Does your plans include studying, working, or living in Australia? An important factor in fulfilling Australian visa requirements is making sure you have the right and adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Australian private health insurances are mainly Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for international visitors and workers. These health covers are required for Australian visas.
With the help of the following blog, you can choose the best health insurance for your specific visa type and make your stay in the country peaceful.
Understanding Health Cover Requirements for Australian Visas
The requirements for health cover completely depends on your visa type that you are applying for. Top visa types and the health cover they need are:
- Student Visas (Subclass 500): OSHC is compulsory.
- Work Visas (Subclass 482, 485, 494): OVHC is compulsory.
- Visitor Visas (Subclass 600): OVHC is required for emergency or certain medical treatments.
- Partner and Family Visas (Subclass 820, 309, and more): OVHC may be necessary.
First, determine your visa type and your health needs to find out the best and suitable health cover for you or your family. This will ease your buying process and you can easily get the best deal for your health.
OSHC: For International Students
OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover is a health cover specially made for international students studying in Australia. All holders of student visas (subclass 500) must have one to be able to access essential medical services.
What Does OSHC Cover?
OSHC in Australia for international students cover the following medical services. However, you can add on extras as per your need and budget.
- Doctor consultations
- Hospital treatments
- Prescription medicines
- Limited ambulance services
Choosing an OSHC Provider
When selecting an OSHC provider, consider the following:
- Top Providers: Know about your providers well so you know whom to buy OSHC plan from. Top providers are – Medibank, nib, Allianz Care, and BUPA.
- Coverage Levels: Compare each provider and their offerings to find out the best plan.
- Budget-friendly: Make sure you buy a plan that is both under your budget and covers your health needs.
OVHC: For Workers and Visitors
OVHC is essential for visa holders who are not eligible for Medicare, such as temporary workers, tourists, or family members. Unlike OSHC, OVHC caters to a broader audience and provides coverage options ranging from basic to comprehensive.
What Does OVHC Cover?
- Hospital and medical treatments
- Emergency ambulance services
- Some plans cover extras like dental and physiotherapy
Choosing an OVHC Provider
When selecting an OVHC provider, consider the following:
- Top Providers: Know about your providers well so you know whom to buy OVHC plan from. Top providers are – Medibank, nib, Allianz Care, and BUPA.
- Coverage Levels: Compare each provider and their offerings to find out the best plan.
- Budget-friendly: Make sure you buy a plan that is both under your budget and covers your health needs.
Top OSHC and OVHC Providers
- BUPA: For more than 75 years, BUPA has been working hard to help Australians especially international students and visitors take care of their health and wellbeing.
- NIB: NIB Group is an international health partner that is trusted by over a million members across Australia. NIB provide improved health outcomes through round-the-clock availability of health information, consulting and services.
- Medibank: If you are an international student planning to study in Australia or to continue your studies then, Medibank’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) can meet your visa health insurance requirements and help with medical facilities if you have an accident or get sick.
- Allianz Care: Allianz Care Australia believe in prevention over cure, care over claims and making the complex simple for everyone. They help international students, visitors and workers access the best care in Australia.
Tips for OSHC and OVHC Comparison
- First and the foremost, find the best platform or a tool where you can compare top providers under one roof. In that regard, Budget Policy is a trusted website where you can compare among Medibank, nib, Allianz Care, and BUPA and choose the best one.
- Second, analyse your needs and budget in order to choose a plan that fits well with your requirements.
- Third, always check claim process, waiting periods, inclusions, and exclusions before making your final decision on buying an OSHC or OVHC plan.
Conclusion
Choosing the right OSHC plan or OVHC plan in Australia can be challenging without an expert’s help. This is where Budget Policy steps in, and help you through comparing and choosing the best plan for you, your partner or even family.
We are associated with top providers in Australia – Medibank, nib, Allianz Care, and BUPA, each offering unique plans. So, without waiting much, get in touch with our team and explore best and affordable plans only at Budget Policy!