OVHC vs Travel Insurance: Key Differences and When to Choose Each

What Is OVHC?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of Australian health insurance specifically designed for temporary visa holders, including those on 482, 485, 600, 403, 407, and other work or visitor visas.

It’s required under Visa Condition 8501, meaning you must maintain adequate health insurance for your entire stay.

What OVHC Covers?

According to Bupa, nib, Medibank, and AIA:

Hospital accommodation (public & private hospitals)
In-hospital medical treatment
Doctor and specialist consultations
Prescription medicines (subject to limits)
Emergency ambulance services
Some day surgeries that are medically necessary

What OVHC Doesn’t Cover

Cosmetic or elective procedures
Services not deemed medically necessary
Treatment outside Australia
Extras like dental, optical, or physio (unless you have add-ons)

OVHC is regulated under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 (Cth) - which means it’s governed, audited, and compliant with Australian healthcare laws.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance is for short-term international trips.

It protects you against unexpected travel-related issues - not just medical emergencies, but also trip cancellations, lost luggage, and flight delays.

Typical Travel Insurance Covers

Emergency medical treatment while abroad
Trip cancellations or interruptions
Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings
Repatriation (return to home country due to serious illness)

Travel Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Ongoing or routine medical care
Pre-existing conditions (often excluded or limited)
Scheduled doctor visits or prescription medicines
Maternity care or long-term treatment needs

So, Travel Insurance is ideal for short stays or holidays, not for living or working in Australia.

OVHC vs Travel Insurance: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	OVHC	Travel Insurance
Purpose	For temporary visa holders living or working in Australia	For short-term international trips
Legal Requirement	Mandatory for most work/visitor visas (Condition 8501)	Not required by visa
Duration of Cover	Continuous during your visa period	Usually 1–3 months (trip duration)
Medical Coverage	Ongoing treatment, hospital & GP visits	Only emergency or accidental medical events
Travel Benefits	Not covered	Yes - cancellations, luggage, flights
Use Within Australia	Yes	Limited (if at all)
Pre-Existing Conditions	Some cover after waiting period	Often excluded
Regulation	Governed by Private Health Insurance Act	Regulated under travel insurance law (ASIC, not PHI)

International student consulting with an Australian doctor

When You Should Choose OVHC?

Choose OVHC if you:

Are applying for or already hold a temporary visa (482, 485, 600, 403, 407, 408, etc.)
Will live or work in Australia for several months or years
Want access to GP visits, ongoing prescriptions, or hospital treatments
Need to meet visa compliance (Condition 8501)

Available through: Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz Care Australia, and AIA

When You Should Choose Travel Insurance?

Choose Travel Insurance if you:

Are visiting Australia for a short holiday or a conference.
Want protection for trip cancellations, baggage, or flight delays
Already have Medicare-equivalent rights (e.g., New Zealand citizens or reciprocal healthcare agreement countries)

Travel insurance is not visa-compliant, so it cannot replace OVHC if your visa requires it.

Can You Hold Both?

Yes - many visitors combine both policies.

For example:

OVHC for medical and hospital needs in Australia
Travel Insurance for lost baggage, cancellations, or trip disruptions

This combination ensures complete protection throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need OVHC if I already have travel insurance?
Yes, if your visa requires it. Travel insurance does not meet Visa Condition 8501. OVHC ensures you have continuous medical cover in Australia.

2. Does OVHC cover travel cancellations or lost luggage?
No. OVHC covers health and hospital services only, not travel-related losses.

3. Can I use OVHC overseas or in my home country?
No. OVHC covers treatment within Australia only, not outside the country.

4. Which providers offer OVHC through GetMyPolicy.online?
AIA, Bupa, nib, Medibank, and Allianz Care Australia.

5. How do I compare OVHC plans?
You can compare quotes and inclusions instantly on GetMyPolicy.online to find visa-compliant options that fit your stay and budget.

Key Takeaway

‍OVHC = Long-term medical protection for visa holders.
Travel Insurance = Short-term trip protection.

If you’re living, working, or studying in Australia, OVHC is mandatory to meet visa rules and ensure ongoing access to healthcare.

For tourists or short visits, Travel Insurance is sufficient for emergencies and trip issues.

At GetMyPolicy.online, you can easily compare OVHC policies from AIA, Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, nib, and Medibank - all compliant with Australian regulations.

Why This Comparison Matters?