OVHC All-Providers Quick Reference: Key Features, Prices & Contact Info (2026)

If you hold a temporary visa in Australia, you will almost certainly need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC). This OVHC All-Providers Quick Reference gives you a fast, clear snapshot of the major providers — Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, ahm and nib — their key features, approximate 2026 price ranges, waiting periods and direct contact details. Whether you are on a subclass 482 work visa, a subclass 485 graduate visa or a subclass 600 visitor visa, use this guide to compare your options quickly and make an informed choice. All premiums listed are estimates only and should be confirmed with the insurer before you buy. OVHC premiums are regulated under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007, so all plans must meet minimum benefit requirements set by the Australian Government.

What Is OVHC and Who Needs It?

Overseas Visitors Health Cover is a private health insurance policy designed for people who are not eligible for Medicare. It helps pay the costs of hospital treatment, doctor visits and, depending on the policy, extras such as dental and physiotherapy. The Department of Home Affairs requires many visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.

You must hold OVHC if you are applying for a range of temporary visas, including:

• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa
• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa
• Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa where condition 8501 (health insurance) is imposed
• Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa and subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa holders from certain countries with no reciprocal healthcare arrangement
• Subclass 407 (Training) visa and subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa
• Some bridging visas where condition 8501 applies

Even when the visa grant does not explicitly demand it, responsible visa holders take out OVHC because a single night in a public hospital can cost $2,500 or more without cover. Reciprocal Medicare arrangements with countries such as the UK, Ireland and New Zealand only provide limited, medically necessary treatment — they do not replace private OVHC for visa compliance. Always check your visa grant letter: if condition 8501 is present, you must hold appropriate health cover from the day you arrive.

OVHC Provider Comparison: Features, Prices and Key Details

The five insurers below dominate the Australian OVHC market. Each offers a range of budget, mid-level and comprehensive policies, and all comply with the Private Health Insurance Act 2007. The 2026 monthly premium estimates are based on a single adult aged under 50 living in a metropolitan area, and a family (two adults plus children). Prices rise with age and may be higher if you take out cover after a gap; always obtain a personalised quote.

Allianz Care OVHC

Allianz Care is one of the largest international health insurers and offers a straightforward OVHC range designed for visa compliance.

• Key features: 24/7 health advice line, direct-billing arrangements with many private hospitals, no gap or known gap doctors in selected networks, and a simple online claims system. Their Budget Visitors Cover meets condition 8501 for most visa types, while the Mid Visitors Cover and Top Visitors Cover add extras such as dental, optical and physiotherapy.
• 2026 approximate prices:
  • Single: $95 – $130 per month (Budget); $130 – $175 per month (Top)
  • Family: $190 – $260 per month (Budget); $260 – $350 per month (Top)
• Waiting periods: 12 months for pre-existing conditions, 12 months for pregnancy and birth (only available on Top cover), 2 months for psychiatric care and rehabilitation, 0 days for accidents.
• Contact:
  • Phone (within Australia): 13 10 10
  • Overseas: +61 2 8043 7709
  • Website: allianzcare.com.au/en/ovhc

Bupa OVHC

Bupa is a household name in Australia and offers a wide choice of OVHC policies with an extensive network of Member’s First hospitals and extras providers.

• Key features: Bupa’s Standard Visitors Cover is a budget-compliant policy that satisfies condition 8501. Upgraded tiers — Mid Visitors Cover and Top Visitors Cover — introduce extras benefits and higher hospital rebates. Members get access to Bupa’s Blua online GP consultations, a large network of no-gap dentists and optical stores, and a 24-hour health support line.
• 2026 approximate prices:
  • Single: $110 – $150 per month (Standard); $150 – $200 per month (Top)
  • Family: $220 – $300 per month (Standard); $300 – $400 per month (Top)
• Waiting periods: 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy, 2 months for psychiatric care, 0 days for ambulance services with state ambulance cover included.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 134 135 (from Australia)
  • International: +61 3 8660 4101
  • Website: bupa.com.au/health-insurance/overseas-visitors

Medibank OVHC

Medibank is one of Australia’s largest health funds and provides three core OVHC tiers: Essential Visitors Cover, Essential Plus Visitors Cover and Comprehensive Visitors Cover.

