5 Best Overseas Visitor Health Cover in Australia

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 5 Overseas Visitor Health Covers in Australia. We’ve thoroughly reviewed these providers to help you choose a plan that suits your healthcare needs, budget, and visa requirements.

Whether you’re after basic hospital cover or a more comprehensive plan with extras, this guide has you covered. Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?
✅ The 5 best OVHC providers in Australia
✅ Frequently Asked Questions

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of each provider’s offerings and be equipped to make an informed decision for a worry-free stay in Australia.

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of health insurance specifically designed for people visiting or staying in Australia on temporary visas, such as student, work, or visitor visas. OVHC ensures that visitors have access to essential healthcare services during their stay in Australia, covering costs related to hospital visits, medical treatments, and emergency care.

The Purpose of OVHC

The primary purpose of OVHC is to provide financial protection against the high costs of healthcare in Australia.

Coverage Offered by OVHC

Australia’s healthcare system, while comprehensive, can be expensive for those without insurance. OVHC helps cover expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency ambulance services. Depending on the level of cover chosen, OVHC may also include benefits for extras like dental and optical care.

OVHC Requirements for Visa Holders

For many visa holders, having OVHC is a mandatory requirement to meet the conditions of their visa. For instance, international students on a student visa are required by the Australian government to maintain health insurance throughout their stay.

Working visa holders may also need to provide proof of OVHC to demonstrate that they can access medical care without burdening the public healthcare system.

Protecting Australia’s Healthcare System

By ensuring that visitors have OVHC, Australia aims to protect its healthcare infrastructure and make sure that visitors have a safety net in case of illness or injury.

The Importance of OVHC

Without OVHC, visitors would have to pay out-of-pocket for medical treatments, which can be financially overwhelming. Therefore, having OVHC not only meets visa requirements but also provides peace of mind, ensuring access to quality healthcare throughout a visitor’s stay in Australia.

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What to Look for When Choosing OVHC Providers

Selecting the right Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) provider is essential for receiving the best healthcare while staying in Australia. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing an OVHC provider:

Cost

The cost of OVHC plans can vary significantly between providers. It’s essential to balance affordability with the level of coverage. While basic plans may be cheaper, they might not offer all the necessary health services you need. Compare prices and understand what is included in each plan to avoid unexpected expenses.

Network of Healthcare Providers

Some OVHC providers have an established network of preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Choosing a provider with a wide network can give you more flexibility in accessing healthcare services without having to pay additional out-of-pocket costs. Check if your preferred providers or nearby hospitals are included in the provider’s network.

Extent of Coverage

OVHC plans can offer varying levels of coverage, from basic hospital care to more comprehensive plans that include GP visits, prescription medications, and extras like dental and optical care. Consider your healthcare needs and the duration of your stay in Australia when choosing between basic and comprehensive plans.

Waiting Periods

Some OVHC plans come with waiting periods for specific treatments, particularly for pre-existing conditions. Make sure you are aware of any waiting periods that may apply and whether the plan covers your immediate health concerns. It’s important to choose a plan with minimal waiting periods, especially if you require urgent medical care.

Ease of Making Claims

The claims process should be straightforward and user-friendly. Look for providers that offer online claims submission, 24/7 customer support, and fast claim processing times. Reading customer reviews about the provider’s claims process can help gauge their efficiency.

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Bupa Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Bupa offers a range of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans tailored to meet the healthcare needs of international visitors in Australia. Their plans provide essential medical services, helping visitors avoid costly medical bills during their stay.

Bupa is known for its comprehensive coverage, including hospital treatments, GP visits, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medications. Visitors can also add optional extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy services to customize their plans.

Bupa’s plans comply with Australian visa health insurance requirements, making them suitable for students, workers, and other temporary visa holders. With access to a wide network of healthcare providers, visitors can avoid out-of-pocket expenses at preferred providers. Flexible claim options, including online submissions, make the process quick and easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly premium for the Bupa health insurance plans?

Bupa offers a variety of health insurance plans across multiple price points. For instance, plans that include hospital coverage and additional expenses vary in cost, starting at just $2.79 per week and going up to $21.19 per week. Items exclusive to hospitals range in cost from $17.98 to $21.19 each week, whereas items categorized as extras are priced between $2.79 and $5.62 weekly. Weekly prices for packaged goods range from $24.35 to $39.09.

What Is the Waiting Period for the Bupa Health Insurance Plan benefits?

The duration of waiting periods for Bupa health insurance varies based on the specific service utilized. Most benefits come with a standard waiting period of approximately 2 months, covering general treatments and hospital care.

On the other hand, specific services such as maternity care or treatments for pre-existing conditions generally involve a waiting period of 12 months.

Waiting periods for certain additional services can vary, typically lasting anywhere from 2 to 12 months. Understanding the specific details of your policy is essential for grasping the exact waiting periods associated with your coverage.

