OSHC and OVHC on a Bridging Visa: Cover Options

OSHC, OVHC and private cover: an overview

Australia’s health insurance system for non-citizens is split by visa type, creating a tangle that many people do not fully understand until they actually need to use their cover. When you move onto a bridging visa, your health insurance status can change significantly.

There are three main types of health cover relevant to non-citizens in Australia:

1. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) — designed specifically for international students on a student visa
2. OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover) — for visitors and temporary visa holders who are not covered by Medicare
3. Medicare — Australia’s public health system, available to citizens, permanent residents and certain specific temporary visa holders

OSHC when moving to a bridging visa

This is the most important issue for international students who are in the middle of a transition:

OSHC is designed for the student visa. While you hold a student visa (subclass 500), you are required to have OSHC — it is a condition of the visa. OSHC covers basic medical services for the duration of your study in Australia.

When the student visa expires and a BVA activates: Technically, your OSHC is no longer attached to a valid visa. Most OSHC providers only cover you while you hold a student visa. When you move onto a BVA, you need to check directly with your OSHC provider to see whether they will continue to cover you.

What commonly happens: Many OSHC providers will continue cover for a short period after the student visa expires (often 28 days), but then require you to switch to OVHC or another form of private health cover. Read the terms of your OSHC policy carefully and contact your provider to confirm.

OVHC — an option for many bridging visa holders

OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover) is private cover for non-citizens in Australia who are not covered by Medicare. It is often the most suitable option while you hold a bridging visa.

Who should consider OVHC:

• International students who have moved from a student visa to a BVA and whose OSHC no longer covers them
• Working Holiday visa holders (subclass 417 or 462) who have moved onto a BVA while applying for another visa
• Anyone holding any type of bridging visa who does not have access to Medicare

What OVHC commonly covers:

• In-hospital treatment
• Emergency services
• Some outpatient services
• Ambulance cover

What OVHC commonly does not cover:

• Dental care (unless you buy an extras package)
• Optical
• Some prescription medicines

The main OVHC providers in Australia include Bupa, Allianz Care, AHM and NIB. Price and level of cover vary considerably — compare before you buy.

Medicare while holding a bridging visa

Medicare is the most complex question. Access to Medicare while on a bridging visa depends on several factors:

Reciprocal Medicare agreements: Australia has Medicare agreements with a number of countries (including the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Malta). Citizens of these countries can usually access emergency medical services under Medicare, even while holding a temporary visa. Some countries have no Medicare agreement with Australia, in which case this access does not apply.

People applying for a partner visa or certain humanitarian visas: In some cases, a BVA holder who is awaiting a decision on a partner visa or humanitarian visa may be able to enrol in Medicare. This needs to be confirmed with Medicare based on your specific situation.

People with permanent residence pending confirmation: If you have technically been approved for permanent residence but the physical visa grant has not yet been issued, you may be eligible for Medicare.

If you hold a bridging visa and have no reciprocal arrangement, it is likely you will not have access to Medicare and will need to buy OVHC or separate private cover.

Working Holiday visa holders moving to a bridging visa

Working Holiday visa (WHV) holders on subclass 417 or 462 also sometimes move onto a BVA when applying for another visa. OVHC is often designed to cover this group during the transition.

Key points for a WHV holder moving to a BVA:

• OSHC is not for you (it is for students)
• OVHC is usually the most suitable option
• Some providers have specific packages for a “visa change” or “extending stay”

Practical advice

To avoid a gap in cover when moving to a bridging visa:

Step 1 — Check as soon as you know you will be moving to a BVA: Contact your current OSHC provider (if you are a student) or your current insurer and ask whether your cover will continue once you hold a BVA.

Step 2 — Do not allow a gap in cover: Make sure your new OVHC starts the moment your OSHC ends. Even one day without cover can lead to large medical costs if something happens.

Step 3 — Check your Medicare eligibility: Check with Medicare (1800 813 134) whether you are eligible for Medicare while on a BVA, based on the visa you are awaiting a decision on.

Step 4 — Compare OVHC: Use comparison tools such as iSelect or comparetravelinsurance.com.au to find the OVHC package that best fits your needs and budget.

Health cannot always be planned in advance. Do not let a temporary visa status leave you without medical protection while you wait.