Can You Switch OSHC or OVHC Providers in Australia?

Yes. Both OSHC and OVHC holders are allowed to switch insurers at any time. Australian private health insurance rules support portability, provided the switch is handled correctly.

However, the rules that protect waiting periods and continuity only apply when certain conditions are met. Switching without understanding these conditions can leave you worse off than staying put.

Why People Switch OSHC or OVHC Providers

Most switches happen for one or more of these reasons:

• Premium increases at renewal
• Change in visa type or stay duration
• Need for higher hospital cover
• Poor claims or service experience
• Recommendation by education or migration advisers

Switching itself is not risky - switching incorrectly is.

The Most Important Rule: No Gap in Cover

Why Continuity Matters More Than the Provider?

When switching OSHC or OVHC, the new policy must start on the same day the old policy ends. Even a one-day gap can:

• Reset waiting periods
• Cancel portability rights
• Expose you to full medical costs

This applies equally to OSHC and OVHC.

How the Transfer Certificate Protects You?

Why a Transfer Certificate Is Critical?

A transfer certificate is an official document issued by your current insurer that confirms:

• Your policy type
• Period of cover
• Waiting periods already served

Your new insurer uses this certificate to recognise waiting periods you’ve already completed.

Without it, the new policy may treat you as a new member, restarting waiting periods.

Switching OSHC Providers: What the Rules Say

OSHC Is Protected Under the OSHC Deed

OSHC is governed by a government-regulated deed, which provides strong portability protections.

When switching OSHC:

• Waiting periods already served are usually recognised
• Continuity is protected if there is no gap
• Upgrading cover may trigger waiting periods only for new benefits

This applies when moving between providers such as nib OSHC, Bupa OSHC, Medibank OSHC, Allianz Care OSHC, and ahm OSHC.

Switching OVHC Providers: Similar, but More Policy-Dependent

OVHC Portability Depends on Fund Rules

OVHC is governed by individual insurer fund rules rather than a single government deed. However, most OVHC providers follow similar portability principles.

When switching OVHC:

• Waiting periods already served may be recognised
• Transfer certificates are still required
• Benefits are assessed at a service level, not just policy level

This applies across nib OVHC, Bupa OVHC, AIA OVHC, and Medibank OVHC.

Upgrading or Downgrading During a Switch Changes the Outcome

Upgrading Can Trigger Partial Waiting Periods

If you switch to a higher level of cover:

• Existing benefits retain waiting periods already served
• Newly added benefits usually attract fresh waiting periods

Downgrading Can Reduce Portability

If you downgrade:

• Some previously covered services may become excluded
• Waiting periods may no longer be relevant for removed benefits

Switching should always consider benefit structure, not just price.

Step-by-Step: How to Switch OSHC or OVHC Safely

Step 1: Confirm Your Current Policy End Date

Check your policy certificate to ensure you know the exact expiry date.

Step 2: Request a Transfer Certificate

Ask your current insurer for a transfer certificate before cancelling.

Step 3: Choose the New Policy Carefully

Ensure the new policy aligns with your visa type, health needs, and hospital category expectations.

Step 4: Start the New Policy on the Same Date

Your new policy must commence immediately after the old one ends.

Step 5: Cancel the Old Policy After Confirmation

Only cancel once the new policy is active and confirmed.

Switching OSHC vs OVHC - Key Differences

Common OSHC and OVHC Policies People Switch Between

For transparency and trust, people commonly review:

OSHC Providers

• nib OSHC
• Bupa OSHC
• Medibank OSHC
• Allianz Care OSHC
• ahm OSHC

OVHC Providers

• nib OVHC
• Bupa OVHC
• AIA OVHC
• Medibank OVHC
• Allianz Care Australia OVHC

Each policy differs in hospital categories, exclusions, benefit caps, and waiting periods.

The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Switching

The most common issues arise when people:

• Let cover lapse even for one day
• Cancel before the new policy is active
• Switch without requesting a transfer certificate
• Downgrade without understanding exclusions
• Upgrade expecting waiting periods to disappear

Avoiding these mistakes makes switching low-risk and beneficial.