Understanding OSHC vs OVHC Family Policies

What You Can Add?

Under Australian health-insurance law and fund rules (Private Health Insurance Act 2007 + OSHC Deed 2025):

• Single policy: Covers only the main visa holder.
• Couple policy: Covers you + your partner/spouse (must hold a valid dependent visa or be applying for one).
• Family policy: Covers you, your partner, and all dependent children (usually under 18 or 25 if full-time students, depending on insurer rules).

All major providers – Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care, ahm, and AIA - allow you to upgrade your policy category rather than purchase a new plan.

How Much Does It Cost?

Adding family members increases the premium because the insurer now covers multiple people under one policy.

Approximate price differences (as of 2025):

• OSHC: From AUD 650 (single) to AUD 3,000–3,800 (family per year)
• OVHC: From AUD 600 (single visitor) to AUD 2,500–3,500 (family per year)

Each provider uses its own pricing, so it’s best to compare quotes instantly on GetMyPolicy.online to find the lowest cost for your visa type and duration.

How to Add a Partner or Child to Your Existing Policy

1. Check Visa Status and Eligibility

Ensure your dependants are included or eligible to be added to your visa (for example, 485 or 500 subsequent-entrant dependants).

2. Contact Your Insurer or Use a Comparison Portal

You can directly reach out to your provider (Bupa, nib, Allianz Care, Medibank, ahm, or AIA) or update it easily through GetMyPolicy.online.

3. Provide Supporting Documents

You’ll typically need:

• Copy of your dependant’s passport
• Visa grant letter or visa-application reference
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate)

4. Upgrade to Couple or Family Policy

Your current single policy will be adjusted to couple or family cover. The new premium applies from the date of change, and your policy certificate will be reissued accordingly.

5. Wait for Confirmation & New Policy Card

Most insurers update the membership within 48–72 hours after payment and verification.

Waiting Periods to Know Before Adding Family

According to the OSHC Deed 2025 and provider fund rules:

• 12 months for pregnancy & birth-related services (for dependants too)
• 2 months for psychiatric, rehabilitation, and palliative care
• 2 months for Extras (dental, optical under OVHC Premium Plans)

If you’re upgrading from single to family, the waiting period still applies for newly added members, even if the main holder has already served it.

Common Exclusions You Should Know

All fund rules clearly exclude:

• Cosmetic or elective procedures not medically required
• Assisted Reproductive Services (IVF etc., unless specified by plan)
• Treatment outside Australia
• Unregistered providers or non-contracted hospitals