Allianz Care adds cheaper cover amidst student cost strain

The 2025 report found 85% of international students misjudged Australian living costs.

Allianz Care has updated its Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) options in Australia, introducing a lower-cost policy named 'Everyday Care Workers' aimed at international employees and recent graduates.

The new policy starts at $65.1 per month (A$93 per month) for single cover. It includes uncapped general practitioner (GP) visits and admitted hospital benefits, omitting higher-cost specialist coverage.

The launch follows research from Allianz Partners indicating that rising costs are affecting international arrivals.

According to the company's 2025 State of Student Healthcare Report, 85% of surveyed international students underestimated the cost of living in Australia.

Meanwhile, over half (59%) of those students plan to remain in the country after graduating.

Demand for graduate pathways has risen. Australian government data shows 133,891 temporary graduate visas were issued in 2025, a 7.3% increase from the 124,687 visas granted in 2024.

International education contributed nearly $38.5b (A$55b) to the Australian economy in 2025. Data from the Business Council of Australia also indicates that every 1,000 migrants generates approximately $86.8m (A$124m) in economic value per year.

Miranda Fennell, executive head of Health at Allianz Partners, said the updates are designed to support international students transitioning into the workforce, as well as arriving international workers and visitors.

As part of the portfolio update, Allianz Care has also changed its product names and modified its online purchase system to let buyers compare plans against visa and budget requirements.

($1.00 = A$1.43)