Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for 600 Visa Holders in Australia

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for 600 Visa Holders in Australia

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for 600 Visa Holders in Australia?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a health insurance designed primarily for Subclass 600 Visitor Visa holders in Australia. It ensures that visitors meet visa requirements, including Condition 8501, and protects against costly medical expenses during their stay.

OVHC also applies to other visitor visas, including Subclass 601, 651, and some parent visas such as Subclass 870, but the main focus of this guide is on 600 visa health insurance. Parents visiting Australia or applying for onshore parent visas (804, 864, or 884) may continue OVHC coverage until their next visa is granted.

Healthcare in Australia can be expensive, and costs are rising. Choosing the right OVHC policy ensures you have access to essential medical services during your stay while giving peace of mind that your health and finances are protected.

Compare Allianz and Bupa 600 Visa OVHC policies instantly on our GET QUOTE page to find the coverage that best suits your visa and health needs.


What Does OVHC Cover for 600 Visa Holders?

Most OVHC policies include coverage for:

Hospital Costs – Access to both public and private hospitals.
Emergency Ambulance Services – Emergency transport to hospitals when required.
Doctor Visits (General Practitioner) – Consultations with a GP for illnesses, injuries, or prescriptions.
Medical Tests (Radiology & Pathology) – Blood tests, X-rays, scans, and other diagnostics.
Specialist Visits – Coverage for medical specialist consultations.
Prescription Medicines – Coverage for prescribed medications under your policy.
Repatriation – In serious cases, medically supervised return to your home country.
Additional Services (Extras) – Some policies offer physiotherapy, dental, optical, or other services depending on coverage level.

Note: Coverage details vary by provider and policy type. Always review your policy before purchase.


Types of OVHC Policies

For 600 visa holders, there are typically two main types of OVHC:

  1. Hospital-Only Cover – Covers hospital admission, emergency care, and ambulance services. Generally more affordable but does not include GP visits or prescriptions.
  2. Hospital + Outpatient Cover – Comprehensive coverage including hospital, GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescription medicines. Premiums are higher but provide complete protection for visitors staying longer or with higher health needs.

Key Considerations for 600 Visa Health Insurance

When selecting OVHC, focus on:

  • Condition 8501 Compliance – Only policies that meet the Department of Home Affairs standards satisfy this requirement.
  • Waiting Periods – Pre-existing conditions, pregnancy-related services, and some treatments may have waiting periods.
  • Excess Options – The amount you pay before the insurer covers hospital costs.
  • Annual Benefit Limits – Ensure coverage is sufficient for potential medical expenses.
  • Extras – Decide whether you need outpatient services, physiotherapy, dental, or optical coverage.

Use our GET QUOTE page to compare Allianz and Bupa policies instantly.


Common Misconceptions About OVHC

  • Travel insurance is not enough – Only OVHC policies meeting 8501 requirements are valid for visa compliance.
  • OVHC is only for short visits – Policies can be extended if you apply for another visa while in Australia.
  • Cheaper policies are always better – Low-cost hospital-only policies may leave you exposed to high out-of-pocket costs.

Mini FAQ

1. Is OVHC mandatory for 600 visa holders?
If your visa includes Condition 8501, OVHC is mandatory. Always check your visa grant letter.

2. Can parents stay covered while waiting for another visa?
Yes. OVHC can continue until the next visa is approved, ensuring continuous protection.

3. How can I compare 600 visa OVHC policies?
Use our GET QUOTE tool to compare Allianz and Bupa policies for coverage, waiting periods, and premiums.


Final Notes

This page focuses on 600 Visa Health Insurance, while briefly mentioning other subclasses like 601, 651, and 870. Choosing the right OVHC ensures your stay in Australia is safe, comfortable, and compliant with visa requirements.

Compare Allianz and Bupa 600 Visa OVHC policies instantly → GET QUOTE