How to Claim for Bupa Health Insurance Benefits

There are various options for claiming your Bupa Health Insurance benefits:

Start your claim by logging into your Bupa account, whether online or through the app.
Submit your medical receipts at a Bupa Health Insurance location.
Send the completed claim form along with the receipts to Bupa.
Many providers consistently handle claim submissions to Bupa on your behalf.

Make sure to include all essential details, such as invoices and receipts, to enable the swift processing of your claim.

Our Overall Assessment

Bupa provides reliable and flexible OVHC, ensuring top-tier healthcare while meeting visa requirements.

Medibank Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Medibank offers a variety of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans designed to provide international visitors with access to essential healthcare services while in Australia. Whether on a working, student, or other temporary visa, Medibank protects against unexpected medical costs, making it a reliable choice.

Medibank’s OVHC plans are flexible, offering basic hospital-only cover or more comprehensive options that include GP visits, prescription medications, and emergency ambulance services. Additional extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy coverage are also available, allowing visitors to customize their plans to suit personal and visa requirements.

With an extensive network of healthcare providers across Australia, visitors can easily access care without out-of-pocket expenses at preferred providers. Medibank’s online claims submission and 24/7 health advice line further simplify the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly premium for the Medibank health insurance plans?

The monthly premium for Medibank health insurance plans depends on various factors, including the level of coverage, the age of the insured, and the geographical location.

Starting at around AUD 100 per month, the basic cover plans offer exceptional value. On the other hand, more extensive packages that include hospital services and extra coverage can vary from AUD 150 to AUD 200 or even more each month. For a personalized price, make use of the quote tool found on the Medibank website.

What Is the Waiting Period for the Medibank health insurance plan benefits?

The length of waiting periods for Medibank health insurance benefits depends on the particular type of coverage chosen.

Standard waiting times include two months for general treatments such as dental care and physiotherapy, twelve months for maternity services or pre-existing conditions, and immediate coverage for hospitalization resulting from accidents.

Confirming the specific details of your plan is crucial, as waiting periods may vary based on the coverage you choose.

How to Claim for Medibank Health Insurance Benefits

Unlock your Medibank health insurance benefits by choosing one of the following methods:

Submit your claim effortlessly by logging into your Medibank account online or using the My Medibank app.
Visit a Medibank branch and submit your claim using your Medibank card.
For assistance, reach out to Medibank’s customer support by phone.

Many healthcare providers can automate claims processing for you.

Our Overall Assessment

Medibank provides comprehensive, customizable, and convenient health coverage, offering peace of mind for international visitors during their stay in Australia.

NIB Overseas Visitor Health Cover

NIB offers a range of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans tailored for international visitors in Australia, making it a reliable option for those on working or temporary visas. NIB’s plans provide essential coverage, ensuring access to high-quality medical care and protection from high medical expenses.

NIB’s OVHC plans include flexible options with hospital coverage, GP visits, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medications. Visitors are well-protected in case of illness or emergencies, offering peace of mind during their stay.

Optional extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy coverage allow visitors to customize their plans to suit personal needs. NIB’s extensive network of healthcare providers across Australia ensures easy access to care without out-of-pocket expenses when using preferred providers.

NIB also offers online claims submission and 24/7 health advice services for quick and easy support. With its comprehensive coverage and convenient healthcare access, NIB is an excellent choice for overseas visitors in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly premium for the NIB health insurance plans?

The weekly premiums for NIB health insurance policies depend on the chosen plan and coverage level.

Basic hospital coverage typically costs between AUD 25 and AUD 40 each week. On the other hand, more extensive plans that include both hospital and supplemental coverage generally range from AUD 40 to AUD 60 or more each week.

With the NIB quotation tool, you can create a personalized quote that perfectly aligns with your unique situation.

What Is the Waiting Period for the NIB health insurance plan benefits?

The waiting periods for NIB health insurance benefits vary based on the type of coverage you choose. Waiting periods generally include two months for extra services such as dentistry and physiotherapy, one year for maternity or pre-existing conditions, and immediate coverage for accidental injuries.

Waiting periods can vary depending on your specific plan and provider, so it’s best to check your policy for accurate details.

How to Claim for NIB Health Insurance Benefits

To unlock your NIB Health Insurance benefits, simply log into your account and submit your claims electronically. With the NIB mobile app, you can easily upload receipts and file claims with just a few taps. Some healthcare providers can submit claims directly to NIB on your behalf.

Our Overall Assessment

NIB provides flexible and comprehensive Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans that offer essential medical care and protection against high medical costs for international visitors in Australia.

Allianz Care Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Allianz Care Australia offers a range of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans tailored to the healthcare needs of international visitors in Australia. Their plans provide access to high-quality healthcare services, protecting visitors from unexpected medical expenses during their stay.

Allianz Care’s OVHC complies with Australian visa requirements, making it an ideal choice for those on temporary visas, such as working or tourist visas. The coverage includes essential services like hospital care, GP visits, and emergency ambulance services, ensuring prompt medical attention in case of illness or emergencies.

Visitors can choose from flexible plans with different coverage levels, depending on their healthcare needs and the duration of their stay. Allianz Care also offers extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy for more comprehensive coverage.

