OSHCstudents-Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a form of health insurance that is designed for visitors to Australia to access to Australia’s public healthcare system for medical or hospital expenses at an affordable cost. Here are 5 things you should know when purchasing OVHC.
Read more:
What is OSHC & OVHC Waiting Periods?
Working visa OVHC requirements
Who is eligible for OVHC?
To be eligible for OVHC, you must have a valid visa issued by the Australian Government or an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and a valid passport. All holders of visas classed as long-stay visitor visas, such as the Visitor visa (subclass 600), will be required to purchase OVHC to meet visa conditions and remain in Australia. Temporary residents arriving on sponsored Parent (subclass 103) and contributory aged parent (subclass 864) visas must also take out health cover through an approved OVHC provider. In contrast, those visiting on Student (subclass 500), Temporary Activity (subclasses 400 and 410), or Medical Treatment visas (subclasses 675 and 685) may also be eligible for OVHC if specified by their respective immigration departments.
How is OVHC important?
OVHC insurance covers expenses for travelers for short-term, business trips, and long-term work in Australia but has not yet received PR. OVHC splits the cost of medical examination and treatment to the above visa holders to ensure that foreigners come to Australia with peace of mind when traveling to Australia or working in Australia.
When should my OVHC policy start and end?
Typically, OVHC policies are active 24 hours after the purchase has been completed. The length of the policy should be determined by the amount of time you expect to stay abroad. Policies usually run for 12 months, with some extending up to five years. Consider how long you need coverage and check available options from providers to select a policy that works best for your personal needs.
Under what circumstances will OSVC be refunded?
- You had paid your premium and did not come to Australia
- You paid your OVHC premiums on the basis of an extended stay, but the Department of Immigration and Border Protection did not grant the extension of authorized stay
- You have been granted permanent residence in Australia
- You can provide proof of health cover with another organization
- You have simultaneous visitors health cover policies with Allianz Global Assistance
- You have left Australia
If I am under 18 years old, can I buy an OVHC single cover?
In case children under 18 years of age traveling with their parents cannot buy OVHC separately but must buy insurance under their parents’ insurance. Some insurers will require the age of over 21 to purchase OVHC single cover.
The single cover is for primary visa holders only. You will not be eligible for this policy if you are the dependent of a primary visa holder.
You are international students or foreigners arrive to Australia, or Australian citizens traveling abroad who are looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact OSHCstudents Team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
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