Medibank working-visa cover: what does the $1 million annual benefit limit mean?

According to Medibank’s working-visa cover information, the referenced Medibank Overseas Workers Health Cover has a total annual benefit limit of $1,000,000 per member, per calendar year (1 January to 31 December) for eligible hospital, medical and/or ambulance services (checked 1 October 2026). Once that limit is reached, no further benefits are payable under it for the remainder of that calendar year; the limit resets on 1 January, and if you change from another Medibank cover (excluding OSHC) during the same calendar year, benefits already paid by Medibank under the previous cover generally count toward it.

These are terms stated for Medibank’s own referenced product. They should not be read as a general limit for other covers or insurers.

What does the $1 million annual benefit limit mean?

Medibank describes this as the maximum total amount of benefits payable for eligible hospital, medical and/or ambulance services within a calendar year. It is a ceiling on eligible benefits, not a promise that every treatment or charge is covered.

Policy point	What it means
Total annual benefit limit	$1,000,000 per member, per calendar year
Eligible services	Hospital, medical and/or ambulance services
Annual period	1 January to 31 December
After the limit is reached	No further benefits are payable under it for the remainder of that calendar year
Reset	The limit resets on 1 January each year

When does the limit reset?

Medibank says the limit resets on 1 January each year, and the stated policy period is 1 January to 31 December. A change of cover is a separate issue: do not assume that changing policies automatically starts a new annual limit. Check the policy documents for the exact cover and the treatment of any cover change.

Do benefits from another Medibank cover count in the same year?

Generally, yes, if you change from another Medibank cover (excluding OSHC, or Overseas Student Health Cover) within the same calendar year. Benefits already paid by Medibank under the previous cover in that calendar year will generally count toward the total annual benefit limit.

The policy uses the word “generally”, so the switching rule should not be treated as an unconditional exception-free outcome in every situation. Check the policy documents for the circumstances that apply to your change.

Does the limit mean every treatment is covered?

No. The limit concerns eligible benefits, while Medibank also says that:

• waiting periods, annual limits and out-of-pocket expenses apply;
• a facility fee may not include all medical services; and
• x-rays, blood tests and doctor charges above the benefit paid may be out-of-pocket.

The stated ambulance provision concerns attendance and transportation to a hospital where immediate professional attention is required and the person could not be transported another way. These conditions can affect what is payable even while part of the annual limit remains available.

How does this cover relate to condition 8501?

Medibank describes its Overseas Workers Health Covers as compliant for working visas carrying condition 8501. It lists subclasses 482, 485, 403, 407, 408 and more as subclasses for meeting that condition, and describes the referenced cover as visa-compliant for Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 and Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 holders.

Medibank says the condition 8501 information and applicable subclasses were sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and were accurate as of May 2026. These are Medibank statements about its own product and the information it cites. Check the policy documents and the Department of Home Affairs page for your particular visa before relying on this summary.

Sources

• Medibank — 482 & 485 Visa Health Insurance | Overseas

FAQ

Is the $1 million limit per member or per policy?

It is $1,000,000 per member, per calendar year for the eligible hospital, medical and/or ambulance services described above.

Does the limit reset on 1 January?

Yes. Medibank says it resets on 1 January each year. Once the limit is reached, no further benefits are payable under it for the remainder of that calendar year.

Will benefits from my previous Medibank cover count?

If you change covers within the same calendar year from another Medibank cover, excluding OSHC, benefits already paid under the previous cover generally count toward the annual limit.

Does reaching the limit mean every medical cost is reimbursed?

No. The amount is the maximum total payable for eligible services. Waiting periods, annual limits and out-of-pocket expenses may also apply.

Does Medibank’s visa-compliant statement guarantee a visa outcome?

No. It describes Medibank’s product and the visa information it cites, not a guarantee of a visa outcome. Check the policy documents and the Department of Home Affairs page for your visa.