Why OVHC Extension Matters When Extending a Visa 600?

Australia expects visitor visa holders to be able to cover healthcare costs for their entire stay. When you apply for a Visa 600 extension, case officers assess whether your arrangements, including health insurance, remain adequate for the additional period.

If your OVHC expires before your requested visa end date, it may raise concerns about:

• Financial capacity
• Healthcare risk
• Compliance with visa expectations

Extending your OVHC in advance demonstrates that you are prepared and financially responsible.

Is OVHC Mandatory When Applying for a Visa 600 Extension?

Health insurance is not always listed as a strict visa condition for Subclass 600. However, in practice:

• Case officers frequently request proof of ongoing health insurance
• Long-stay visitors, sponsored applicants, and older applicants are assessed more closely
• Applicants without evidence of extended cover may face delays or additional scrutiny

For this reason, extending OVHC is strongly recommended when applying for a visa extension.

How OVHC Extension Works?

Extending OVHC is Different From Buying a New Policy

When you extend your OVHC:

• Your existing policy continues
• There is no break in cover
• Waiting periods already served continue uninterrupted

This continuity is important because a lapse - even a short one - can reset waiting periods for certain benefits under OVHC fund rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Extend Your OVHC for a Visa 600 Extension

Step 1: Check Your Current OVHC Expiry Date

Review your policy certificate to confirm when your current OVHC ends. Your extended cover should run at least until the end date requested in your visa extension.

Step 2: Estimate Your New Length of Stay

When applying for a Visa 600 extension, you usually request an additional stay period (for example, 3, 6, or 12 months). Your OVHC should cover this full duration.

Step 3: Extend the Existing Policy (Avoid Lapsing)

Most insurers allow you to extend your OVHC by adding extra months to your current policy. This is preferable to letting the policy expire and starting again.

Extending the same policy helps preserve:

• Waiting periods already served
• Continuous cover history
• Claim eligibility without disruption

Step 4: Ensure the Policy Start and End Dates Align With Your Application

Your updated policy certificate should clearly show:

• Continuous coverage from your original start date
• A new end date that covers your intended extended stay

This document is commonly used as supporting evidence during visa processing.

Step 5: Keep Proof of Extended Cover Ready

Once your OVHC is extended, download or save:

• Updated policy certificate
• Confirmation of payment

These may be requested by Home Affairs during assessment of your Visa 600 extension.

Should You Switch OVHC Providers When Extending a Visa 600?

Switching providers is possible, but it requires careful planning.

If you switch:

• Your new policy must start immediately after the old one ends
• A transfer certificate is usually required
• Some benefits may be reassessed depending on the policy level

For most applicants, extending the existing policy is simpler and reduces risk during the visa extension process.

What Level of OVHC Is Suitable During a Visa 600 Extension?

The appropriate OVHC level depends on factors such as:

• Length of extended stay
• Age of the applicant
• Medical history
• Risk tolerance for out-of-pocket costs

Longer stays or older visitors often choose mid or higher-tier OVHC to reduce exposure to hospital and specialist costs.

Common OVHC Options Used for Visitor Visa 600 Extensions

For transparency and trust, many visitors extending their stay review OVHC options from:

nib OVHC

• Mid Visitor Cover
• Top Visitor Cover
• Advantage Visitor Cover
• Executive Visitor Cover

Bupa OVHC

• Bupa Visiting Cover

AIA OVHC

• AIA Overseas Visitors Health Cover

Medibank OVHC

• Medibank Visitors Health Insurance

Each policy has different hospital categories, limits, and exclusions, which can affect healthcare costs during an extended stay.

What Happens If Your OVHC Expires During Your Visa Extension?

If your OVHC expires:

• You may be uninsured for medical costs
• Waiting periods may reset when you restart cover
• Visa processing may be delayed if insurance evidence is requested

Even if your visa application is already lodged, maintaining active OVHC remains important until a decision is made.

OVHC Extension Checklist for Visa 600 Applicants