Overseas Visitors Health Cover

Get access to a world class health system while you’re in Australia. Whether you're visiting for a short holiday or have a working visa, we have a range of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) options available.

Find the right cover in minutes

What is OVHC?Working in Australia Visiting Australia Reciprocal Health Care

Three women running towards the ocean with surfboards

Visiting or tourist visas

Cover for visas: 600, 601, 651 and more.

A visitor visa lets you come to Australia for a short stay - whether it’s for a holiday, catching up with family, or a quick business trip. It’s usually valid for 3 to 12 months and doesn’t allow you to work. We have cover that can give you peace of mind and help with the cost of essential or emergency medical care.

Hospital admissions for medically necessary surgery and hospital stays for included services
Outpatient services such as visits to the doctor, and diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds and x-rays
Unlimited emergency ambulance by road to any Australian emergency department (ED)

Find the right cover in minutes Visas we cover

Find your Overseas Visitors Health cover match

View

cover for

What matters most is

What is an emergency?

An emergency is a serious illness or injury that poses an immediate risk to your life or long-term wellbeing.

In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero). The operator will send an ambulance who will to take you to hospital if required.

Members who have Standard Overseas Visitor cover have peace of mind with unlimited emergency ambulance transport by road to any Australian hospital emergency department.

Different kinds of care

General practitioner

In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact for medical care. They handle check-ups, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and refer patients to specialists when needed.

Find a General Practitioner

Specialists

In Australia, specialists focus on specific fields like cardiology or dermatology. Patients usually need a GP referral for diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing care.

Find a Specialist

Pharmacies & chemists

In Australia, a pharmacy (or ‘chemist’) is where you get medication. Some require a doctor’s prescription, while others are available over the counter.

Find out more

How does the Australian healthcare system work?

Australia’s healthcare system combines a public scheme called Medicare, which provides Australian residents free or subsidised access to doctors, specialists, public hospitals, and some medicines, with a private insurance sector that covers services known as ‘extras’ such as dental and physiotherapy, and treatment as a private patient in private or public hospitals. Medicare is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some visitors under reciprocal health agreements, while most temporary visa holders must obtain and maintain Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) to meet visa requirements.

Find out more

What if I decide to stay longer in Australia?

If your visa situation changes, please call 133 423 (+61 8 9265 6111 if you’re overseas) and our friendly team will be able to assist you.

What do I need to do when I leave Australia?

If you have Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) and have no plans to return to Australia within six months, you should close your policy. If you intend to return to Australia within six months of leaving and you’ve had OVHC for over 12 months, you may be able to suspend your policy for between two and six months. Suspending your policy instead of canceling can help you to avoid re-serving waiting periods when you reactivate your policy. Keep in mind, there are limits to the number of times you can suspend your policy. If you’d like to discuss your personal circumstances, contact us.

Am I covered for travel outside of Australia?

No. Overseas Visitor Cover is designed to cover you for eligible treatment while you’re in Australia. If you travel outside Australia, your cover generally doesn’t apply, and you won’t be able to claim for treatment received overseas.

Language and communication

If you’d like to speak with us in a language other than English, call 133 423 (+61 8 9265 6111 if you’re overseas) and we’ll be happy to assist via an interpreter.