OVHC vs. OSHC: What is the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

 

Having an adequate health insurance is a prerequisite for many Australian visas, one of which is the common and most applied - student visa (subclass 500) and visitor visa (subclass 600). You must be aware of the various health cover plans, inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods, and much more to ensure buying the right coverage for your stay in the country.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is for international students moved to Australia to pursue higher studies. On the other hand, Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is for intentional workers, travellers, and Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) holders. The healthcare benefits of these two plans are similar yet different so, you must know the right cover to buy for your visa type.

In the following blog, we will compare OSHC and OVHC to help you find a suitable health coverage.

Purpose of OSHC

The primary goal of OSHC is to support international students in Australia financially when it comes to healthcare services. The health cover makes sure that students have easy access to necessary medical care, whenever needed, without having to worry about out of pocket expenses. The health cover includes various medical services from doctor visits to hospital stays, prescription medicines, and emergency ambulance services.

Furthermore, OSHC meets the Australian government's mandate that international students must have health insurance for the duration of their stay in the country. This allows international students to focus on their studies and have peace of mind knowing that there health is being taken care of.

Purpose of OVHC

The primary goal of OVHC is to support a wider variety of migrants other than international students i.e., business people, visitors visiting on a vacation, or visitors visiting family or relatives. The health cover makes sure that international visitors and workers have easy access to necessary medical care, whenever needed, without having to worry about out of pocket expenses. The health cover includes various medical services from doctor visits to hospital stays, prescription medicines, and emergency ambulance services.

Furthermore, OVHC meets the Australian government's mandate that international visitors or working professionals must have health insurance for the duration of their stay in the country. This allows them to enjoy their time and have peace of mind knowing that there health is being taken care of.

Comparing OSHC and OVHC

Coverage Comparison:

·         OSHC supports international students pursuing their higher studies in Australia by covering necessary medical services such as hospital fees, specialist visits, medication, ambulance services, and more.

·         OVHC is for temporary visitors such as tourists and business migrants, covering for medical services like hospital stays and related.

Cost and Payment Considerations:

·         You have to pay in full for the duration of your stay in the country being OSHC holder whereas; OVHC provides more flexible monthly payment options.

·         OVHC plans are more affordable and cover more visas when compared to OSHC plans.

Choice of Providers and Flexibility:

·         OSHC has access to certain networks and hospitals, limiting your options for healthcare providers.

·         Whereas, OVHC provides more flexible plans, allowing access to wider range of doctors and hospitals.

Key Takeaways

To move to Australia you need health cover and there are two types for Australian visas:

·         Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students.

·         Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for international visitors, workers, or travellers.

Both OSHC and OVHC are similar yet different. For more details on both health covers and finding a suitable one for yourself, seek guidance from your provider – BUPA, NIB, AHM, and Medibank.

Speaking of which, Budget Policy is your go-to partner in helping you compare and buy best health cover Contact us today to start comparing!

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