurance should I choose?

Going on vacation or sightseeing

You can sometimes take out travel insurance with your bank card (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold…). But beware: it’s not always enough, especially if you’re going away for more than 90 days or are involved in high-risk activities.

Check :

  • Medical expenses ceiling
  • Maximum duration of coverage
  • Sports and medical exclusions

If you’re going away for longer or want comprehensive coverage, opt for a dedicated contract like Globe Traveller, which covers medical care, repatriation, baggage and more.

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You are leaving on a PVT / WHV Australia visa

The Working Holiday Visa (PVT) allows young French and Belgian people to live in Australia for up to 12 months. Health insurance is strongly recommended, if not required.

Good PVT insurance should cover :

  • Emergency medical care
  • Repatriation
  • Civil liability
  • Accidents related to a job, Wwoofing or HelpX

Here is a comparison of the most popular PVT insurances in 2025 (rates for 12 months with discount):

InsuranceMedical expensesCivil liabilityLuggageAnnual fee
ChapkaUnlimited4 000 000 €2 000 €432 €
Yupwego500 000 €Optional2 000 €468 €
ACSUnlimited4 500 000 €2 000 €404,40 €
GObyAVAUnlimited4 000 000 €2 000 €390 €
AVI1 000 000 €4 500 000 €2 000 €396 €

If you are going on a study, internship or language program

To study or do an internship in Australia, you need to take out an international health insurance policy tailored to your student visa. These contracts cover medical care, hospitalization and repatriation, as well as specific guarantees such as interruption of studies or civil liability linked to internships. An Australian student visa requires international health insurance. Contracts such as Globe Partner are specially designed for students and interns.

Please check:

  • Medical and hospitalization coverage
  • Guaranteed interruption of studies
  • Liability for objects entrusted to us for training
  • Repatriation and 24/7 assistance option

Going on an au pair or language study trip

If you’re going on an au pair or language program, make sure you have Australian travel insurance that covers the whole duration of your stay, including emergency care and repatriation. Some agencies include insurance, but if not, consider taking out a suitable package yourself, such as Globe Partner.

You’re going on a long-term expatriation

Living in Australia for several years requires comprehensive health protection.Australian health insurance for expatriates offers extensive coverage: medical care, hospitalization, comfort care (optical, dental), maternity, children… Much more than just travel insurance. Unlike travel insurance, it also covers :

  • Comfort care (optical, dental, etc.)
  • Preventive care
  • Maternity
  • Children and family

Compare with contracts such as ACS Expatriation – Don’t hesitate to use Santexpat.fr, the leading international health insurance comparator.

How much does travel insurance cost in Australia?

Insurance is billed monthly, depending on the length of your stay. For one year, rates range from €376 to €418, or around €32 to €35/month. Some insurers offer free payment in 3 instalments, while others allow you to pay monthly. Rates vary according to duration and type of contract:

  • Tourists: short packages, from a few days to several months
  • PVT: between €370 and €420 for a full year, or about €30-35 per month
  • Students and trainees: rates adapted to length of stay
  • Expatriates: higher premiums for comprehensive coverage

Tip: to avoid paying an extra month, adjust your subscription dates. For example, January 1 to June 30 = 6 months. But from January 1 to July 1 = 7 months.

What should I check before taking out a contract?

Here’s a checklist of important warranties:

Essential warrantyRecommended?
Reimbursement of medical expensesyes
Hospitalization & surgeryyes
Repatriation and transportyes
Civil liabilityyes
Legal assistanceyes
Luggage insuranceyes
Indoor sports (leisure)according to your activities
Dental & optical carein the event of an accident
Low or no deductiblepreferably
Conditions for cancellation or early returnyes

How to choose your travel insurance Australia

  • Tourists: short-term travel insurance with essential cover (medical expenses, repatriation, civil liability).
  • PVT / WHV: PVT Australia insurance tailored to visa requirements, with coverage for work-related medical expenses.
  • Students: international health insurance Australia, including specific cover for studies.
  • Expatriates: comprehensive health insurance in Australia, with long-term cover and comfort care.

Never leave home without the right travel insurance for Australia: in the face of high medical costs, it’s your best ally in making the most of your stay with complete peace of mind.

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