faqs

General

How do I compare health insurance policies?

Use our online tool-enter your age, visa, and coverage needs. Instantly view, compare, and buy plans from leading providers.

What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is the time you must wait after your policy starts (or upon upgrading) before you can make certain claims. Different conditions (pre-existing, maternity, extras) have different waiting periods. Emergency or GP services may sometimes have no waiting period.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A medical condition, illness or symptom that was present or had symptoms in the six months prior to the start of your cover. Even if not formally diagnosed, it may be considered. Insurers may base determination on medical history.

Can I claim costs or get refund for medical expenses incurred outside Australia?

No - OSHC/OVHC only covers medical services in Australia. Costs outside Australia are usually not covered.

What if I arrive later or earlier than my nominated date?

You should notify the insurer. If you arrive later, cover may begin on arrival or nominated date (whichever later), and waiting periods may start from that later date. If arrival is earlier, unless policy allows start before arrival, you may have to pay premium earlier.

What is the “gap” or out-of-pocket cost?

Many providers or doctors may charge more than what your insurer agrees to pay (or more than the schedule). The difference is your responsibility (“gap”). Check whether your policy or provider offers “no gap”, or how large the gap may be.

What are Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) and do they affect my cover?

Australia has agreements with certain countries. If you are eligible under RHCA, you may have access to some Medicare services. However, these agreements are limited and many medical services are not covered under RHCA. Even if you have RHCA benefits, you often still need OSHC or OVHC to fulfill visa health insurance requirements.

Are OSHC or OVHC premiums tax deductible or eligible for rebate?

Generally no. These cover types typically do not qualify for the private health insurance rebate or tax deductibility in Australia because they are not “complying health insurance products” under the usual definitions.

How do I make a claim, and what is required?

Usually you pay the provider first (if direct billing is not available) and then submit invoices & receipts. Some services will allow direct billing. Always keep documentation, and check if a pre-approval is needed for certain treatments.

What happens if I change visa types or my status while in Australia?

If your visa status changes (e.g., from student visa to work visa), you may need to switch from OSHC to OVHC or adjust your cover. Ensure continuous coverage without gaps to maintain visa compliance and credit waiting periods where allowed.

How long will a refund take if my visa is refused or I cancel early?

Refunds are often pro-rata (you get back the unused portion of the premium), but timing depends on the insurer - could take a few days to a few weeks. You will likely need to provide documentation (visa refusal letter etc.).

Which insurers are available on the platform (major OSHC/OVHC brands)?

We partner with all major, government-approved OSHC and OVHC insurers in Australia to ensure you get the widest choice and best value. On our platform, you can easily compare and purchase policies from top brands, including:

• BUPA Australia

• Allianz Care Australia

• Medibank Private

• ahm OSHC

• NIB

• CBHS International (where available)

All these insurers are approved by the Department of Home Affairs to provide policies that meet visa compliance requirements for both international students (OSHC) and visitors or temporary workers (OVHC).

Can we switch from one provider to another?

Yes, you can switch your OSHC or OVHC provider at any time during your coverage period. Here’s how it works:

• Compare and select a new policy with your preferred insurer on our platform.

• Purchase the new policy, making sure there’s no gap in your cover dates.

• Contact your current provider to cancel your old policy and request a refund for any unused portion (if applicable).

• Provide proof of your new insurance as required by the Department of Home Affairs.

• No government penalty applies for switching, as long as you maintain continuous coverage and your policy meets visa requirements.

Switching can help you find better value, additional features, or better customer service, all with peace of mind.

What should I know about visa condition 8501 and health insurance obligations?

Visa condition 8501 is an Australian government requirement for many temporary visa holders-including students and working professionals-which states that you must maintain adequate health insurance during your stay in Australia.

Key points:

• You must have continuous, compliant OSHC (for students) or OVHC (for working/visitor visas) from an approved Australian provider for the full duration of your visa.

• The insurance must cover you (and any family members/dependents on your visa) from the moment you arrive until you leave or change your visa status.

• Gaps in coverage may result in visa refusal, visa cancellation, or breaches affecting future applications.

• Proof of insurance (certificate of coverage) is required when you apply for a visa and sometimes during your stay.

• Only OSHC/OVHC policies from approved Australian brands fulfill this requirement-regular travel or overseas insurance does not.

Always ensure you review your policy dates and renew or switch cover on time to fully meet the 8501 condition and avoid any compliance issues.

Why should I use GetMyPolicy instead of buying directly from insurers?

