Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for Australia: Protect Yourself and Your Finances

If you are planning to visit Australia, it is important to purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). OVHC is a type of health insurance that covers the costs of medical and hospital care if you become sick or injured while you are in Australia.

OVHC is especially important for visitors who are not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance system. Medicare covers basic medical and hospital care for Australian citizens and permanent residents. However, visitors are not eligible for Medicare coverage, unless they are from a country with a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.

Even if you are from a country with a reciprocal health care agreement, it is still a good idea to purchase OVHC. This is because reciprocal health care agreements typically only cover medically necessary treatment. This means that they may not cover certain types of treatment, such as dental care or optical care.

OVHC also covers the costs of ambulance services, which can be very expensive in Australia. Ambulance services in Australia are not covered by Medicare, unless you are covered by a private health insurance policy.

OVHC policies vary in terms of the level of coverage they offer. Some policies cover only basic medical and hospital care, while others cover more comprehensive services, such as dental care, optical care, and physiotherapy.

The cost of OVHC policies also varies depending on the level of coverage you choose and your age. However, OVHC is generally very affordable, especially when compared to the cost of medical care in Australia.

If you are planning to visit Australia, it is important to purchase OVHC before you arrive. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of an illness or injury.

Here are some of the benefits of purchasing OVHC for Australia:

• Peace of mind: Knowing that you are covered for medical and hospital costs can give you peace of mind while you are visiting Australia.
• Affordability: OVHC policies are generally very affordable, especially when compared to the cost of medical care in Australia.
• Choice of policies: There are a variety of OVHC policies available, so you can choose one that best meets your needs and budget.
• Convenience: You can usually purchase OVHC online or through a travel agent.

If you are planning to visit Australia, be sure to purchase OVHC before you arrive. This will help to protect your health and your finances.