OVHC Health Insurance Requirement

Like holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) on your current visa, all 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders, and accompanying family, must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the duration of the visa.
 

When you apply for your visa, you must either:

•    show evidence that you and any family your application have arranged the required from of health insurance;
•    or, if you are from a specific country, provide a valid Medicare card or receipt of enrolment with Medicare.

The good news - unlike with OSHC, you do not have to pay the full amount before applying for the visa. OVHC allows you to pay in monthly instalments.

Once you have purchased a policy, your health insurance provider will issue a Health Insurance Standard Template Letter, as evidence of your health insurance at the time you submit your visa application. Learn more about this in the ebook.

You can also use your current OSHC policy at the time of application, but before the visa is granted, you must provide evidence of purchasing OVHC . Make sure your OSHC does not expire while you are on a bridging visa! 

Certain nationalities are not required to purchase OVHC for their visa. Learn more about Reciprocal Health Agreements between Australia and other countries.
 

The price and level of cover a single applicant currently varies between $110-$140 per month, depending on the company. 

Think about any future health issues you may need. $40/month more may be worth $10,000 down the track if you suddenly need unexpected surgery or break a bone.

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Make sure to compare inclusions, such as hospital cover and waiting periods, especially if you have specific medial concerns.