GetMyPolicy is Australia’s leading health insurance comparison website for international students, visitors, and temporary residents. We bring all Department of Home Affairs–approved insurers together in one platform, allowing you to evaluate OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover), and travel insurance, compare premiums, benefit levels, and inclusions, and choose the best value insurance for your Australian visa requirements. You pay the same price as buying direct but save time and avoid confusion by seeing all options side by side, plus receive independent, expert guidance if needed.

Are the insurers on GetMyPolicy reputable and government-approved?

Yes. Every insurer featured on GetMyPolicy, including brands like BUPA, Allianz, Medibank, ahm, NIB, and CBHS International, is fully accredited by the Australian Government and meets Department of Home Affairs visa health insurance standards. This means your policy will always meet visa condition 8501 and official requirements for student and visitor visas.

Is GetMyPolicy available outside Australia?

You can access GetMyPolicy’s insurance comparison and purchase tools from anywhere in the world. Whether preparing your student visa from overseas, securing visitor insurance before travel, or renewing health cover for a visa extension, you can select and activate compliant insurance remotely and download instant certificates for your Australian immigration application.

Who is eligible to use GetMyPolicy?

Any international student, visitor, temporary resident, skilled worker, or family member needing health insurance that satisfies Australian visa requirements for OSHC, OVHC, and travel insurance can use our platform. We help you secure approved cover from the moment you apply for your visa, and throughout your stay in Australia.

Insurance Coverage

What types of policies can I compare?

GetMyPolicy enables you to compare and buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for Student Visa 500 holders, Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for visitors, workers, and bridging visa holders, travel insurance for tourists, and specialized cover for parents, dependents, couples, and families. Filter by visa type, duration, and age to find the policy tailored to your Australian stay.

What's the difference between OSHC and OVHC?

OSHC is compulsory health insurance for international students (Visa 500), meeting government requirements for doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance, and medicines. OVHC is required for most other temporary visas (e.g., 482, 485, 600, bridging, working holiday), covering similar services but also customizable for visitors, workers, and families. Both meet visa condition 8501 and support your immigration compliance.

Does OSHC cover hospital and GP visits?

All standard OSHC policies cover hospital admission, surgery, outpatient specialist and GP consultations, and include benefits for emergency ambulance transport and prescription medications. Coverage levels and extras may vary—always check each insurer’s product disclosure statement (PDS).

Are medicines (pharmaceuticals) covered under OSHC/OVHC?

Prescription medicines are covered under both OSHC and OVHC, subject to annual limits and co-payments. This ensures you’re protected against major pharmaceutical costs during your stay in Australia, with details outlined in your policy certificate.

Are ambulance services covered?

Emergency ambulance transportation is included in all major OSHC and OVHC plans. Non-emergency or routine ambulance travel may require separate or upgraded cover. Always confirm with your chosen insurer for specific inclusions.

Can I get cover for maternity and pregnancy services?

Many OSHC and OVHC plans provide benefits for pregnancy-related medical care after a 12-month waiting period. Coverage includes hospital admissions, obstetrician fees, and selected newborn care. Review your insurer’s waiting period and maternity conditions before purchasing.

Can I buy insurance for my parents when they visit Australia?

Yes. GetMyPolicy offers visitor health insurance and OVHC policies for parents, including those visiting under the Parent Visa or Visitor Visa. Compare premiums, coverage limits, and age-based options to ensure your parents are protected for GP visits, hospital emergencies, and more.

Is dental/optical covered under any plan?

Dental and optical are not included in baseline OSHC and OVHC policies, but many insurers offer optional “extras” packages that cover routine dental, vision tests, and frames. Add extras during checkout for complete health protection.

Is mental health covered?

Most government-approved OSHC and many OVHC providers include coverage for mental health consultations, psychiatric services, and counseling-essential for students and visitors adjusting to life in Australia. Waiting periods apply for some services.

Are pre-departure medical expenses covered?

Australian health insurance (OSHC/OVHC) only covers medical expenses for treatment received during your policy period, after arrival in Australia. Any costs incurred overseas before your policy commencement are excluded.

Can I get short-term cover for 1–2 months?

If you require health insurance for a short stay or bridging visa, GetMyPolicy lets you compare flexible plans with minimum cover periods from just 1 month. Ideal for bridging, short visits, or transition between visas.

Can I get multiple policies at the same time?

You can purchase multiple health insurance policies such as OSHC and OVHC, during transitions or changes in visa status, provided at any given time your visa has compliant, continuous cover. Insurers and Home Affairs require only one active certificate for visa purposes.

