Travel insurance for your WHV in Australia
Australia only has a reciprocal health care agreement with a handful of countries, so most Working Holiday makers get no Medicare access at all. Without insurance, you pay every medical bill at full price, and they're steep.
Updated 4 October 2026.
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Key points
- Without insurance, a doctor's visit costs AUD 80 to 150 and one night in hospital can exceed AUD 5,000.
- Only 11 countries have a health care agreement with Australia, and even with Medicare, cover is limited.
- Compare the medical expenses limit and the excess, not just the monthly price.
- Check that farm work and your activities are covered, and buy before you leave: some policies have a waiting period.
Why insurance is essential
Without access to Medicare, a simple doctor's visit costs AUD 80 to 150 and an overnight hospital stay can exceed AUD 5,000. Good insurance also covers luggage, cancellation and rental liability.
| Doctor's visit | AUD 80 to 150 |
| Hospitalisation (1 night) | AUD 5,000 and up |
| Emergency repatriation | AUD 50,000 and up |
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with 11 countries: the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Italy and Malta. The terms depend on the country and your situation: for Italy and Malta, for example, cover only applies for the first 6 months after you arrive. And even with Medicare, the care covered is limited. See the official Services Australia page
The 8 things to check
Before you sign up, read each policy's terms and conditions and check these points.
Medical cover limit
Aim for unlimited or very high medical cover: a hospital stay can quickly exceed AUD 5,000 a night.
Excess
The amount you pay yourself on each claim. A high excess lowers the price but raises what you pay when something goes wrong.
Direct billing or reimbursement
Some policies pay the hospital directly, others refund you against invoices, which means paying upfront.
Repatriation and 24/7 assistance
Check that medical repatriation is included and that an assistance team you can reach at any hour coordinates your care.
Length and extending from Australia
Check the maximum length and whether you can extend from Australia, which matters if you're aiming for a second or third visa.
Farm work and activities
Check that farm work and your activities (surfing, diving, quad biking…) aren't excluded or only covered by an add-on.
Personal and rental liability
Covers damage you cause to others, including in a rented van or a share house. Check the limit.
Age limits and waiting periods
Some policies have an age limit, or a waiting period after you sign up before some cover kicks in.
Insurers that specialise in WHV cover
Working Holiday policy open to all nationalities, covering stays of up to 24 months.
Travel insurance with a policy designed for the Working Holiday visa. For residents of the European Economic Area.
5% off with this link
Australian travel insurance provider.
Spanish travel insurance provider, with an app to manage your policy.
Spanish travel insurance specialist, with long-stay policies.
Travel insurance for travellers of many nationalities, covering long stays and more than 150 activities. Online quotes.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Check the cover and conditions directly on the insurer's website before you sign up. 88mates is not an insurance intermediary and doesn't advise on choosing a policy.
Practical tips
Sign up before you leave: some plans have a 3 to 7 day waiting period.
Keep a copy of your certificate in 88mates and in your photos.
Check that farm work and your sports are covered by the plan.
Save the 24/7 assistance number in your phone as soon as you get it.
Frequently asked questions
Medicare or private insurance: what's the difference for my WHV?
Medicare is Australia's public health system. It's only open to citizens of the 11 countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia (UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Italy, Malta), on terms that depend on the country. Even if you qualify, Medicare only covers medically necessary care in the public system: no dental, no ambulance, no repatriation. Travel insurance isn't an optional extra: it's your only full health cover for your whole stay.
How does it actually work in case of an accident or hospitalisation?
In an emergency, you're treated by the hospital like any other patient. The difference comes afterwards: some policies offer direct billing, so the insurer settles with the hospital without you paying upfront. Otherwise, you pay on the spot and then claim a refund with your invoices. Either way, call your insurer's 24/7 assistance number as soon as you can: they coordinate your medical follow-up and, if needed, your repatriation.
Are farm work and outdoor activities covered by default?
It depends heavily on the policy. Some policies cover farm work and outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking and scuba diving as standard. Others exclude certain activities or require an add-on for higher-risk sports. Always check the exact list of covered activities before signing up, especially if you're planning farm work or diving.
Can I sign up once I've already arrived in Australia?
Many insurers allow it, as long as you haven't already needed the cover you're asking for. Check it in each policy's terms. It's riskier though: if a health issue comes up before you sign up, it won't be covered. The safest option is still to sign up before you leave, so you're protected from day one.
What does rental liability cover actually cover?
It compensates for accidental damage you cause to a third party or to property that isn't yours: a stain on the seats of a rented campervan, a broken window in a share house, water damage in your room. It doesn't cover damage to your own belongings (that's the luggage cover) or deliberate damage. Check the cover limit, especially if you're planning to rent a van for a road trip.
How far in advance should I sign up?
Ideally a few weeks before you leave, to have time to read the terms and receive your certificate. Some plans apply a 3 to 7 day waiting period after signing up before certain cover (notably illness, excluding accidents) becomes active. Signing up at the last minute can leave you without effective cover for your first days on the ground, so plan ahead.
Keep your insurance certificate and important documents in one place in the 88mates app.