What Happens to Your OVHC When You Leave Australia?

Most insurers allow temporary suspension of OVHC policies only under strict eligibility rules, usually requiring members to be outside Australia for a minimum number of days, have no active claims, and be up-to-date with premium payments.

From the Bupa Overseas Visitors Rules:

• Members may request a suspension of cover during periods they are overseas, if they meet eligibility conditions and provide evidence of travel.

From Overseas Visitors Working Cover Rules (Bupa):

• Temporary suspension is available when a member is outside Australia, provided notice and proof of departure are supplied and premium payments are not in arrears

From nib Overseas Visitors Health Cover Fund Rules (1 April 2025):

• A Policy may be temporarily suspended on request when the insured is overseas and meets requirements set out under Rule on Temporary Suspension of OVHC Policy.

From AIA OVHC Fund Rules:

• Temporary suspension of membership may be available if the Member is not in Australia and complies with notice and eligibility rules as defined in Temporary Suspension of AIA Policy Norms.

What this means in practice:

• You may pause OVHC if your travel is long enough to meet minimum insurer timeframes.
• You must apply before departure in most cases.
• You must provide evidence of travel (ticket/itinerary/stamps).
• Your policy must be financial and claim-free for some period prior.

When Pausing OVHC Can Be a Smart Financial Decision?

Pausing OVHC may be beneficial when:

You’re Away for an Extended Period (Typically 4+ Weeks)

• Most insurers require a minimum overseas absence (often 28+ days) to approve suspension.
• For shorter trips, continuing cover ensures continuity and avoids complications on return.

You Have No Planned Medical Treatment

• If you’re dealing with long-term health management or waiting periods, pausing cover may reset eligibility or delay access.

You Want to Prevent Paying for Months You Won’t Use

• Extended travel periods (2-12 months) may justify pausing premiums - especially for families or couples.

When You Should NOT Pause Your OVHC?

Knowing when not to suspend cover is equally critical.

You Intend to Re-Enter Australia

• The DHA may ask for proof of active health insurance at the border.
• Without valid OVHC, visa holders may be refused entry or forced to purchase immediate cover at the airport, often at a higher premium.

You Have Pre-Existing Condition Waiting Periods in Progress

• Most funds impose waiting periods of 12 months for major or pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy services and non-emergency surgery.
• Suspending cover may restart or extend these wait times.

From nib OSHC/OVHC Policy Norms:

• Waiting periods apply and may affect eligibility if cover is suspended and reactivated.

You Have Claims in Progress

Suspension usually cannot occur:

• While a claim is pending
• If hospital authorisation is active

Financial vs. Visa Risk: How to Decide?

How Different Insurers Handle OVHC Suspension (2026 Overview)?

Policies available on GetMyPolicy.online include:

How to Request a Temporary Suspension?

Steps Most Insurers Follow

• Submit a suspension request before departure
• Provide itinerary or proof of international travel
• Confirm your visa type & return date
• Ensure account is paid up to date
• Receive written confirmation of suspension period

Risks of Pausing OVHC That People Often Ignore

• Re-entry denial without insurance
• Gaps in claim eligibility
• Restarted or extended waiting periods
• Unexpected emergency costs overseas
• Delay in policy reactivation upon return