OVERSEAS VISITOR INSURANCE

Overseas Visitors Health Insurance (OVHC) — Understanding Visa Condition 8501

If you’re planning to visit Australia on a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) or any other visa that carries Condition 8501, it’s essential to understand your health insurance obligations. This condition requires you to maintain adequate health insurance during your entire stay in Australia.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Condition 8501 means, why Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is important, and compare two of the most trusted insurers — Allianz Care and Bupa — to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Visa Condition 8501?

Condition 8501 is a mandatory requirement imposed by the Department of Home Affairs on certain Australian visas, including work, student, and visitor visas like Subclass 600.

It means that visa holders must have and maintain adequate health insurance while they are in Australia. If you fail to keep your insurance active, your visa may be considered non-compliant, which can lead to complications with visa extensions or future applications.

Who needs to comply?

• Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) holders
• Working Holiday & Work and Holiday Visa holders
• Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa holders
• Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa holders
• Other temporary visa types without Medicare eligibility

Why OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover) Is Required

Most temporary visitors and workers in Australia cannot access Medicare, Australia’s public health system. Without adequate cover, medical treatment can be very expensive — even a short hospital stay may cost thousands of dollars.

That’s why Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is specifically designed to meet Condition 8501. Unlike travel insurance, OVHC focuses on:

? Hospital and medical care in Australia
? Emergency ambulance cover
? Prescription medications (up to certain limits)
? Doctor and specialist visits

Travel insurance mainly covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergencies. It does not usually satisfy visa condition 8501 requirements.

Allianz Care Australia — OVHC Overview

Allianz Care Australia is one of the most popular OVHC providers for visitors and temporary visa holders. Their policies are managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd (trading as Allianz Care Australia).

Key Features:

• Offers specific OVHC policies that meet visa condition 8501
• Provides cover for hospital, medical, ambulance, and limited pharmaceutical costs
• Option to choose between different levels of cover (Basic, Standard, Comprehensive)
• Offers 24/7 emergency assistance and claims support
• Issues a visa compliance letter confirming your cover for your visa application

Why Choose Allianz Care:

• Backed by one of the world’s largest insurance brands
• Recognised by the Department of Home Affairs for meeting 8501
• You can choose single, couple, or family cover
• Online sign-up and immediate certificate of insurance

Things to Note:

• Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy may have waiting periods
• Policy must stay active throughout your visa duration
• Cancellation details may be shared with Home Affairs if you terminate early

Bupa Overseas Visitors Cover — OVHC Overview

Bupa Australia is another trusted insurer offering a wide range of OVHC options suitable for visitors and working visa holders.

Key Features:

• BUPA Explorer visitors cover not meet Condition 8501 requirements
• Provides insurance certificate instantly after purchasing the policy
• Access to a large network of doctors, hospitals, and specialists
• 24/7 health advice line and digital claims through the myBupa app
• Flexible policy options (single, couple, family, and dependents)

Why Choose Bupa:

• Trusted Australian health insurer with nationwide presence
• Strong customer service and easy-to-manage digital platform
• Offers policies for both short-term visitors and long-stay visa holders

Things to Note:

• Prices depend on age, duration, and level of cover
• Certain services have waiting periods (e.g., major dental, pregnancy)
• Policy must remain active to stay compliant with Condition 8501

How to Stay Visa-Compliant Under Condition 8501

1. Buy OVHC before visa lodgement or entry — choose a provider that confirms compliance with 8501.
2. Select the right cover duration — it should match or exceed your visa length.
3. Keep your policy active — insurers may notify Home Affairs if your policy lapses.
4. Save your compliance letter and receipts — you may need them later for visa renewal.
5. Compare insurers regularly — better deals may appear during renewals.

Final Thoughts

Having proper Overseas Visitors Health Cover isn’t just a visa requirement — it’s a vital protection for your peace of mind during your stay in Australia.

Both Allianz Care and Bupa are trusted, Home Affairs-recognised insurers that provide compliant and reliable health insurance options. When comparing, consider price, cover level, waiting periods, and your specific health needs.

If you’re applying for or already hold a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600), you can easily compare different OVHC plans online to find the best deal.

???? Compare 600 Visa Health Insurance at www.600visainsurance.com.au