What is OVHC and why do I need it?

OVHC stands for Overseas Visitor Health Cover, which is a type of health insurance for visitors to Australia on a temporary visa. This insurance covers the cost of medical treatment and hospital care for the duration of your stay in Australia. It is required for individuals who hold a 600 visa and is necessary in order to meet the visa's health requirement.

What types of OVHC policies are available?

There are several types of OVHC policies available to visitors to Australia on a 600 visa. These include basic policies that cover the cost of treatment for certain conditions, as well as more comprehensive policies that cover a wider range of medical services. Some policies also offer additional benefits such as ambulance cover and private room accommodation.

What companies offer OVHC to 600 visa holders?

There are several companies that offer OVHC to visitors to Australia on a 600 visa. Some examples of these companies include Allianz Care Australia , Bupa and nib . It is important to compare the policies and prices offered by different companies to find the one that best meets your needs and budget. You should also make sure that the policy you choose meets the requirements of the 600 visa, as not all policies may be accepted.

Does OVHC include out-of-hospital services?

Neither Medicare nor OVHC usually includes out-of-hospital services like dental, physiotherapy and optical. However, lots of policies allow you to add extras cover onto your OVHC policy for as little as $3 per week.

Are there waiting periods before I will be covered?

Yes, a waiting period is the time you need to serve before you can submit a claim. The Australian government sets the waiting periods for hospital treatments , so they are the same no matter which health insurer you choose. 12 months for pre-existing conditions (excluding psychiatric, rehabilitation and palliative care). 12 months for pregnancy and maternity services. 2 months for all other hospital treatments and services.

Is the 600 or 651 the best tourist visa to visit Australia?

It depends on your personal circumstances. The 651 visa is for eligible passport holders from a select group of countries for stays up to 3 months at a time. The 600 visa is for people who don't hold an eligible passport or for stays longer than 3 months and up to 12 months.