Pocket-Friendly Health Plans for 651 eVisitor Visa: The Ultimate Guide to Affordable OVHC in Australia
Visiting Australia on a 651 eVisitor visa? One thing you can’t afford to overlook under any circumstances is the Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). It is a health insurance that protects visitors in case of medical emergencies in Australia. While Australia has world-class healthcare facilities, visitors are not covered by Australia's public healthcare system — Medicare. That’s why visitors need an OVHC to address any medical emergencies that come up during their visit.
It is noteworthy that visitors from certain countries — the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Malta, and Italy — get access to subsidised healthcare under Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). Although this agreement allows visitors to receive medically necessary treatment in public hospitals, private healthcare and other medical costs still need to be taken care of.
Understanding the Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Overseas Visitor Health Cover is a special health insurance plan designed for overseas visitors, including tourists and temporary workers in Australia. It ensures that you are not left to deal with huge bills to access healthcare services here. There are broadly two types of OVHC covers — the basic one that covers services like doctor visits, emergency services, etc., and the comprehensive one that includes extras like optical, physiotherapy, etc., along with the basic coverage. OVHC not only helps cover the medical costs, but also gives you peace of mind during your stay.
Why Do You Need OVHC as a 651 eVisitor Visa Holder?
Many visitors might think, “I’m only staying a short time, so why bother with insurance?” But the thing is that emergencies are unforeseen. Australia’s healthcare system is expensive, and dealing with these without insurance can cost a fortune. A general doctor’s visit could cost about $70-$100. You can imagine what it would cost to get treated for something serious, like undergoing surgery.
Some visas actually require overseas visitors to maintain adequate OVHC for the duration of their stay, but the eVisitor visa isn’t one of those. You should anyway get a cover to stay protected. After all, better safe than sorry!
Cheapest Health Insurance Options in Australia for 651 eVisitor Visa Holders
When you're looking for affordable health insurance, you’ll find various providers offering OVHC policies. But with so many options out there, how to choose the best and most affordable plan for your stay? It can be tough, but here are some of the top and most cost-effective options that you can consider:
- AHM OVHC (Australian Health Management): Affordable rates. Easy claims process. Good customer service.
- Medibank OVHC: Extensive hospital network. Clear and transparent policy details. Good for longer stays.
- Bupa OVHC: Reliable customer service. Comprehensive coverage options. Global reputation.
- NIB OVHC: Budget-friendly plans. Variety of options. Easy online claims process.
- Allianz Care OVHC: Wide network of healthcare providers. Easy claims and support. Flexible options for longer stays.
- AIA OVHC (Australian International Assurance): Affordable rates. Flexible options. Access to a wide network. Simple claims process.
Factors Affecting the Cost of OVHC
The cost of your health insurance will vary depending on:
- Level of Coverage: Comprehensive coverage is priced higher. Consider your requirements; a basic plan might be sufficient for covering emergencies during your stay.
- Policy Duration: A policy covering longer stays usually has higher premiums. However, many insurers offer discounts for longer policy periods.
- Age and Health: Plans covering aged visitors or individuals with pre-existing conditions also have higher premiums.
- Add-ons and Extras: Some insurers offer optional extras that can be added to your basic plan. This will also increase the overall cost.
Don’t Skip OVHC — It’s Worth It!
Healthcare can be a tricky part to handle when you are in a foreign land. With the right health cover, you can save yourself from paying large out-of-pocket costs. Choosing an affordable OVHC plan for your 651 eVisitor visa will save you money, time, and stress in the long run. So don't skip it at any cost!
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Frequently Asked Questions
01. Do I need OVHC for my 651 eVisitor visa?
Getting an OVHC is not a requirement for a 651 visa. It is recommended as it helps protect you from high medical costs while in Australia.
02. How can I find an affordable plan?
The best way is to compare policies offered by various top providers like Medibank, Bupa, and AHM. You can easily compare using the Budget Policy platform and get quotes instantly. Compare and find the most affordable option based on your coverage needs.
03. Can my OVHC be extended if I stay longer?
Although most providers allow this, your provider will be able to guide you better about your options.
04. What if I don’t have a cover, but need medical care?
Without an active OVHC, you'll have to take care of the expensive bills by paying out-of-pocket.
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