What is OVHC and Why Do International Visitors Need It?

OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) is health insurance created for international visitors. It helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and sometimes medication or extras like dental and optical. For most visa types, having the right OVHC is a government requirement before you can even enter the country.

Australian citizens and permanent residents have access to Medicare, but as a visitor, you generally won't. OVHC is your safety net if you have an accident or need medical care - without it, healthcare costs can be extremely high.

The Right Choice Depends on Your Needs, Budget, and Visa Requirements:

1. Compare OVHC Policies for the Best Deal

   Prices and cover can vary a lot. Instead of just picking the first option, use a comparison tool like GetMyPolicy's to view multiple providers and policies side by side. This lets you quickly see which plans offer the best balance of price and protection.

   Tip: Sometimes the cheapest OVHC isn't actually the best value. Look for a plan that covers the services you're most likely to need - if you end up using your insurance, you'll save more in the long run.

2. Match Your Cover to Your Visa

   Some visas, like student visas, require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), while others - like Working Holiday or Temporary Work visas - require OVHC. Don't pay for more than you need. GMP makes it easy to filter policies by visa type, so you only see relevant options.

3. Watch for Special Offers and Discounts

   Leading providers such as Nib, Bupa, Medibank, and Allianz Care sometimes offer:

   • First month free
   • Reduced waiting periods
   • Family or couple discounts

   When comparing on GMP, check for these offers - they can make a real difference in your total cost.

4. Choose Only What You Need

   If you're healthy and just want basic hospital cover, skip the extras like dental or optical. You can always upgrade your OVHC later if your needs change. Choosing the right level of cover can lower your premium significantly.

5. Pay Annually If Possible

   Many OVHC providers give a discount if you pay for a year upfront instead of month-to-month. Plus, you lock in your price and avoid mid-year rate increases.

6. Review and Switch When Needed

   You're not locked in forever. If you find a better offer, you can switch OVHC providers. GMP makes it simple to compare, review, and update your policy - so you're always getting great value.

7. Always Read the Fine Print

   Before you buy, check for:

   • Waiting periods (especially for pregnancy, dental, or optical)
   • Exclusions (what isn't covered)
   • Gap payments (what you'll pay out of pocket)

   GetMyPolicy provides easy-to-understand summaries so you know exactly what you're getting.