What is OVHC for Australian visa?
OVHC stands for Overseas Visitor Health Cover, and it is a type of health insurance that international visitors to Australia need to purchase to cover their medical expenses while staying in the country. Overseas Health Cover is a requirement for most Australian visas, including tourist visas, student visas, and temporary work visas.
Having OVHC ensures that visitors have access to medical services and helps cover the costs of hospital treatment, doctor’s fees, prescription medicines, and emergency ambulance transport. It is important to have OVHC in place before arriving in Australia, as it is a mandatory requirement for visa approval.
OVHC policies are offered by various insurance providers, and the coverage and costs can vary. It’s essential for visitors to carefully compare different OVHC policies to choose one that meets their specific needs and visa requirements.
Why do you need to apply OVHC?
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a mandatory requirement for most international visitors applying for a visa to stay in Australia for an extended period of time. There are several reasons why OVHC is necessary:
Visa Requirement: Many Australian visas, including tourist visas, student visas, and temporary work visas, require applicants to have OVHC. Without valid OVHC, your visa application may be denied. Having valid OCHC is often a condition for visa approval. If you do not have OVHC or if your OCHC policy is not sufficient, you visa application could be rejected.
Healthcare Costs: Australia has an excellent healthcare system, but it is also expensive. OVHC ensures that you have access to necessary medical services without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses. It covers hospital treatments, doctor’s fees, prescription medications, and emergency ambulance services.
Public Health: OVHC helps safeguard public health in Australia. By ensuring that visitors have health insurance, the Australian government can manage the costs associated with healthcare for temporary residents and visitors.
Emergency Situations: In the event of a medical emergency, having OVHC ensures that you can receive timely and appropriate medical care without worrying about the exorbitant costs associated with emergency medical treatments.
In summary, applying for OVHC is essential for meeting visa requirements, protecting your health, and ensuring that you have access to medical services during your stay in Australia. It’s crucial to carefully choose an OVHC policy that suits your needs and visa type to avoid any complications during your stay in the country.
How much does an OVHC cost?
The cost of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) in Australia varies widely based on several factors, including the type of visa you are applying for, the duration of your stay, the level of coverage you need, and the insurance provider you choose. Different insurance companies offer different OVHC policies with varying coverage options and price points.
It’s challenging to provide specific cost figures because they can change over time and may differ between insurance providers. Additionally, there are different policies tailored to different visa types, such as student visas, visitor visas, or work visas.
To find the most accurate and up-to-date information on OVHC costs, it is recommended that you directly contact insurance providers in Australia or visit their official websites. You can compare the policies they offer and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Most insurance providers have online tools that allow you to get a quote based on your specific requirements.
Which visa subclass does OVHC apply to?
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) typically applies to temporary visas in Australia. This includes several visa subclasses such as:
Visitor visas: This includes tourist visas (subclass 600), family reunion visas (subclass 600), and other visitor visas.
Student visas: OVHC is a requirement for international students studying in Australia. Student visas fall under different subclasses depending on the type of study being undertaken.
Temporary work visas: OVHC is also required for individuals holding temporary work visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and other work-related visas.
Other temporary visas: OVHC may also be necessary for individuals holding other temporary visas, depending on the specific subclass and conditions of the visa.
It’s important to note that the specific OVHC requirements and applicable subclasses can change, so it’s advisable to check with the Department of Home Affairs or the official website of the Australian government for the most current and accurate information regarding OVHC and visa subclasses. Additionally, when applying for a visa, the Department of Home Affairs or your migration agent (if you have one) will specify whether OVHC is required for your particular visa subclass.