Buying Process

How do I choose the right cover for my visa type?

Search your visa subclass (e.g., Student 500, Visitor 600, Work 482) using the GetMyPolicy platform. We filter and display only those OSHC or OVHC policies that meet your visa’s requirements, so you’re always compliant with immigration health rules.

Do I need insurance before applying for my visa?

Yes, most Australian temporary visas demand proof of adequate health insurance at the time of visa application. Purchase OSHC, OVHC, or travel insurance prior to submission, and attach your certificate to support your application.

Can I buy insurance after arriving in Australia?

While possible, most student and visitor visas require your policy to start on your arrival date. Ensure your OSHC or OVHC starts from the day you enter Australia to avoid a breach of visa condition 8501.

Will my policy be sent to Immigration automatically?

Major insurers integrated with GetMyPolicy automatically notify Home Affairs when your health insurance policy is issued. Keep your certificate for your records and visa processing.

Can I buy insurance for future visa extensions?

You can purchase insurance with cover dates matching your expected visa extension or period of stay and renew easily via GetMyPolicy when it’s time for an extension.

Can I buy insurance from overseas before traveling?

Yes, you can select, buy, and activate health insurance remotely via GetMyPolicy, ensuring visa approval and peace of mind before you arrive in Australia.

What details do I need to provide to buy a policy?

For OSHC/OVHC or travel cover, submit your name, birth date, passport/visa details, email, and start/end dates. Family/group members must be listed individually.

Can I use someone else's card to pay for my insurance?

Payment can be made with any authorized card (Visa/Mastercard) or bank transfer. Certificates and invoices are always issued in your name for visa and medical use.

Can I buy insurance for a group of students/family together?

Group, family, and couple policies are available. Compare and select family cover options to include dependents and other travellers under one plan, simplifying management and savings.

Customer Support/Special Situations

Can I speak to someone in my native language?

GetMyPolicy and leading insurers provide multilingual customer support via call, chat, and email-ensuring you get clear answers in English, Mandarin, Hindi, Vietnamese, and more.

Does GetMyPolicy provide support after purchase?

Yes. Our expert support team continues to assist with managing policies, claims queries, renewals, and providing regulatory advice throughout your time in Australia.

Does GetMyPolicy have physical offices in Australia?

Visit an Aussizz Group office in most major Australian cities for in-person, face-to-face help with OSHC, OVHC, visa advice, and policy purchase.

Do you provide help in choosing the best insurer?

Our comparison site and experienced team review your visa and personal situation to recommend the most suitable government-approved insurer and policy at no extra cost.

Can I get help from an agent or advisor instead of online?

You can always meet or call an authorized agent at any Aussizz Group office, or speak online with a licensed advisor for insurance and migration guidance.

Can couples buy joint OSHC/OVHC?

Joint (couple), family, and dependent policies are available for both OSHC and OVHC covering partners and children in a single, convenient plan.

What cover is needed for a child born in Australia to visa holders?

Notify your insurer within 60 days of your child’s birth to add them to your OSHC or OVHC policy without a waiting period and ensure continued eligibility.

Can I buy insurance if I am over 60 years old?

Specialized OVHC and visitor policies cater for older customers. Use GetMyPolicy to compare cover limits for applicants aged 60+, and secure peace of mind during your Australian stay.

Is there insurance for bridging visas?

Many OVHC plans on GetMyPolicy meet the health insurance requirement for bridging visas under visa condition 8501-essential for maintaining legal status during transitions.

What if I'm on a tourist visa but later switch to student/temporary visa?

Once your visa type changes, purchase the new compliant OSHC/OVHC policy aligned to your new visa. Promptly transition to avoid uninsured periods.

Do working holiday visa holders need insurance?

Protect yourself with OVHC or travel insurance for working holiday visas (417/462), Home Affairs recommends adequate medical cover for all temporary entrants.

Do visitor visa holders need insurance?

Most visitor visa holders (600, 601, etc.) are strongly advised to carry OVHC or travel insurance to avoid uncovered hospital and health costs in Australia.

Can I combine policies for multiple visa types?

You may need OSHC for study, OVHC for subsequent work/visitor periods, or travel insurance for short stays. Our site helps ensure seamless, compliant health coverage during all phases of your stay.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying may invalidate your policy and breach visa rules; medical expenses incurred during unlawful stay are not covered. Always maintain legal status and timely insurance renewal to protect your health and immigration future.

Your Insurance Queries, Simplified

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