Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
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Stay Protected While Visiting or Working in Australia
If you’re travelling to Australia on a temporary visa — such as a Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa — having Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) ensures you can access medical treatment when you need it, without facing expensive bills.
In many cases, OVHC is also a visa requirement. The Department of Home Affairs expects you to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire time you are in Australia.
OVHC provides cover for essential medical services, hospital care, emergency ambulance transport, and prescription medicines — so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
Why OVHC is Essential for Overseas Visitors
A valid OVHC policy can mean
- Compliance with your temporary visa conditions
- Financial protection from unexpected medical expenses
- Access to medical care when you need it
- Peace of mind during your stay in Australia
Our expert assistance helps you
- Choose the right OVHC policy to meet visa and personal needs
- Understand what your policy covers and excludes
- Arrange coverage for the full length of your visa
- Avoid gaps in cover that could affect your visa compliance
Key Benefits of Having OVHC
- Meets visa health insurance requirements for certain temporary visas
- Covers hospital admissions and doctor visits
- Contributes towards prescription medicine costs
- Includes emergency ambulance services
- Flexible options for singles, couples, or families
Who Needs OVHC?
You may need OVHC if you:
- Hold or are applying for a temporary visa without access to Medicare
- Are visiting Australia for tourism, work, or to join family
- Are from a country without a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia
- Have visa conditions that require maintaining health cover
Important: If your visa requires adequate health insurance, you must arrange OVHC before your visa is granted and maintain it for your entire stay.
Eligibility Criteria for OVHC
To apply for OVHC, you must:
- Be a temporary visa holder or applicant for Australia
- Not be eligible for Medicare benefits (or choose private cover even if eligible)
- Purchase a policy from an approved Australian health insurer
- Pay the policy premium for the required coverage period
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not arranging OVHC before entering Australia when required by your visa
- Purchasing a policy that doesn’t meet minimum visa requirements
- Letting your policy lapse during your stay
- Assuming OVHC covers dental, optical, or physiotherapy (these may require extras cover)
Required Information for OVHC Application
- Full name and date of birth
- Passport details
- Visa grant or application details
- Intended arrival and departure dates
- Details of dependants (if applicable)
Processing Time and Validity
- Processing Time: Usually instant to 48 hours after payment
- Validity: Matches your chosen coverage dates (must align with your visa period)
- Coverage starts from your nominated arrival date or payment date
How We Help You Secure OVHC
- Compare OVHC plans from government-approved Australian providers
- Recommend the most cost-effective and suitable cover for your visa and health needs
- Ensure your OVHC meets Department of Home Affairs requirements
- Arrange fast payment and confirmation for your visa application
- Provide ongoing support if you need to extend or change your policy