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Australia’s Best OSHC & OVHC Plans for 2026: Comparing Bupa, nib, Allianz Care Australia, Medibank, AIA & ahm
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October 31, 2025
The Reality Check

Whether you’re a student applying for your first visa or a skilled worker renewing your stay, choosing the right Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) can make a major difference - not just in cost, but in how well you’re protected.

At GetMyPolicy.online, we make that choice simple. Our platform lets you compare real-time quotes from trusted insurers - Bupa, nib, Allianz Care Australia, Medibank, AIA, and ahm - to help you find the best, most affordable plan for your visa and budget.

The Turning Point

Understanding OSHC and OVHC: The Foundation

  • OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) – Mandatory for student visa (subclass 500) holders.
  • OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) – Designed for temporary visa holders, such as subclass 482, 485, and 407.

Both types must comply with Visa Condition 8501, ensuring you have adequate medical coverage while in Australia.

What Every International Student and Visitor Should Know?

Every compliant OSHC or OVHC policy must include:

  • Hospital and out-patient medical services up to 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee
  • Emergency ambulance transport (usually unlimited across most insurers).
  • Pharmaceutical benefits, such as Bupa and nib’s prescription refunds after co-payment
  • Waiting periods for pre-existing or pregnancy-related conditions (commonly 12 months)

2026 OSHC & OVHC Showdown

Provider Policy Type(s) Hospital Cover Pharmacy Benefits Ambulance Cover Waiting Periods Extras / Highlights
Bupa OSHC & OVHC Up to 100% of MBS; public & private hospital cover Pay $20, refund 60–80% (max $300–$500/year) Unlimited emergency + 3 non-emergency per year 2 months (basic), 12 months (pregnancy/pre-existing) Includes dental, optical, physiotherapy limits; travel & accommodation benefits
Nib OSHC & OVHC Meets DHA requirements; strong private hospital network 100% of cost for listed PBS/non-PBS drugs Emergency only 12 months for pre-existing conditions Psychology, dietary & home care benefits up to 100%; optical up to $500/year
Allianz Care Australia OSHC & OVHC Comprehensive hospital + medical cover Refunds for approved prescriptions up to MBS rate Included 12 months (pregnancy, pre-existing) 24/7 helpline and strong partner hospital network
Medibank OSHC & OVHC Covers 100% of MBS and public hospital care PBS-listed drugs covered Emergency only 12 months for pregnancy/pre-existing Digital access via MyMedibank app; 24/7 health line
AIA Health OVHC only Hospital cover for eligible visa holders Pharmacy & medicine rebates Emergency only 12 months (pre-existing) Wellbeing features + digital fitness rewards
ahm OSHC only Hospital + medical cover for students Limited PBS medicine benefits Emergency only 12 months (pregnancy) Affordable, DHA-compliant, ideal for budget-conscious students

How to Choose the Right Policy?

When using GetMyPolicy.online, consider these factors before selecting a plan:

  • Visa Type:
    • Student Visa (500) → OSHC (ahm, Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz).
    • Work or Training Visa (482, 485, 407) → OVHC (AIA, nib, Bupa, Allianz, Medibank).
  • Coverage Depth:
    Plans differ in hospital access (public/private) and inclusions like dental or optical.
  • Waiting Periods:
    Most pre-existing and maternity benefits activate after 12 months.
  • Budget Flexibility:
    Compare annual vs monthly premium options to find the best cost-performance ratio.

Why Thousands Choose GetMyPolicy.online?

  • Compare real-time OSHC & OVHC quotes from verified Australian insurers.
  • Transparent results - no hidden costs or commissions.
  • Trusted by thousands of students and workers across Australia.
What Made the Difference

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of cover do I need for my visa?

Students must hold OSHC, while workers, trainees, and dependents require OVHC. Both types must satisfy Visa Condition 8501 to ensure continuous medical coverage in Australia.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Yes, but typically after a 12-month waiting period across providers including Bupa, nib, and AIA

Are maternity and pregnancy services included?

Only higher-tier plans (like Bupa and nib’s premium covers) include pregnancy-related care, subject to 12-month waiting periods. ahm’s basic OSHC plans usually exclude maternity.

Can I switch from another provider mid-visa?

Yes. Under DHA regulations, switching is allowed without restarting all waiting periods, provided your new policy begins within 30 days of cancellation with your previous insurer

Holiday Bliss (Finally)
Stock insurance for student and visitor coverage
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At GMP, we turn insurance headaches into peace of mind—so you can focus on your Australian adventure, not paperwork battles.
We’ve seen how bad insurance can ruin someone’s experience abroad — and we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. We prevent these disasters by offering transparent comparisons of Australia-compliant plans, expert guidance to avoid coverage gaps, and instant approval of visa-ready policies. With us, you get protection that actually works when it matters most.
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