• Key features: Hospital and medical benefits are included in all tiers. The Essential Plus and Comprehensive policies add varying levels of extras cover for dental, optical, physiotherapy and chiropractic. Medibank’s Member’s Choice network gives access to providers who accept Medibank’s benefit as full payment, potentially minimising out-of-pocket costs. The Medibank app handles claims and benefit checks easily.
• 2026 approximate prices:
  • Single: $100 – $135 per month (Essential); $135 – $185 per month (Comprehensive)
  • Family: $210 – $280 per month (Essential); $280 – $370 per month (Comprehensive)
• Waiting periods: 12 months for pre-existing conditions and obstetrics, 12 months for major dental, 2 months for psychiatric treatment, 0 days for accident-related hospital care.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 132 331
  • Overseas: +61 3 8622 5780
  • Website: medibank.com.au/overseas-health-insurance

ahm OVHC

ahm is a value-focused brand owned by Medibank and offers a no-frills OVHC range that is particularly popular with younger visa holders and working holiday makers.

• Key features: ahm’s Budget Visitor Cover meets basic visa requirements, while the Essentials Visitor Cover and Top Visitor Cover add extras. Policies are designed to be simple and affordable, with digital-first self-service through the ahm app. Members can access ahm’s network of no-gap extras providers for dental, optical and physiotherapy on higher-tier plans.
• 2026 approximate prices:
  • Single: $85 – $120 per month (Budget); $120 – $165 per month (Top)
  • Family: $170 – $240 per month (Budget); $240 – $330 per month (Top)
• Waiting periods: 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy, 2 months for psychiatric care, 12 months for major dental, 0 days for accidents.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 134 246
  • Overseas: +61 2 8070 4888
  • Website: ahm.com.au/overseas-visitors-cover

nib OVHC

nib is an Australian health insurer with a straightforward OVHC lineup that caters to budget-conscious visa holders as well as those wanting comprehensive protection.

• Key features: The nib Budget Visitor Cover satisfies condition 8501 and covers hospital and medical costs. The Mid Visitor Cover and Top Visitor Cover progressively add extras such as general dental, optical and physio. nib’s online claiming and telehealth GP consultations are included with all policies. The insurer also offers a large First Choice network of extras providers with set fees to reduce gap payments.
• 2026 approximate prices:
  • Single: $90 – $125 per month (Budget); $125 – $175 per month (Top)
  • Family: $180 – $250 per month (Budget); $250 – $350 per month (Top)
• Waiting periods: 12 months for pre-existing conditions and obstetrics, 2 months for psychiatric hospital care, 12 months for major dental, 0 days for accidents.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 13 14 63
  • International: +61 2 4927 1724
  • Website: nib.com.au/overseas-visitors-health-insurance

Understanding Waiting Periods and Pre-Existing Conditions

All OVHC policies in Australia apply standard waiting periods that are consistent across providers. The most important one to understand is the 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any ailment, illness or condition for which signs or symptoms existed during the six months before you took out the policy, as determined by a medical practitioner appointed by your insurer. If you need hospital treatment for a pre-existing condition before you have served 12 months of continuous cover, the insurer will not pay benefits for that admission.

Other key waiting periods you will encounter include:

• 12 months for obstetrics (pregnancy and birth), available only on comprehensive-tier policies.
• 12 months for major dental procedures such as crowns, bridges and implants.
• 2 months for psychiatric hospital care, rehabilitation and palliative care.
• 0 days (immediate cover) for accidents that require hospital admission after an unexpected injury.

All providers also waive certain waiting periods if you transfer from another Australian OVHC policy without a break in cover, provided you have already served the equivalent waits. You must provide a clearance certificate from your previous insurer. Always check with your insurer about what constitutes a pre-existing condition, because the final determination can only be made by a medical professional appointed by the fund.

How to Choose the Right OVHC Plan for Your Visa and Needs

Selecting the best OVHC policy depends on your visa type, health needs, budget and length of stay. Follow these practical steps:

1. Check your visa condition. If your visa has condition 8501, your policy must provide at least the minimum hospital and medical benefits set by the Department of Home Affairs. All budget-level plans from the providers on this page satisfy that requirement. If you hold a subclass 500 student visa, you need OSHC, not OVHC — this guide does not cover student health cover.
2. Decide if you need extras. Extras cover helps with out-of-hospital services such as dental check-ups, glasses, physiotherapy and remedial massage. If you foresee using these services regularly, a mid-level plan may pay for itself quickly. If you are young and healthy, a budget hospital-only plan can keep your costs low while still meeting visa rules.
3. Look at pregnancy cover. If you are planning to start a family during your stay, you must choose a top-tier policy that includes obstetrics and be aware of the 12-month waiting period. You must hold the policy for the full 12 months before the birth for benefits to apply, so take out the cover well in advance.
4. Consider your location and preferred providers. Some funds have stronger networks in certain states or regions. Allianz Care and nib, for example, have extensive agreements with private hospitals nationwide. Bupa and Medibank have large Member’s Choice networks that reduce gap fees for extras.
5. Review the fine print. Look at annual limits for extras, per-visit rebates, and exclusions. Higher-tier policies generally have higher annual caps. No OVHC policy covers elective cosmetic surgery, IVF, or assisted reproduction. Confirm all details with your insurer.

