Holidays call for a vacation, be it with family or friends. You must be planning a vacation too, right. Let us say, you are planning your holiday in Australia so, a visitor visa is not just the only thing you need. You have to meet certain requirements for subclass 600-visitor visa for its successful grant.

One of the key requirements is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) which helps international visitors pay for any medical treatment they might need during their stay in the country. We have jotted down everything that you must know about OVHC in the following blog.

Let us get started for a smooth 600-visitor visa journey!

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?
After you have decided your holiday destination i.e., Australia, you must get in touch with an expert counsellor to know about important documents required for your visa application. Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is an important part of your visa that you must have before entering the country.

Australian residents get healthcare services through Medicare, which is the country’s public healthcare provider, helping local people cope with their medical expenses. However, overseas visitors are not always eligible to experience the Medicare healthcare system. They are eligible for OVHC, specially designed health cover for international tourists.

How much 600 Visa OVHC costs?
Health insurance providers of OVHC generally provide different levels of health covers for subclass 600 visitor visa holders. BUPA, Medibank, AHM, and NIB Overseas Visitor Health Cover are top providers, providing health covers suitable for your needs.
To understand the cost of OVHC, you need to know about different levels and their costs. Meaning, cost of health covers vary on the type of level and coverage included. If you go for a basic level of OVHC, remember that it will not cover you for everything but just, GP visits, emergency ambulance services, prescription medicines, and hospital stay.

Whereas, the premium level will include basic level coverage along with extended medical services as per your need. You can also include extras (additional medical benefits) in your coverage after paying required amount. You can ask your counsellor to guide you about different OVHC plans and their coverage.

What are 600 Visa OVHC Benefits?
As mentioned earlier, cost depends on the level and type of OVHC plan you buy likewise, OVHC benefits also depend on the coverage you need. A basic OVHC plan will cover you for:
•    Hospital visits
•    Emergency ambulance service
•    General Practitioner visits
•    Prescription medication

However, everything will still depend on the provider you buy from and type of coverage you choose. Therefore, it is best advised to compare different providers and plans to choose the most suitable and affordable plan that fits best with your needs. Make sure you are buying a policy that provides you value for money.
Following is a list of medical services that are not included under basic OVHC plans:
•    Dental
•    Optical
•    Physiotherapy
•    Elective or cosmetic surgeries
•    Non-emergency ambulance transport

However, you may include them as Extras and pay an additional amount. If you have a slight doubt about having these services included in your coverage, you must go for it. The reason being, it will help you from paying out of your pocket in the time of need.

600 Visa OVHC Waiting Periods?
Waiting period is the time between the start date of your policy to end date i.e., when you claim your coverage. Some OVHC providers have waiting periods according to the medical service therefor, you must ask your consultant about this before.
Waiting periods imposed by health cover providers are maximum of two-months however, there are some exceptions such as:
• Pre-existing conditions — 12 months
• Pregnancy or birth-related treatments — 12 months

Conclusion
If you are planning a holiday to Australia you will need a visitor visa and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Health cover is an important requirement hence you must buy it before you enter the country.
Budget Policy is an online leading platform where you can compare and buy top providers and choose the best OVHC plan as per your needs. Get in touch with our consultants today and let us help you ensure your health and overall well-being.

FAQs

What is the 600 Visitor Visa for Australia?
The 600 Visitor Visa allows up to 12 months of tourism, business, or family visits to Australia, but you are not allowed to work.

Do I need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the 600 Visitor Visa?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have OVHC as it covers the expensive medical expenses during your stay in Australia.

What does OVHC cover for 600 Visitor Visa holders?
A basic OVHC plan will cover you for hospital treatment, ambulance services, prescription medicines, and doctor visits.

How can I purchase OVHC for my 600 Visitor Visa?
Budget Policy can help you compare and buy the best OVHC plans from top providers. Contact our experts today to know more.