What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover OVHC?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover or OVHC is a type of health insurance designed for temporary visitors to Australia who are not eligible for Medicare. It helps cover the costs of medical treatment if you get sick or have an accident during your stay including doctor visits hospital stays and some prescription medicines. Holding OVHC is often a visa requirement.

What does 408 visa health insurance typically cover?

Most 408 visa health insurance policies or OVHC plans will cover common medical expenses such as visits to the doctor, hospital, accommodation and theatre fees, some prescription medications and ambulance services for emergencies. Policies can vary so it is important to check the specific details of your chosen plan. Some higher level policies might also include extras like dental optical or physiotherapy.

Are there things not covered by OVHC for a 408 visa?

Yes, most OVHC policies have exclusions and waiting periods. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions during an initial waiting period, non-medically necessary treatments, assisted reproductive services, cosmetic surgery and services not covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Make sure to check your policy's Product Disclosure Statement PDS to understand what is not covered.

Can I include my family members on my 408 visa health insurance?

Yes you can usually include your partner and any dependent children on your OVHC policy. Many providers offer family policies which can be more cost effective than purchasing individual policies for each family member. You will need to declare all family members when applying and ensure the cover meets the visa requirements for each individual.

How long do I need to hold OVHC for my 408 visa?

If your 408 visa has condition 8501, you must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This means your OVHC policy must be active from the day you arrive until your visa expires or you depart Australia, whichever comes first. If your visa is extended your health cover must also be extended.

What happens if my 408 visa is extended or cancelled?

If your 408 visa is extended, make sure your OVHC policy is also extended to cover the new visa period. Contact your health fund to arrange this. If your visa is cancelled or you leave Australia permanently before your policy expires, you may be eligible for a refund for the unused portion of your premium. Always notify your health insurer of any changes to your visa status or travel plans.

Can I claim Medicare benefits while on a 408 visa?

Unless you are from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement RHCA with Australia, you are generally not eligible for Medicare benefits while on a 408 visa. This is why Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is important, as it acts as your main health insurance while you're in Australia. Adequate health insurance is required if your visa has condition 8501. RHCA coverage is often limited and may not meet full visa requirements.

What is the 8501 visa condition?

Visa condition 8501 requires you to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This condition applies to many temporary Australian visas. On the 408 visa, Home Affairs can choose whether to impose it, so check your visa grant letter. It means you must hold and continue to hold health insurance such as OVHC that covers you for any necessary medical treatment you may require.

Are there waiting periods for 408 visa health insurance?

Yes most OVHC policies have waiting periods before you can claim for certain services. These typically include short waiting periods for general medical services, for example 2 months for some hospital treatments, and longer periods for pre-existing conditions - generally 12 months for hospital care and 12 months for pregnancy related services. Acute accidents are usually covered immediately.

Do I need to declare pre-existing conditions when applying for OVHC?

Yes it is important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when you apply for OVHC. A pre-existing condition is generally any illness or condition for which you have had signs, symptoms, diagnosis treatment or medication in the period prior to taking out health insurance. While OVHC may cover some pre-existing conditions, specific waiting periods and terms usually apply.