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Why You May Need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)

Enjoy your time in Australia knowing you can access quality healthcare if you need it.

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What is OVHC?
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Do I need OVHC?
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How do I get OVHC?
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Visas we cover

What is OVHC?

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is health insurance for people who are living in Australia on a visitor's visa, working visa or other temporary visa.

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It can help you access healthcare services like:
  • visiting a doctor (GP) or specialist
  • tests and scans, like blood tests and X-rays*
  • emergency ambulance^
  • hospital treatment
  • dental treatment
  • extras like acupuncture, glasses, physiotherapy, remedial massage and more.

You may still have some out-of-pocket costs you need to pay.

Do I Need OVHC?

If you're visiting Australia on a work visa or visitor visa, you may not be covered by Medicare, Australia’s public health system, while you’re here.

That's why it’s a good idea to get OVHC so you can easily access Australian medical services if you need them.

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Visa condition 8501

Our Workers policies (Basic, Mid, Top and Top Plus) meet the Australian Government's requirements for adequate health insurance (visa condition 8501).

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Emergency ambulance 

Get cover for emergency treatment and transport to the nearest hospital across Australia*.

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National medical network

Our Australia-wide network of doctors and private hospitals helps you pay less if you, or your family, need medical treatment.

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Cover for extras 

Our packaged cover with extras (Top and Top Plus) pays benefits towards services like dental, physiotherapy, glasses, acupuncture and more.

How Do I Get OVHC?

We offer different levels of Overseas Visitors Health Cover, so you can choose as much or as little cover as you want. Compare cover options to see what’s included, and what’s not.

You can get a quote online, over the phone, or in a branch. 

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If you need health cover as part of your visa requirements, make sure you choose one of our visa-compliant options.

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If you've chosen visa-compliant cover, we'll email you your Certificate of Insurance so you can complete your visa application.

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Get a quote
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Proud winner of the Customer Service Organisation of the year – Government/Not for Profit award by the CSIA (2025).

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Need help?

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

We’re here to help. Our friendly team speaks many different languages.

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Membership enquiries

If you have questions about your cover, you can call our team Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (AEST/AEDT).

13 68 42 (within Australia) 

+61 2 7230 5100 (outside Australia) 

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24/7 helpline

If you need help finding a doctor or hospital, or have questions about your health, call our 24/7 helpline.

13 68 42 – option 2 (within Australia)

+61 2 7230 5100 – option 2 (outside Australia)

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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Visit us

Speak to our friendly health cover experts at your nearest HCF branch.

Find a location

Important Information

* Doesn’t include costs for medical examinations, X-rays, vaccinations or any treatment required for obtaining a visa to enter Australia, change in visa, or application for permanent residency or examination for pre-employment purpose.

^ Covers emergency ambulance transport to the nearest hospital from any location except from a medical facility or a hospital. Under visa-compliant cover, emergency ambulance transfer between hospitals will only be covered if it is necessary because the original admitting hospital does not have the required clinical facilities.

+ If your partner or children have a different visa type to you, you may need to buy a different health cover.

HCF acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and water upon which we work and live. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rich history as traditional healers and scientists, who have taken care of the health of the land and its people for thousands of years. We give thanks to elders past and present, who we have much to learn from on our reconciliation journey. View our Reconciliation Action Plan