Working Holiday Australia (417): Do You Need Insurance?

One myth needs clearing up first: health insurance is not a legal condition of the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) - unlike New Zealand, where it is mandatory. But for French citizens, going without cover in Australia is a serious risk. Here is why.

France has no Medicare agreement with Australia

Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with 11 countries (the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Slovenia, Malta and Italy). France is not one of them. That means a French Working Holiday maker gets no access to Medicare and is personally liable for every medical and hospital bill - which are very high in Australia.

417 visa conditions in brief

• Age: 18 to 30 (French citizens can go up to 35 for a third Working Holiday visa).
• Duration: 12 months per visa, renewable via eligible specified work.
• Work: generally up to 6 months with the same employer.
• Study: up to 4 months.

Why private insurance is essential

A single hospital stay in Australia can run into thousands of dollars. Because you cannot rely on Medicare, a private health or travel-medical policy covering your whole stay is the only realistic protection. Look for:

• high medical and hospitalisation limits;
• medical repatriation;
• cover for the full duration of your stay;
• 24/7 assistance, and ideally adventure activities and personal liability.

How much does it cost?

Expect roughly €40 to €90 per month depending on cover and options, i.e. about €500 to €1,100 for a year. Compare medical and repatriation ceilings first - Australia is one of the most expensive countries for healthcare.

FAQ

Is insurance checked at the border? It is not a formal grant condition of the 417, but you remain fully liable for health costs, so cover is strongly advised.

Does travel insurance count? Only if it provides genuine medical and hospital cover for the entire length of your stay.