Understanding Overseas Visitor Health Cover- Why It’s Essential for Non-Residents in Australia
Published November 12, 2025
If you are planning to travel to Australia in the near future, you may not have considered what would happen if you fell sick or an injury occurred. But the unexpected does tend to happen when you least anticipate it, which is why being prepared for overseas visitor health cover can save you from huge medical bills while away from home.
What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover?
OVHC is a private health insurance intended for visitors to Australia who cannot access public healthcare system. This includes helping you pay for all possible medical treatment you may require in Australia, from hospitalization and GP consultations to emergency treatments and more.
Unlike getting travel insurance within Australia, which is really only suited for short-term holidays, cancellations, and emergencies, OVHC targets a niche of customers who require more comprehensive healthcare cover, such as visitors staying for an extended time on visas like a working holiday visa or visitor visa.
Who needs OVHC?
1. Visitors on temporary visas
If you are coming to Australia as a visitor or to visit family, you may need OVHC to satisfy your visa requirements. Not all types of visitor visas require you to take up OVHC, but having good cover will ensure you are financially protected should the worst happen when you arrive in Australia. Do your research because some visa sub-classes will specifically require you to provide proof you have health insurance.
2. Working holidaymakers
Visitors arriving on working holiday visas or other temporary work permits are strongly encouraged to take out OVHC, as most basic health services-attendance and treatment by the doctor or in a hospital-are covered under this insurance package. Since working holiday visitors generally stay in a country for a longer period and may fall sick during their stay, OVHC is a sensible investment, so you’re not caught off-guard by out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Students and long-term visitors
OSHC is required for all international students and their dependants, but if you want to remain in Australia for more than just the period of your studies, OVHC is encouraged. For instance, you may need to seek employment in Australia following the completion of your studies. Visitors staying longer than 12 months should consider the value – and peace of mind – that OVHC can bring during your tenure in Australia.
Why Compare OVHC
Fair Health Care Alliance is here to help you compare overseas visitor health cover and find the right policy for your needs and budget. Here are just a few reasons why you should always compare first:
- The right cover: Not all OVHC policies are alike, and some may be designed for working travellers, whereas others may be more suited to long-term holidaymakers. Comparing plans can assist you in finding an appropriate one that suits your particular needs.
- Bigger savings: Premiums may have wide variations between different insurers, and that is when policy comparisons would come in handy to avoid paying more than necessary for services not needed.
- Access to the right providers: The insurance is restricted to only cover you at specific hospitals or a small network of healthcare providers. Make sure you compare health insurance plans so that you are not surprised in unexpected ways down the track.
Choosing the best OVHC policy for you
While everyone’s needs will be different, and the visa requirements will vary, here are some things to consider when comparing your visitor insurance options:
- Policy inclusions and exclusions: Ensure that the policy covers exactly what you need for your individual health needs. Note any exclusions.
- Waiting periods: Some plans have waiting periods for certain services; this is especially true if one has a pre-existing condition.
- Premiums: Go online and start comparing different overseas visitors’ health cover policies to see which one best fits your budget.
- Customer reviews and insurer reputation: Check reviews for your chosen provider and policy to get an idea of the level of customer service and speed of processing claims.
Conclusion
A stay in Australia without adequate health insurance could place you in serious jeopardy of financial problems if the worst happen. Everyone staying in Australia for any length of time, whether working, studying, or simply enjoying the holiday of a lifetime, is required to have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Follow Utility Market on LinkedIn for the latest updates, tips, and news on health insurance in Australia.
