Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) in Australia
Moving to Australia for work, study, or travel is exciting, but navigating health cover can be confusing. OVHC is a visa compliant option designed to help protect you during your stay. At Konkrd, we break it down in simple terms so you can understand your choices, compare plans, and pick the cover that fits your visa and your budget.
Key Takeaways
- OVHC is required for many temporary visa holders in Australia.
- Costs vary based on visa type, age, cover level, and insurer.
- Cover can include hospital, medical, and extras services depending on the plan.
- Many visas require you to maintain OVHC for the full duration of your stay.
- You can compare plans and switch providers at any time.
What Is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?
OVHC is a type of private health insurance for people visiting or staying in Australia on a temporary visa. It helps cover medical treatment, hospital services, and sometimes extras like dental or physio, depending on the policy.
OVHC is designed to meet visa requirements for visitors, students, workers, and holiday makers.
Do You Need OVHC for Your Visa Type?
Some visas require OVHC, while others strongly recommend it for safety, cost protection, and peace of mind.
Table Placeholder: Visa Subclasses and OVHC Requirements
|
Visa Subclass |
OVHC Required |
Notes |
|
485 Graduate Visa |
Yes |
Must maintain cover throughout stay |
|
482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa |
Yes |
Mandatory for visa approval |
|
400 Temporary Work Visa |
Yes |
Required unless exempt |
|
600 Visitor Visa |
Recommended |
Not mandatory but advisable |
|
601 Electronic Travel Authority |
Recommended |
Visitors pay full medical costs |
|
417 Working Holiday Visa |
Recommended |
High risk without hospital cover |
|
Student Visa (OSHC) |
Special cover |
Different to OVHC |
Always check your specific visa conditions for compliance.
How Much Does OVHC Cost in Australia?
OVHC premiums depend on your visa type, age, level of cover, and insurer. Prices also vary based on hospital cover inclusions, extras, and waiting periods.
Table Placeholder: Average Monthly OVHC Premiums (Updated 2025)
|
Cover Type |
Single |
Couple |
Family |
|
Non Worker Hospital Only |
$149.58 |
$300.55 |
$329 |
|
Working Hospital Only |
$187.98 |
$402.59 |
$421.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Factors Affecting OVHC Premiums
1. Visa Type
Worker visas often require more comprehensive cover.
2. Age
Older applicants may pay more due to higher health risk profiles.
3. Level of Cover
Hospital only is cheaper. Combined cover with extras increases costs.
4. Policy Benefits
Inclusions, exclusions, ambulance cover, and repatriation influence pricing.
5. Insurer and Fund Agreements
Each provider works with different hospital networks and pricing structures.
Comparing OVHC Plans: Hospital Only vs Extras
Hospital Only OVHC
Includes things like inpatient treatment, surgery, ambulance, and doctor fees.
Hospital Plus Extras
Adds services like dental, optical, physio, and remedial massage.
Comprehensive OVHC
Ideal for long term visas or visitors who want broader protection.
How to Choose the Right OVHC Plan
A plan should tick three boxes:
- It meets your visa conditions.
- It covers the services you are likely to use.
- It fits your budget and stay length.
Use our comparison tool to check benefits, hospital cover, extras options, and policy rules.
CTA: Compare OVHC Plans
Understanding the OVHC Claim Process
Most insurers allow you to:
- Claim online
- Use a mobile app
- Claim in person with receipts
- Access hospital cover directly through the insurer
Emergency treatment is usually covered immediately, although waiting periods may apply for other services.
Additional Benefits of OVHC Plans
Depending on the fund, you may get:
- Ambulance cover
- Doctor and specialist fees covered up to MBS
- Access to private hospitals
- Repatriation
- Extras benefits like dental or physio
Frequently Asked Questions About OVHC
What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover?
It is private health insurance for temporary visa holders.
Which visa subclasses require OVHC?
Visas like 482, 485, and 400 require it. Visitor and working holiday visa holders are strongly advised to hold cover.
How much does OVHC cost per month?
Costs vary by visa type, age, and level of cover. See our pricing table above.
What does OVHC cover?
Hospital treatment, doctor fees, ambulance, and sometimes extras.
Can I switch providers?
Yes, you can switch at any time.
What happens if I do not maintain OVHC?
Your visa may become non compliant depending on the subclass.
