Value
Best OVHC policies in Australia September 2026
We compared dozens of Overseas Visitor Health Cover policies to find some of the best policies for visitors and tourists.
Student
Key takeaways
- Identify if you need OVHC for working or tourist visas or OSHC for student visas.
- Most visitors require OVHC or OSHC to meet the 8501 visa condition, with few exceptions.
- Student policies like Allianz can start from $54 monthly with 24/7 emergency assistance.
- Best value cover: Frank Mid Workers Plus Bundle
- Best for students: Allianz Care Australia Overseas Standard Student Health Cover
- Best for tourists: Bupa Short Stay Visitors Cover
What is OVHC?
Overseas Visitor Health Cover, or OVHC, is a type of health insurance made for people in Australia on a visa. If you're visiting Australia on a working visa or tourist visa, then an OVHC policy will give you the health cover that you need to meet your visa requirements. It also will make sure you don't pay a crazy amount of money if you need treatment while you're here.
What is OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC, is a special type of policy specifically made for students. If you're on a student visa then you'll need OSHC, except in a few very specific circumstances. Your school or university might have an agreement with a particular insurer to make it easier, but you can also buy your own policy.
Do I need OVHC?
Anyone in Australia on a working, tourist or student visa will need 'adequate health insurance' for the duration of their trip. This is generally detailed in the 8501 visa condition. For most folks, that will mean OVHC or OSHC.
There are only a couple of exceptions to this rule:
- If you're an Australian citizen: If you are an Aussie citizen or permanent resident, or become one at some stage, you'll have access to public health care in Australia.
- If you have a reciprocal health care agreement (RHCA): 11 countries have a RHCA that gives them access to public health care in Australia. This is sometimes all you need for your visa, but not always. Students especially will probably still need OSHC.
- If you have travel insurance: If you're in Australia as a tourist, then a comprehensive travel insurance policy from your home country may be enough to cover you.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
4 Responses
More guides on Finder
-
461 visa health insurance requirements
The 461 visa is make for relatives of New Zealanders living in Australia. While kiwis have access to Medicare, 461 visa holders don't, and will need to take out health insurance (OVHC).
-
190 Skilled Nominated Visa
The 190 Visa gives you permanent residency and can lead to citizenship. Read our easy, step-by-step guide on how to apply and what health cover you will need to have in place.
-
nib OSHC
nib offer health insurance for visitors studying in Australia. Get the cover your visa needs.
-
Bupa Overseas Student Health Cover
If you’re studying in Australia, you may need OSHC to keep you covered for medical emergencies. See if Bupa could be the right health fund for you.
-
TSS 482 Visa Health Insurance
If you’re applying for a TSS visa to work in Australia, we explain what’s changed from the old 457 visa and help you find Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC).
-
nib Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
View a range of NIB overseas visitors health insurance policies.
-
Bridging visa health insurance
If you’re in Australia on a bridging visa, it’s important that you choose a suitable level of private health insurance cover.
-
Health insurance for parents visiting Australia
If your parents are planning to visit you in Australia from another country, they will first need an appropriate visa, and secondly need health insurance while they are here. This guide explains how to do both.
-
Health insurance for visitors
Find an adequate level of private health insurance to cover any medical costs incurred during your trip to Australia on a subclass 600 visa.
-
Health insurance for NZ citizens living in Australia
If you’re a New Zealander moving to Australia, find out here what cover you can enjoy under Australia’s healthcare system.
My wife and I have 410 visas and live more than halfof every year in Aus. Do we need ovhc still as we live here for most of the year. We have a home here and pay all the required taxes etc.
Hi Peter,
Yes, you need to maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia on a 410 visa, regardless of how much of the year you live there. While you are likely not eligible for Medicare, 410 visa holders are subject to visa conditions requiring them to have private health insurance that is equivalent to Medicare.
My wife and I currently have an astonishingly expensive OVHC policy to support our Subclass 870 visas. However, we are from United Kingdom, which has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia, and also have Reciprocal Arrangement Medicare cards.
Do we still need this expensive OVHC medical insurance?
Hi Bernie,
If you’re in Australia on the 870 Sponsored Parent visa, you’ll need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) while you stay to satisfy the 8501 visa condition, while also ensuring you’re able to pay any medical costs while in Australia.