Traveling to Australia can be exciting, especially when you think about beautiful views, pleasant weather, and a welcoming environment. However, there is always a chance you might fall sick or get hurt. Being in such a situation in a foreign country is not less than a nightmare.

You know the doctors and hospitals in your native place, and can easily get the treatment done. Whereas, in a new place, everything becomes challenging. One way to fix this is getting called 'overseas visitor hospital cover'.
Familiar with this term? Great! If not, then we are here to guide you about it and make sure your next trip to the country is safe.
The following blog will mainly focus on what is not included under the OVHC policy. The reason we have discussed it here is to help you plan your trip better and not have any unnecessary expenses. So keep reading to get all the knowledge you need.

What Is Overseas Visitor Hospital Cover?

Before diving into what is not included, let us take a quick look at what this hospital covers. OVHC is a health insurance that provides coverage for overseas visitors if they require hospital treatment during their stay in Australia.

Exclusions in Overseas Visitor Hospital Cover
You get many medical treatments from minor to major covered under the policy however, there are still a few treatments, for whom the coverage is simply not provided. Here are the common exclusions:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: If you already have a medical condition before your visit to Australia, your policy might not cover treatments related to this condition.

•    Outpatient services: Many policies only cover treatments where hospitalization is required. This means you may have to pay for specialist consultations, diagnostics, and other outpatient services out-of-pocket.
•    Pregnancy-related services: Most policies do not cover maternity-related services; hence, pregnant women planning to give birth in Australia might need to make additional arrangements.
•    Certain surgeries: Some surgeries like cosmetic surgeries, unless they are medically necessary, and elective surgeries are typically not covered.

•    Certain medicines: Prescription drugs may not always be covered.
•    Dental services: Routine dental check-ups and treatments are usually excluded from these policies.
•    Psychiatric treatments: Treatments for mental health conditions might not be covered.
•    Rehabilitation: Services such as physiotherapy or speech therapy may not be included.

The Risks of Life without OVHC in Australia

Living in Australia without Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) can be tough. If you are not a resident, you usually do not get Medicare, so all healthcare costs in Australia are on you. It does not matter if you are having minor or major treatment - you will have to pay for it all. You could end up spending thousands without OVHC for simple things, and for bigger things like surgeries or ongoing treatments, it might even be millions.

Alternative Measures for OVHC

Some of you might be wondering if there are other options apart from OVHC. Well, if you have minor health issues, you can always visit local doctors or clinics across Australia. However, there will be a fee for medical services. In more serious health conditions, these options might not be enough.

Another good alternative is private international health insurance. It all depends on your needs and circumstances. You need to be careful and thoroughly check before choosing alternative options because the coverage and its advantages may vary.

Importance of OVHC

You might think you do not need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) but, think again. This is not just fulfilling a requirement for your visa. It is about peace of mind. With OVHC, you do not need to stress about unexpected health issues that can happen while living in another country. Therefore, it is more than just an insurance. It is your safety net to keep you safe throughout the trip.

Conclusion

Overseas visitor hospital cover is an excellent safety measure for unforeseen medical emergencies in Australia. A careful review of your policy will keep you informed about what services are excluded and allow you to make informed decisions about your overall coverage.

Budget Policy can guide you in choosing the right coverage for you and your family. All you need to do is, fill up your details and share your requirements. With top health insurance providers and affordable prices, you can get the best OVHC policy.