Overseas Visitor Health Cover – FAQ

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

OVHC is health cover that complies to a standard set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).  It’s part of the requirements for a range of visas when coming to Australia.

Why is OVHC important?

Overseas Working Visa Requirement

As most overseas visitors or workers are not eligible for Medicare (Australia’s publicly funded healthcare for residents and citizens), maintaining adequate health insurance is a requirement for a range of working visas. Overseas workers with visa condition 8501 must purchase and provide proof of adequate OVHC when applying for their visa.

Maintaining adequate OVHC is a mandatory condition

The Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) requires all holders of an overseas working visa to maintain adequate OVHC for the entire time they are in Australia until their visa expires.

Medical treatment can be expensive

Most overseas workers who come to Australia to work cannot access Medicare, our publicly funded healthcare system, which may lead to large out-of-pocket costs to pay if they require medical treatment. Depending on the type of cover you choose, your OVHC will keep you covered for some of the costs of medical treatment if you get sick or have an accident.

What is a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement?

Some countries have a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHCA) with Australia that entitles their citizens to Medicare eligibility, but even citizens who are eligible for Australian Medicare under an RHCA are only covered for public hospital treatment that is medically essential and cannot wait until you get home. RHCA’s do not cover treatment in private hospitals.

Working or temporary graduate visa visitors to Australia who want private hospital cover in Australia (or who are citizens of countries that do not have an RHCA with Australia) must obtain a Department of Immigration-approved overseas visitor health cover before they arrive in Australia.

Am I eligible for Medicare as a Skilled Regional – Subclass 491 Visa holder?

You may be eligible for Medicare benefits if you are living in Australia and holders of a Subclass 491 visa. Although Medicare provides a good standard of care, it is a basic service that may not cover all your medical costs. Therefore, Overseas Visitor Health Cover can cover the gaps in Medicare for your medical and emergency needs. For more information about what visa types are eligible for Medicare, see our page here.