Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): Compare & Save for 2026

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2026-02-20

Whether you are arriving for a holiday or transitioning to a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), navigating the Australian healthcare system can be daunting. The most critical document you’ll need—aside from your passport—is your Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).

At Budget Policy, we help thousands of visitors daily to compare OVHC and secure the best rates from Australia’s leading insurers. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about overseas visitor health cover, from meeting the mandatory Visa Condition 8501 to finding a nib OVHC quote that fits your budget.

What is Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)?

Overseas visitor health cover is a specific type of private health insurance designed for non-residents of Australia. Unlike citizens, most visitors do not have access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system). Without insurance, a single night in an Australian hospital can cost upwards of $1,500 AUD, and an emergency ambulance trip can exceed $1,000 AUD.

Why is OVHC Mandatory?

For many, having health insurance is not just a choice—it is a legal requirement. If your visa has Condition 8501 attached to it, you must maintain adequate health cover for the entire duration of your stay. This applies to:

• Temporary Graduate Visas (Subclass 485)
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visas (Subclass 482)
• Visitor Visas (Subclass 600)
• Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417/462)
  
  

Transitioning to the 485 Visa: Why Your OSHC is No Longer Enough

If you are a student finishing your degree, you likely already have OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). However, as soon as you apply for your Graduate Visa, you must switch to OVHC for 485 visa holders.

The Department of Home Affairs requires a specific Visa Compliance Letter that confirms your insurance meets the "working visa" standards. Medibank OVHC 485, nib OVHC 485, and bupa OVHC 485 are the most popular choices for graduates because they offer instant digital certificates required for the visa lodge.

Compare OVHC: Top Providers in 2026

When you perform an OVHC comparison on Budget Policy, you are looking at the "Big Six" of Australian insurance. Each provider has different strengths. Let's look at the market leaders:

1. Bupa OVHC

Bupa OVHC is a powerhouse in the Australian market. They are known for their "Members First" hospital network, which helps reduce out-of-pocket "gap" expenses.

• Bupa OVHC 485: Their working visitor plans are highly flexible, offering both "Lite" and "Standard" tiers.
• Best for: Visitors who want a physical branch to visit in major cities and a huge network of doctors.

2. nib OVHC

If you are looking for a tech-savvy, fast experience, nib OVHC is often the top contender. Their app makes claiming as simple as taking a photo of your receipt.

• OVHC nib: Their basic plans are often some of the most competitively priced in the market.
• nib OVHC quote: You can get a tailored quote in seconds on Budget Policy to see their current 2026 rates.

3. Medibank OVHC

Medibank OVHC (and its sister brand ahm) offers robust cover with 24/7 health support lines.

• OVHC medibank: Known for high-quality customer service and comprehensive "Working Visitor" plans.
• medibank OVHC 485: These plans are specifically designed to be 100% compliant with Graduate Visa requirements.

4. Allianz Care OVHC

Allianz care OVHC (also known as allianz insurance OVHC or allianz OVHC insurance) is a global leader. They have one of the best direct-billing networks in regional Australia.

• OVHC allianz: Their certificates are issued almost instantly, which is perfect for last-minute visa applications.

5. AIA Overseas Visitor Health Cover

AIA OVHC is a newer entrant but has gained massive popularity through its "Vitality" rewards program.

• aia overseas visitor health cover: By staying active and hitting step goals, you can actually earn rewards that offset the cost of your insurance.

6. CBHS OVHC

CBHS OVHC often provides great value for families and couples. While they are a smaller fund, their customer satisfaction rates are among the highest in the industry.

The Hidden Costs: What to Look for When You Compare OVHC

A common mistake is choosing the plan with the lowest monthly premium without looking at the "Excess" or "Gaps." When you compare OVHC on Budget Policy, pay attention to these three factors:

1. The Excess

An excess is the amount you pay if you are admitted to the hospital. A plan with a $500 excess will have a lower monthly premium than a $0 excess plan. If you are healthy and rarely go to the hospital, a higher excess can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

2. General Practitioner (GP) Benefits

Does your plan cover you for a visit to the local doctor? "Budget" or "Lite" plans often only cover In-hospital treatment. If you want the insurance to help pay for a flu consultation or a script, you need a plan that includes "Outpatient" or "Medical" cover.

3. Waiting Periods

All insurers, including bupa, nib, and medibank, apply waiting periods:

• Pre-existing conditions: Usually a 12-month wait.
• Pregnancy/Maternity: Usually a 12-month wait.
• General Hospital/Psychiatric: Usually 2 months.
  
  

How Budget Policy Saves You Time and Money

Why go to allianz care, aia, and cbhs websites individually when you can see them all on one screen?

At Budget Policy, our platform is designed to give you transparency. We don't just show you the price; we show you the value.

1. Enter your visa details: Whether it's a 485, 482, or 600.
2. Filter by your needs: Do you need maternity cover? Low excess? Dental extras?
3. Get an instant quote: Get your nib OVHC quote or bupa OVHC price in real-time.
4. Download your Visa Letter: Our system sends your compliance letter to your email within minutes of purchase.
   
   

Direct Billing: The "Cashless" Advantage

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a top-tier provider like Bupa or Medibank is their Direct Billing network.

If you visit a doctor that has a direct billing agreement with your insurer, you don't have to pay the bill yourself. The clinic sends the bill directly to the insurer. This is a lifesaver for students and workers on a tight budget who cannot afford to wait weeks for a refund.

Conclusion:

Australia is a beautiful place to live, work, and study, but it is also a place where medical costs can spiral out of control. Securing a compliant plan from allianz OVHC insurance, bupa OVHC , or aia OVHC is the best way to protect your future.

Don't wait until the last minute. Use Budget Policy today to compare OVHC plans, get your nib OVHC quote, and secure your OVHC for 485 Visa instantly.