What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is private health insurance designed for temporary visitors to Australia who aren't covered by the public Medicare system. It helps cover medical and hospital costs you might incur while in Australia, such as hospital admissions, doctor visits and some treatments. Some visas require you to hold adequate OVHC for the entire duration of your stay.

Do I need OVHC for my visa?

Many temporary visas require you to hold OVHC before you enter Australia. If your visa has a health insurance condition (often condition 8501), you must maintain adequate cover for your entire stay. Without it, your visa could be refused, delayed or even cancelled, and you may be responsible for expensive medical bills.

What does OVHC typically cover?

OVHC policies usually cover essential hospital treatment and a portion of doctor's fees. They can also include benefits for prescriptions, emergency ambulance services and some out-of-hospital treatments. Keep in mind, cover levels and benefits vary between providers and policies, so it's important to compare what's included before buying.

Is OVHC cover mandatory if I have travel insurance?

While travel insurance is useful for things like lost luggage, trip cancellation and repatriation, but it doesn't meet the Australian visa health requirements. If your visa requires OVHC, you must have it in place regardless of travel insurance. OVHC is specifically designed to cover medical and hospital costs in Australia.

How much does OVHC cost?

OVHC costs vary depending on the provider, level of cover and length of stay, but basic policies can start from around $60 per month. More comprehensive cover will cost more and premiums can differ based on age, visa type and whether you include extras like dental or optical.

Can I include extras like dental or optical?

Yes, some OVHC policies offer optional extras like dental, optical or physiotherapy benefits. These aren't compulsory for visa requirements but may be useful if you expect to need these services. Always check the policy details to see what extras are included or available and whether they significantly affect the premium.

What happens if my visa status changes?

If your visa status changes (for example, switching from a tourist to a working visa), you should notify your insurer to ensure your level of OVHC still meets the new visa health requirements. Failing to maintain appropriate cover could affect your visa compliance and result in gaps in protection.

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of experience writing about a wide range of insurance products, including life, travel, home, car, pet, and health insurance. Over his career, he has meticulously reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published more than 800 insurance articles, making complex insurance topics more accessible to everyday readers.

Gary has written for Yahoo Finance, Real Insurance and Soho, and regularly provides expert insights in prominent outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, and news.com.au. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, as well as a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification, which complies with ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146), ensuring that his expertise meets the highest industry standards. Gary was an Insurance Writer, then Insurance Editor at Finder from 2021 to 2024.