A key advantage of Allianz Care’s OVHC is its extensive network of healthcare providers across Australia, allowing visitors to access care without out-of-pocket expenses when using preferred providers. The easy claims process, with online submission and 24/7 support, adds to its convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly premium for the Allianz Care Australia health insurance plans?

Use the “Get a Price” tool on the Allianz Care Australia website to receive a personalized quote depending on your travel status and needs.

What Is the Waiting Period for the Allianz Care Australia health insurance plan benefits?

The waiting periods for the Allianz Care Australia health insurance plan benefits vary depending on the specific type of treatment or service being claimed.

There is a 12-month waiting period for any treatment related to pre-existing conditions.
There is also a 12-month waiting period for any pregnancy-related services.
A 2-month waiting period applies to psychiatric services, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
For services that are not related to pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, or specialized care, there are no waiting periods.

It’s important to check the specific plan details and confirm with Allianz Care Australia, as the exact waiting periods may vary based on your cover type and visa requirements.

How to Claim for Allianz Care Australia Insurance Benefits

Before making a claim, it’s helpful to register for Allianz Care Australia’s online portal, where you can manage your policy and submit claims.

Ensure you have all the necessary documents before submitting your claim.
You can submit your claim through the MyHealth Portal or MyHealth app.
After submission, you can monitor the progress of your claim via the portal or app.

If your claim is approved, Allianz Care Australia will reimburse you directly into the bank account you provided when setting up your policy.

Our Overall Assessment

Allianz Care’s OVHC offers flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and visa compliance, making it a reliable and convenient health insurance option for international visitors to Australia.

Australian Unity Overseas Visitor Health Cover

Australian Unity offers Overseas Visitor Cover (OVC) to provide international visitors in Australia with access to essential healthcare services, ensuring peace of mind and financial protection during their stay.

Their OVC plans comply with Australian visa health insurance requirements, making it suitable for visitors on work, study, or leisure visas. The coverage includes hospital care, GP visits, and emergency ambulance services, helping visitors avoid the high costs of healthcare in Australia.

Australian Unity also offers optional extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy, allowing visitors to customize their plans based on their healthcare needs. The plans are flexible, with options ranging from basic hospital-only cover to more extensive plans.

With an extensive network of healthcare providers, visitors can easily access medical services across Australia. The easy online claims submission system ensures fast reimbursements.

What is the monthly premium for the Australian Unity health insurance plans?

Your choice of coverage directly influences the monthly premium for Australian Unity health insurance plans. Factors such as the type of coverage, location, and specific circumstances will influence the exact premium amount.

What Is the Waiting Period for the Australian Unity health insurance plan benefits?

The waiting periods for Australian Unity health insurance can differ based on the specific service you choose. Standard wait times include 12 months for major dental and optical procedures, 12 months for maternity or pre-existing conditions, and 2 months for basic treatments.

Certain benefits, particularly those related to accidents, may not require a waiting period. For specific details, please consult your policy.

How to Claim for Australian Unity Health Insurance Benefits

Log into your Australian Unity account and effortlessly submit your claims online to access the benefits of your Australian Unity health insurance. File your claims and upload receipts effortlessly with the Australian Unity Health app. Visit an Australian Unity branch or conveniently submit your claims by mail.

Our Overall Assessment

Australian Unity’s OVC provides flexible, comprehensive coverage, ensuring international visitors access to quality healthcare while protecting them from financial strain during their stay in Australia.

In Conclusion

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is essential health insurance for individuals on temporary visas in Australia, ensuring access to necessary healthcare services. It helps protect visitors from high medical costs and meets visa requirements. When choosing an OVHC provider, factors such as cost, network of healthcare providers, coverage extent, waiting periods, and ease of claims should be considered to ensure comprehensive protection and peace of mind during their stay in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of health insurance designed specifically for people visiting Australia on temporary visas. It provides access to essential healthcare services, such as hospital treatment, GP visits, and emergency ambulance services, protecting visitors from high out-of-pocket costs during their stay.

Do I need OVHC to meet my visa requirements?

Yes, most temporary visa holders, such as those on working or student visas, are required to have OVHC as a condition of their visa. The coverage ensures that visitors can access healthcare in Australia without relying on the public healthcare system, which is intended for residents.

What does OVHC generally cover?

OVHC typically covers hospital stays, GP consultations, prescription medications, and emergency ambulance services. Some plans may also offer coverage for extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy. The specific benefits depend on the level of coverage chosen.

Are there waiting periods for OVHC benefits?

Yes, waiting periods may apply to certain services, such as treatments for pre-existing conditions or pregnancy-related care. However, general medical services, such as hospital and GP visits, are usually covered immediately, depending on your plan.

How do I claim my OVHC?

Claims can typically be made online through your health insurer’s portal or app. You’ll need to submit documentation such as invoices, receipts, and medical reports. Once the claim is submitted, it is processed within a set period, and reimbursements are made directly to your bank account.

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