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Overseas Health Cover for Workers (OVHC)

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is health insurance for overseas residents working in Australia. OVHC covers you if you get sick or have an accident while you are here in Australia. It is also a requirement for a range of visa applications when coming to work in Australia. These products are only available to overseas workers of specific visa subclasses.

Starting from

$59.97* per month

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Overseas Health Cover

Who is OVHC for?

Your working holiday or holiday visa in Australia may come with a requirement to hold OVHC.
Our cover is compliant for the following visas:

  • 482 (temporary skill shortage)
  • 485 (temporary graduate)
  • 457 (temporary work – skilled)
  • 403 (temporary work – international relations)
  • 408 (temporary activity)
  • 407 (training visa)
  • 476 (skilled – recognised graduate)
  • 590 (student guardian)
  • 489 (skilled regional)
  • 400 (temporary work short stay specialist)
  • 010 (bridging Visa A)
  • 020 (bridging Visa B)
  • 030 (bridging Visa C).

Looking after your health cover needs for more than 70 years

Our parent company CBHS Health Fund, has been looking after Australians’ health cover needs since 1951, providing quality, affordable health insurance to its many thousands of members. CBHS is governed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the Department of Health and the Department of Home Affairs which has been established by the Australian Government to oversee health insurance companies and protect the financial well-being of the Australian community. This also includes ensuring appropriate benefits for overseas visitors and students visiting, working or studying in Australia are provided by insurers. As a registered provider for overseas working visitors and international students, CBHS International is required to comply with these standards.

We offer more than great health insurance, we are committed to the health and happiness of all of our members.

Here to help 24/7

If you require assistance, please call the 24/7 medical, interpreter and personal assistance helpline. Anytime, any day, in any language. Contact us.

Why is Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) important?

Overseas Working Visa Requirement

As most overseas visitors or workers are not eligible for Medicare (our publicly funded healthcare for residents and citizens), maintaining adequate health insurance is a requirement for a range of working visas. Overseas workers with visa condition 8501 must purchase and provide proof of adequate OVHC when applying for their visa.

Maintaining adequate OVHC is a mandatory condition

The Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) requires all holders of an overseas working visa to maintain adequate OVHC for the entire time they are in Australia until their visa expires.

Medical treatment can be expensive

Most overseas workers who come to Australia to work cannot access Medicare, our publicly funded healthcare system, which may lead to large out-of-pocket costs to pay if they require medical treatment. In most cases, hospital treatment will cost more than AU$1,000 per day. Depending on the type of cover you choose, your OVHC will keep you covered for some of the costs of medical treatment if you get sick or have an accident.

Instant confirmation after purchase

Once you purchase Overseas Workers Health Cover (OVHC) you will immediately receive a Certificate of Insurance for your visa. You will need to provide proof of purchase of your OVHC when applying for your student visa, extension or renewal application.

If you would like to discuss options, contact our team who will be happy to assist you. Call (+61) 2 8604 3537 (from overseas) or 1300 174 538 (within Australia) or email us at ovhc@cbhscorp.com.au.

What happens after I have arrived in Australia?

Activating your Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) upon arriving in Australia.

Activate your cover

Click here or contact us at ovhc@cbhscorp.com.au or call us on 1300 174 537 to activate your Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) membership. You’ll need to let us know what your address and other contact details are here in Australia.

Your membership card

When you arrive in Australia and activate your Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) membership, we’ll send your CBHS International Health membership card to your Australian address within three (3) business days. If you do not receive it, please contact us at ovhc@cbhscorp.com.au or phone 1300 174 537.

Use your membership card when you need to visit a doctor, arrange admission to hospital, make a claim or make any other type of enquiry. You are responsible for any claims made using your card. Keep your card safe and advise us immediately if it is lost, stolen or if someone not covered on your OVHC has used your card. For your security, photo ID must accompany your membership card.

If you lose your card, please contact us at ovhc@cbhscorp.com.au or phone 1300 174 537.

Visa and passports

CBHS International Health may ask you to provide a copy of your passport and/or visa for any person covered by the CBHS International Health Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) policy before paying benefits.

By submitting an application for Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), you consent to CBHS International Health verifying your visa details with Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).

Why do I need OVHC?

As most overseas visitors or workers are not eligible for Medicare (our publicly funded healthcare for residents and citizens), getting an appropriate level of health cover is a requirement for a range of work and visitors visas. Some visa subclasses must purchase and provide proof of acceptable OVHC when applying for their visa and maintain cover for the entire time they are in Australia.

Depending on the type of cover you buy, your OVHC will keep you protected against some of the costs of medical treatment if you get sick or have an accident. Some treatments can cost thousands of dollars!

What is Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)?
OVHC is health cover that complies to a standard set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).  It’s part of the requirements for a range of visas when coming to Australia. CHBS International Health offers affordable health cover to suit your budget and needs. These products are only available to overseas workers of specific visa subclasses.

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