OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover)
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is mandatory health insurance for temporary visa holders visiting or working in Australia. If you're on a work visa (subclass 482, 457), bridging visa (subclass 020, 030, 051), or certain other temporary visas, you must maintain OVHC for the entire duration of your stay to comply with visa conditions.
OVHC is different from standard Australian health insurance—it's specifically designed for temporary residents and covers emergency medical treatment, hospital care, and some outpatient services. Unlike regular health insurance, OVHC doesn't have waiting periods (coverage starts immediately), doesn't qualify you for the Australian Government Rebate, and has different coverage limits and exclusions.
Policies range from $45-95/week for singles depending on coverage level, visa duration, and whether you include dependents. Most visa applicants need OVHC before their visa is granted, and maintaining continuous coverage is essential to avoid visa cancellation or future visa application complications.
Who needs OVHC
Visa Types Requiring OVHC
Work Visas:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)
- Subclass 457 (Temporary Work - Skilled, now closed but existing holders)
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
- Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional)
Bridging Visas:
- Subclass 020, 030, 051, 010 (Bridging A, B, C, D)
Other Temporary Visas:
- Subclass 476 (Skilled - Recognised Graduate)
- Some provisional partner visas
Note: Student visa holders (subclass 500) require OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), not OVHC.
OVHC vs. OSHC vs. Regular Health Insurance
Key Differences
| Feature | OVHC | OSHC | Regular Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | Temporary workers, bridging visas | International students | Australian residents |
| Government rebate | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (24-33%) |
| Waiting periods | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (2-12 months) |
| Medicare access | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (public hospitals) |
| Pre-existing conditions | Limited cover | Limited cover | Covered after 12 months |
| Ambulance | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | Varies by policy |
| Pregnancy | ⚠️ Limited (emergency only) | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full cover (Gold/Silver+) |
| Dental/Optical | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ With extras cover |
What OVHC covers
Standard OVHC Coverage
Hospital Treatment:
- Emergency hospital admission
- Medically necessary surgery
- Intensive care
- Accommodation in public or private hospital
- Theatre fees
- Prostheses (medical devices)
Medical Services:
- Doctor consultations (GP and specialists)
- Pathology tests (blood tests, x-rays)
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans)
- Prescription medications (PBS-listed, subject to limits)
Ambulance:
- Emergency ambulance transport
- Medically necessary transport
What's NOT Covered:
- Routine dental and optical (except accident-related)
- Pre-existing conditions (limited to emergency treatment only)
- Elective cosmetic procedures
- Pregnancy and childbirth (only emergency complications covered)
- Alternative therapies (chiropractic, acupuncture)
- High-cost treatments exceeding policy limits
OVHC policy tiers
Coverage Levels
Visitor Cover (Basic)
- Cost: $45-65/week (singles)
- Hospital: Public hospitals only
- Medical: Up to $50,000 per year
- Best for: Short stays, budget-conscious
Work Cover (Standard)
- Cost: $65-85/week (singles)
- Hospital: Public and private hospitals
- Medical: Up to $100,000 per year
- Best for: Most temporary workers
Comprehensive Cover (Premium)
- Cost: $85-95/week (singles)
- Hospital: Private hospitals with choice
- Medical: Unlimited or high limits ($250,000+)
- Best for: Families, longer stays, peace of mind
Policy comparison table
Data Source: OVHC policies table
Filtering:
- product_type = 'OVHC'
- Display by coverage level (Visitor/Work/Comprehensive)
- Calculate pricing for visitor profile (visa duration, family structure)
| Column | Display |
|---|---|
| Insurer | Logo + Name |
| Policy | Name + Level |
| Coverage | "Public + Private Hospitals" |
| Medical Limit | "$100,000/year" |
| Price (Singles) | $XX/week |
| Price (Couples) | $XX/week |
| Price (Family) | $XX/week |
| Best For | "Work visa holders", "Budget travelers" |
| Action | [Get Quote] [Details] |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between OVHC and OSHC?
OVHC is for temporary workers and bridging visa holders. OSHC is specifically for international students on student visas (subclass 500). They're different products with different coverage and you must get the correct type for your visa.
When do I need to buy OVHC?
BEFORE applying for your visa. Most visa applications require proof of OVHC covering the entire visa period. Buy OVHC first, then submit visa application with policy certificate.
Does OVHC cover pregnancy?
No, routine pregnancy and childbirth are NOT covered. Only emergency complications during pregnancy are covered. Plan accordingly if pregnant or planning pregnancy in Australia.
Can I use OVHC at any hospital?
Depends on your policy level:
- Visitor Cover: Public hospitals only
- Work/Comprehensive Cover: Public and private hospitals
Always check policy details and get pre-approval for non-emergency treatment.
Does OVHC have waiting periods?
No. OVHC coverage starts immediately from policy commencement date. This is unlike regular Australian health insurance which has 2-12 month waiting periods.
How much does OVHC cost for a family?
Family OVHC (2 adults + children) ranges from:
- Visitor Cover: $120-160/week
- Work Cover: $160-200/week
- Comprehensive: $200-250/week
Children are usually covered at no additional cost under family policies.
What happens if my OVHC lapses?
Your visa conditions will be breached, potentially leading to:
- Visa cancellation
- Difficulty obtaining future Australian visas
- Personal liability for all medical costs
Maintain continuous coverage for entire visa duration.
Can I claim on pre-existing conditions?
Only emergency treatment for pre-existing conditions is covered. Planned treatment, ongoing management, or elective procedures for pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Does OVHC cover dental and optical?
No, routine dental and optical are not covered. Only emergency dental/optical treatment resulting from accidents is covered (e.g., broken tooth in car accident).
Can I switch from OVHC to regular health insurance?
Yes, when you become a permanent resident. You can then switch to regular Australian health insurance and will be eligible for the government rebate. Waiting periods will apply to new regular insurance.
