While we're unable to point you to a single best OVHC policy – since everyone's health needs differ – we can make choosing one easier. We picked 4 Overseas Visitor Health Cover policies based on factors such as price, services, visa requirements and popularity.
We selected Allianz Care Australia Budget Working Cover as the top pick for workers because:
It's underwritten by Peoplecare Health Limited which had a better complaints record than other providers we looked at, such as Frank (underwritten by GMHBA), according to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. It was only slightly more expensive than Frank but comes with a larger medical repatriation limit ($20,000 compared to Frank's $10,000).
We chose Frank's Basic Workers Cover as the cheapest policy because:
There are cheaper policies available on the market but they only cover visitors and do not meet the 8501 visa requirement. Frank Basic Workers policy covers those on worker visas as well and comes with inclusions such as emergency ambulance, cancer treatment, pharmaceuticals, funeral expenses and repatriation.
We selected Medibank's Essentials Overseas Student Health Cover as the top pick for students because:
The Medibank's Essential Overseas Student Health policy covers 39 health services including ear, nose and throat, tonsils, adenoids and grommets, and sleep studies. At $44.75 per month, it is also one of the cheapest overseas student policies available on Finder. It also comes with a 24/7 nurse telephone service.
Our short stay top pick was Medibank Overseas Visitors Starter Hospital and Medical because:
Medibank Overseas Visitors Starter Hospital and Medical is designed for short stay visitors on visas such as the 188, 400, 417, 462, 489, 600, 601 and 651 who don't require health cover for visa purposes (condition 8501), but want a good level of protection. It covers the basics such as ambulance transportation and GP visits as well as more complex services including diabetes management and heart and vascular treatment. It also comes with a 24/7 nurse telephone service.
If you need to meet the 8501 health insurance visa requirement, you'll need a different policy such as Allianz Care Australia Budget Visitors Cover.
Being Canadian, before gaining permanent residency I did not have access to medicare, so OVHC was really important. Not to mention it was a requirement of my working visa. It covered me for things that Medicare would typically cover, including doctor's visits, specialist appointments and even knee surgery. Over the course of the 4 years I had this policy, I saved roughly $15,000 on health expenses.— Alanna Glenn, Lead publisher (money)
Insurance can be confusing when you first arrive in Australia but only health insurance is compulsory – others can be good to have depending on your situation.
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ahm offers a range of health cover choices if you’re in Australia to study. See how it stacks up.
If you incur medical or hospital expenses overseas, will your Australian private health insurance cover the cost? Find out here.
If you’re in Australia on a bridging visa, it’s important that you choose a suitable level of private health insurance cover.
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