Subclass 600 Visa OVHC for Visitors in Australia

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2025-07-24

The Visa  600 Overseas Visitor Health Cover is devised to protect people visiting Australia during the course of their stay. Healthcare in Australia can burn a hole in your pocket. So, even though getting an OVHC is not mandated for every visa 600 holder,  you should still advisably get one to be able to enjoy your visit without worrying about unforeseen emergencies and what-ifs.

Key Features of an Overseas Visitor Health Cover for Visa 600
A basic OVHC plan provides coverage for: 
Hospital Visits and Medical Treatments: All emergency services, like surgeries or necessary doctor consultations, are covered.  Emergency ambulance services are covered as well.

Outpatient Treatment: GP or specialist consultations outside the hospital are covered. If deemed necessary by a doctor, diagnostic tests like X-rays or blood tests can be covered as well.

Emergency Medical Evacuation: You can also check if your plan covers the costs of being moved to another location for treatment or repatriated in the event of an emergency. 

Pharmaceuticals: Some 600 visa health insurance policies cover prescription medications that are prescribed by the doctor and necessary for your treatment.

Health and Safety Assurance: Getting an OVHC in Australia will alleviate your stress of handling the expenses of any unforeseen emergencies that could leave you with large medical bills. 
Duration of Coverage: Ensure that the policy you buy covers the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Although that is how it generally is, you should still cross-check the details.

Is it Necessary for a 600 Visa to get Health Insurance
Getting an OVHC is not a visa requirement for every visa 600 holder. You should get one anyway. This is considering:
Medical Costs in Australia: Australian Healthcare can be expensive for non-residents. An efficient health insurance helps cover significant amounts that you otherwise might have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, especially in emergencies.
Visa Requirement: As mentioned above, all Visitor Visa 600 applicants do not need to mandatorily get a health cover. However, certain subtypes (those with longer stays or specific travel purposes) may require it as a part of the visa application process.

Important Considerations:
Eligibility and Flexibility: The OVHC plan typically covers those travelling for tourism, business, or family visits. It may not cover students or people coming for medical treatment. Students, however, mandatorily have to get an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a visa requirement.

Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have any pre-existing conditions, you will need to check whether the policy you have chosen covers them or not. If not, you might need to get additional coverage.
Exclusions: Some policies may have exclusions, such as certain high-risk activities (e.g., extreme sports), or may only cover basic medical needs and not more specialised treatments.

How to Apply for the 600 Visa Health Insurance
Research Providers: There are several top providers like NIB, Bupa, AHM, Medibank, Allianz Care, and AIA. Compare the OVHC plans offered by these providers and select the one that meets all or most of your requirements. 
To compare plans, use the comparison tool on the budget policy website. All you need to do is fill in a few details, including your visa and cover type. You will then be able to access quotes from all of these providers. 
In case a plan meets most of your requirements, yet you need a few additional services, you can look for additional cover options.

Choose the Duration: Ensure that the policy’s duration aligns with your intended duration of stay in Australia.
Obtain the Visa Health Insurance Certificate: Once you’ve purchased the policy, you’ll usually receive a certificate, which can be included with your visa application. Most of the providers release the certificate via email within minutes of purchase.
Budget policy helps you carry out the entire process of choosing and buying a health cover, all in one place. It offers a streamlined process, saving you a lot of time. You can also get additional offers to save money. Choose the best with us!