Health Cover for Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): OVHC Guide for Parents in Australia

When a child travels to Australia to study on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), a parent or legal guardian may accompany them on a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590). While the student must hold OSHC, the parent or guardian is required to hold Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire stay. This ensures that medical, hospital and emergency needs are financially protected while you support your child abroad.

Healthcare in Australia can be expensive for visitors who are not eligible for Medicare. OVHC provides coverage for hospital admissions, doctor consultations, emergency treatment, and certain medications based on the policy you choose. For many families, this coverage brings both compliance and peace of mind during what is often a very important phase of their child’s education journey.

Why OVHC is Mandatory for Subclass 590 Visa Holders?

Subclass 590 visa holders are not classified as students, so they cannot be covered under OSHC. The Australian Government requires that guardians maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay. OVHC is specifically designed for temporary visitors, including parents accompanying international students.

OVHC generally includes:

Benefit Category	Description
Hospital Treatment	Covers accommodation and treatment during hospital admission based on your policy type
Medical Services	GP visits and specialist consultations (benefits paid toward eligible medical services)
Emergency Ambulance	Coverage for medically necessary urgent ambulance services
Pharmaceuticals	Benefits for certain prescription medications (limits and co-payments may apply)

Common Confusion: OSHC vs OVHC

Person Traveling	Visa Type	Required Cover	Reason
Child Studying in Australia	Student Visa (500)	OSHC	Required under the OSHC Deed
Parent/Guardian Accompanying the Student	Student Guardian Visa (590)	OVHC	Required to show proof of adequate cover before visa approval

Both policies can start on the same date, but they are purchased separately.

What to Consider When Choosing OVHC?

‍Length of Stay: If you are staying for 6 months or longer, consider a policy that supports ongoing medical needs.
‍Pre-Existing Conditions: Most OVHC requires a 12-month waiting period before you can claim for pre-existing conditions-this applies across multiple funds, including nib Waiting Periods
‍Age and Health: Parents who may need specialist visits or tests should prioritize comprehensive OVHC, rather than the most basic tier.

Providers You Can Purchase Through GetMyPolicy.online

Provider	Available Cover Types
nib	OSHC & OVHC
Medibank	OSHC & OVHC
Bupa	OSHC & OVHC
Allianz Care Australia	OSHC & OVHC
AIA	OVHC
ahm	OSHC Only

This ensures both the child and parent remain compliant through a combination of OSHC + OVHC.

How to Purchase OVHC for a Subclass 590 Visa?

Select your intended arrival date.
Choose Single OVHC (covers you) or Family OVHC (if more members are traveling).
Compare benefits on getmypolicy.online that matter most to you - particularly hospital and ambulance.
Purchase the policy online.
Download the Insurance Certificate and attach it to your visa application.

FAQs

Q1. Do parents need health insurance while accompanying their child in Australia?

Yes. Subclass 590 visa holders must maintain OVHC for their entire stay. It is both a visa requirement and a practical safeguard against high out-of-pocket medical costs. Without OVHC, hospital or emergency treatment can be financially overwhelming.

Q2. Can a parent share OSHC with the child?

No. OSHC only applies to student visa holders and cannot be extended to guardians. The guardian must hold OVHC as they are considered a visiting visa holder, not a student. Each policy is purchased separately to meet compliance.

Q3. Does OVHC cover emergency ambulance services?

Most OVHC policies include emergency ambulance transport as part of standard coverage. It’s important to verify this within your chosen policy.

Q4. Are pre-existing conditions covered under OVHC?

Yes, but typically after a 12-month waiting period, as outlined in AIA OVHC Waiting Periods Policy document. During the waiting period, treatment for such conditions may not receive benefits unless it is considered urgent or immediately necessary.

Conclusion

Traveling to Australia to support your child’s education is a meaningful commitment. OVHC ensures that your health and well-being remain protected while you are here. By choosing a suitable policy and keeping your coverage active, you can focus on your child’s success with confidence and peace of mind.

Get quote on getmypolicy.online to get the best OVHC