Understanding the Australian Health System
So, you’re planning to head ‘down under’. Good for you! Whether you’re going on holiday, visiting relatives or even intending to work here for a while, we know you’ll have a great time. And hopefully, your stay will be accident and illness free too. But just in case the worst does happen, private health insurance is worth considering. Having reliable overseas health insurance can offer peace of mind while you’re in Australia.
Understanding Medicare eligibility for overseas visitors
When relocating to Australia, you firstly need to ask yourself - are you covered by Medicare, our public health insurance system? And the answer - well, it depends. Residents of some countries enjoy limited Medicare cover, but only for medically necessary care, and only under certain conditions. If you aren’t covered though, you’ll have to pay for hospital or medical treatment, which can be pricey. For instance, the average cost of an emergency appendix removal is approximately $20,000. Ouch! That’s why arranging overseas visitor health insurance or OVHC is highly recommended for anyone planning to stay in Australia.
Overseas visitors who enter Australia on a temporary visa will not be eligible for Medicare benefits unless they’re an eligible resident of a country that has a 'Reciprocal Health Care Agreement'. Currently, this includes New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Malta, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Slovenia. If you’re visiting Australia from one of these countries, you’re generally covered for medically necessary treatment in a public hospital. You won’t be able to choose your own doctor though, and you also won’t be covered for treatment in a private hospital (only public hospitals), or Extras cover services like dental cover, optical, chiro or ambulance transport.
Even if you're covered by Medicare though, private health insurance still makes sense. Medicare is good, but it isn’t perfect. There are still waiting lists. And who wants to wait for a doctor when you could be enjoying Australia? Having private health insurance for overseas visitors can offer faster access to care, so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting.
Need a Visa Compliance Letter, pronto?
If you’re applying for an Australian visa, you may need to provide the Department of Home Affairs with a letter of visa compliance from your new health insurer to verify that you have met this requirement.
If you choose to join HIF online, a PDF of your Visa Compliance Letter will be emailed to you immediately upon confirming your online application for overseas visitors health insurance (OVHC).
Please note: Our Visitor Saver option for non-working visa holders is not a visa-compliant product and does not meet the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs visa conditions 8501. We cannot issue a letter of visa compliance for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of private health insurance designed for eligible overseas visitors and temporary visa holders living in Australia. OVHC can help cover the cost of hospital treatment, medical services and other healthcare expenses that may not be covered by Medicare.
OVHC is commonly required by temporary visa holders and overseas visitors who are not eligible for full Medicare benefits in Australia. Depending on your visa type, maintaining Overseas Visitors Health Cover may also be a condition of your visa.
Many Australian visa holders are required to maintain health insurance that satisfies visa condition 8501. HIF offers a range of Overseas Visitors Health Cover options designed to help eligible visitors meet these requirements and obtain a Visa Compliance Letter where applicable.
Yes. Eligible members can add Extras Cover to their Overseas Visitors Health Cover policy to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment and more.
Medicare is Australia's public healthcare system and is generally available to Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible visitors from reciprocal healthcare agreement countries. Overseas Visitors Health Cover provides additional protection and may be required for visitors who are not eligible for Medicare benefits.
If you join HIF online and select an eligible Overseas Visitors Health Cover product, your Visa Compliance Letter is typically emailed immediately after your application is confirmed.
Want more info?
Visit the Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) category in our online knowledge base for more information on Medicare eligibility, visa compliance letters, and why purchasing Overseas Visitors Health Cover is a smart idea. Learn how health insurance for visitors can offer you peace of mind during your stay in Australia and explore our flexible overseas visitors health insurance options designed to meet a range of visa and health needs.