Remember that you can switch OVHC providers at any time without re-serving waiting periods for benefits you have already qualified for, as long as there is no break in cover. This flexibility means you are never locked in if a better-value policy emerges.

Enrolment and Getting Help

Enrolling in OVHC is quick and can be done entirely online or over the phone. Most providers give you an instant confirmation certificate, which you can upload to your ImmiAccount to demonstrate compliance with your visa condition. When you apply, you will need your passport details, visa grant number, and an Australian mailing address.

All OVHC policies come with a 21-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel and receive a full refund if you have not made a claim. If you arrive in Australia and find the cover unsuitable, act within this window.

If you have a complaint about your insurer, you can escalate it to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (ombudsman.gov.au) after exhausting the fund’s internal dispute resolution process. The Ombudsman is a free, independent service.

Quick Contact Directory

Here are the main contact numbers and websites for each provider, hand-picked for fast reference.

• Allianz Care OVHC
  Phone: 13 10 10 (in Australia) / +61 2 8043 7709 (overseas)
  Web: allianzcare.com.au/en/ovhc
• Bupa OVHC
  Phone: 134 135 / +61 3 8660 4101
  Web: bupa.com.au/health-insurance/overseas-visitors
• Medibank OVHC
  Phone: 132 331 / +61 3 8622 5780
  Web: medibank.com.au/overseas-health-insurance
• ahm OVHC
  Phone: 134 246 / +61 2 8070 4888
  Web: ahm.com.au/overseas-visitors-cover
• nib OVHC
  Phone: 13 14 63 / +61 2 4927 1724
  Web: nib.com.au/overseas-visitors-health-insurance

All hours listed reflect Australian Eastern Standard Time. International callers should check time differences. Online chat functions are available on most websites during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my OVHC for a pre-existing condition as soon as I arrive in Australia?

No. All OVHC policies apply a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. If you need hospital treatment for a condition that a medical practitioner determines was pre‑existing at the time you took out the policy, you will not be covered until you have held continuous OVHC for 12 months. This rule is universal and applies even if you switch insurers without a break in cover — you must have already completed the 12-month wait.

Q: Does OVHC cover pregnancy and childbirth?

Yes, but only on comprehensive, top-tier policies that specifically include obstetrics, and only after you have served the 12-month waiting period. This means you must hold the appropriate cover for at least 12 months before the baby’s due date to receive benefits for the birth and related hospital services. If you are already pregnant when you take out the policy, you will not be covered for the birth. Budget and mid-level OVHC plans do not include obstetrics at all.

Q: What happens if I let my OVHC lapse — can I restart without new waiting periods?

A lapse in cover generally resets your waiting periods for all conditions other than accident-related treatment. If your policy has ended or been suspended for even one day, a new policy will usually require you to serve fresh waits for pre‑existing conditions, obstetrics, psychiatric care and major dental. To avoid this, make sure you pay your premiums on time and never allow the policy to cancel. If you are switching insurers, arrange the new policy to start on the same day the old one ends and obtain a clearance certificate.

Q: Are there cheaper OVHC options that still meet the visa requirement?

Yes. The budget-tier plans from ahm, nib, Allianz Care, Bupa and Medibank all satisfy the Department of Home Affairs’ minimum cover requirement (condition 8501) at the lowest monthly premiums. These policies cover in-hospital treatment and doctor visits but usually offer limited or no extras benefits. If your priority is simply meeting your visa obligation at the lowest cost, ahm Budget Visitor Cover and nib Budget Visitor Cover are often among the most affordable, with single premiums starting around $85–$90 per month in 2026. Always read the product disclosure statement to confirm that the plan meets your specific visa condition.

Q: Do I still need OVHC if my home country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia?

Yes. Reciprocal healthcare agreements (with countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Finland) only cover medically necessary treatment in the public hospital system. They do not satisfy condition 8501 on your visa, and they do not provide ambulance cover, private hospital treatment or extras. If your visa has the health insurance condition, you must hold a compliant OVHC policy from day one. Relying solely on a reciprocal arrangement can lead to visa non-compliance and large out-of-pocket bills.