Private Health Insurance in Australia: Best Plans & Providers

Whether you are planning to move to Australia as a student, visitor, or a Permanent resident, having in-depth knowledge of private health insurance can prove to be of great help.

The Medicare / public healthcare system in Australia is unarguably top-notch. Despite that, the flexibility, short wait times, and extra services offered by private health insurance are unparalleled


Finding it difficult to choose a private health cover? Let's look at some of the best options out there:


Broadly, there are two types of insurance plans to choose from. 

  • OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

  • OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) 

It is clear by the names of these plans that the OSHC applies to student visas, while the OVHC applies to visitor visas. You will, by default, choose the one that applies to your visa type.





Choosing the Right Private Health Plan

  • For International Students- If you're coming to Australia to study, you'll need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This is a legal requirement for your visa. It helps you pay for medical treatment while you're studying here.

  • For Visitors- If you’re visiting Australia temporarily for work, holiday, or to visit for other reasons,  you’d want to get an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). It works like private insurance and helps cover your medical costs while you’re in the country. A basic OVHC plan can cover Doctor/GP visits, public and private hospital stays, emergency services, medical treatments like surgery and tests. Some plans might also cover Ambulance services. You can also opt for a comprehensive plan covering services like dental, optical, physio, and more.

  • For Residents- A local resident or permanent visa holder can get a private health insurance that can help with hospital stays, dental, optical, physio, and more.


Top OSHC & OVHC Providers

  • Medibank- One of the biggest names in the game. Good value, lots of extras, and a big network of providers.

  • Bupa- Well-known globally. Offers a wide range of cover options and extras.

  • NIB- Affordable and flexible plans. Great for young singles and families.

  • AHM (Australian Health Management)- AHM private health insurance is known for simple, easy-to-understand plans. Perfect if you don’t want to get overwhelmed with too many choices.

  • Allianz Care- International brand with a strong reputation. Best suited for people who travel a lot or are expats. Plans are designed to cover both local and overseas medical needs. It’s a bit more premium, but great if you want global-level cover.

  • AIA- Allianz Care- Offers a good mix of cover and lifestyle benefits. Great if you’re into fitness or want motivation to stay healthy.

All of these providers offer a mix of hospital and extras cover. You can pick what suits your lifestyle and budget. Always compare before buying! To find the best plan, use our site budget policy. You can compare quotes of various OSHC & OVHC plans from different providers. 


Final Tips

Remember to always compare your options before buying. You can save money and get better value. Both comparing and buying can be done on the budget policy website. Before going ahead, carefully look at what isn’t covered just as much as what is. Also, check for waiting periods and discounts on paying yearly or setting up a direct debit.


Whether you’re a local, a student, or just visiting, having health insurance in Australia gives peace of mind. It might not be the most exciting thing to shop for, but it’s worth it as it protects you in times when you need it the most.

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