Make your Australian Visit Medical Bills Free with Overseas Visitor Health Insurance!

You could have any number of reasons for visiting one of the best countries in the world - Australia. Your schedule is ready, your goal is set, your ticket and passport are in check, and you've mentally already arrived in Australia. You're even dreaming of relaxing in top-class Australian landscapes and soaking in the experience. But hey - where's your Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

If you noticed that question and thought, "Why do I need insurance if I'm just here to enjoy or work for a while?", you're not alone. As a visitor, you might be in Australia to spend quality time with friends or family, explore iconic tourist spots, or even attend business meetings. You could be a student who’s recently graduated from an Australian institution, or a skilled worker sponsored by an Australian employer to fill a critical role.

Whatever your reason, it is strongly recommended - and in many cases, mandatory depending on your visa type - to secure adequate Overseas Health Insurance for yourself and your family for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

Why is OVHC Important?

To protect you from financial liabilities! Wondering what kind of liabilities we’re talking about?

Australia takes pride in offering world-class healthcare. But with quality comes cost. A single day in a basic Australian hospital can set you back AU$1,000 or more. That’s right - just one day! And this cost is yours to bear if you’re not covered with an OVHC plan.

So, what’s the smarter option - paying hefty medical bills out of pocket or staying protected with the right insurance? The answer is clear.

What Does OVHC Typically Cover?

A smart choice would be to buy a suitable OVHC policy based on your budget and needs, avoiding out-of-pocket surprises. Here's what most OVHC plans generally cover^:

Overnight or same-day hospital accommodation
Operating theatre, labour ward, and intensive care fees
Emergency ambulance transport and services
Medications listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
In-hospital and out-of-hospital doctor or specialist fees (up to 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule - MBS)
Radiology and pathology services
Surgically implanted prostheses (100% covered)
Private room accommodation where available
Psychiatric, rehabilitation, and gastric banding services (in certain cases)
Physiotherapy and back surgery
Funeral expenses and repatriation to home country
Cardiac-related treatments*
Renal dialysis, hernia surgery, tonsil or appendix removal

And much more - depending on the insurer and the specific plan you choose.

What Isn't Covered by OVHC?

While OVHC is comprehensive, there are certain exclusions to be aware of. You won’t be covered for:

Services used while the policy is suspended or inactive
Expenses incurred during waiting periods
Treatment received outside of Australia
Pre-existing medical conditions
Pregnancy and birth-related care
Knee and hip replacements, cataract surgery
Rehabilitation for incidents occurring before arrival in Australia
IVF and other fertility treatments
Organ or bone marrow transplants
Services for which compensation is claimed from another source
Luxury hospital room services or non-Medicare-covered services
Cosmetic or experimental surgeries
Out-of-pocket drug expenses, non-PBS medications, or over-the-counter drugs
Choosing your own doctor instead of a registered hospital practitioner for in-hospital care

Different insurers may have additional conditions, so always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully.

At GetMyPolicy, we help you make informed decisions about your OVHC plan before your Australian trip. Compare certified OVHC providers, understand what’s included, and select the plan that suits your needs.

^Note: Insurance coverage, services, and pricing are subject to change without notice depending on the provider, hospital type (public/private/partner), and plan type. The writer assumes no responsibility for changes in policies or pricing. This article does not endorse any specific insurance provider.

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.