Budget Policy

  If you’re planning to study or stay in Australia, you might have heard about OSHC and OVHC. At first, both sound similar. But they are meant for completely different visa types, and choosing the wrong one can create problems. 🏥 What is OSHC? OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is health insurance for international students. If you’re applying for a Subclass 500 student visa, this insurance is mandatory. It helps cover: Doctor visits Hospital treatment Emergency ambulance Limited medicines 👉 Without OSHC, your student visa will not be approved. 🧳 What is OVHC? OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) is for people on temporary visas other than student visas. This includes: 485 visa holders Visitor visas Work visas 👉 Once your student visa ends, you must switch from OSHC to OVHC. ⚖️ OSHC vs OVHC – Main Difference The biggest difference is simple: 👉 OSHC is for students 👉 OVHC is for non-students That’s it. ⚠️ Common Mistake Many students forget to switch insurance after finishin...

  If you’re living in Australia on a temporary visa like Subclass 485, keeping your health insurance active is very important. Many people forget to renew their OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) on time, and even a small delay can create serious problems. 👉 The biggest issue? You may end up without coverage and pay medical expenses from your own pocket. 🏥 What Happens If OVHC Expires? If your OVHC expires, you are no longer covered for any medical treatment. That means: Doctor visits will not be covered Hospital expenses must be paid fully by you No claim can be made during the gap period 👉 It can also affect your visa compliance, as health insurance is required under visa condition 8501. ⏳ Can You Renew OVHC After Expiry? Yes, you can renew your OVHC even after it expires. But there’s a problem: You won’t be covered during the gap Some benefits may reset Waiting periods may apply again 👉 That’s why it’s always better to renew before expiry. 🔄 How to Renew OVHC the Right Wa...