Eligibility for OVHC

You are eligible for OVHC if you:

• Hold a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
• Are aged between 18–30 (or 35 for citizens of select countries)
• Are employed or seeking temporary work in Australia
• Do not have access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)

Even if you’re from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA), such as the UK, Ireland, or New Zealand, OVHC is still recommended to cover services that Medicare doesn’t, like ambulance or private hospital care.

What OVHC Typically Covers?

According to the latest policies from Bupa and nib:

• Emergency hospital admissions are covered up to 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rate
• Doctor (GP) and Specialist Consultations are claimable at 100% of MBS when you visit a recognised provider
• Ambulance transport is fully covered under emergency situations
• Prescription Medicines are reimbursed up to an annual limit (typically AUD 300–500 per person per year)
• Repatriation benefits (for medical evacuation or death) are included under most comprehensive plans.

However, services like physiotherapy, dental and optical are generally excluded unless you add extras.

Australia’s Top OVHC Providers for Working Holiday Visa Holders (2026)

Here’s how the leading health funds stack up - based on their 2024–2025 policy, benefits, and features relevant to Working Holiday visa holders.

What’s Not Covered?

Even comprehensive OVHC policies exclude:

• Non-emergency dental, physiotherapy, and optical
• Assisted reproduction and pregnancy (unless pre-approved)
• Cosmetic and elective surgery
• Services performed outside Australia
• Pre-existing conditions within the first 12 months

These exclusions apply across all major insurers, as outlined in their policies (nib, Bupa, and Allianz)

How to Choose the Right OVHC Plan for You?

Choosing the right OVHC isn’t just about price - it’s about ensuring your plan matches your visa conditions, location, and lifestyle.

1. Check Your Visa Duration

If you’re planning a 12-month Working Holiday, get a policy that covers the full duration.

Insurers like Bupa and Allianz offer flexible 3, 6, or 12-month plans, but your policy must remain active for your entire stay.

2. Understand the Waiting Periods

• Emergency treatment is covered immediately.
• General treatment (e.g., physio, dental) has a 2-month wait.
• Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month wait period across all funds.

As per nib’s policy, transferring from another OVHC provider within 30 days allows continuity - meaning waiting periods don’t restart

3. Compare Reimbursement Limits

Pharmaceutical benefits are capped annually - typically $300–$500 per member.

Bupa and Medibank reimburse up to 60–80% after a fixed co-payment per prescription.

4. Digital Convenience Matters

Apps like myBupa, MyMedibank, and nib App make it easy to:

• Submit claims online
• Track claim history
• Download visa compliance certificates instantly

If you’re working regionally or travelling often, this is a major convenience.

5. Check for Regional Coverage

If you’re planning farm work or regional employment (for a second-year visa extension), confirm your insurer’s hospital network includes rural and regional areas. Allianz Care and nib have broad coverage across all Australian states.

Why Use GetMyPolicy.online

Choosing the right OVHC for your Working Holiday Visa can be overwhelming - that’s where we come in.

At GetMyPolicy.online, you can:

• Instantly compare quotes from all major OVHC providers
• Filter by visa type, duration, and coverage level
• Receive official DHA-compliant certificates in minutes

With thousands of users comparing every month, GetMyPolicy.online is your simplest route to a compliant, affordable, and trustworthy policy.