OSHC vs OVHC: What's the Difference?
If you're moving to Australia to study, work or visit family, you'll likely come across two common types of health insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC). Although both are designed for temporary residents, they serve different purposes and apply to different visa holders.
Many people are unsure which type of health insurance they need, particularly when transitioning from a Student Visa to another temporary visa. Choosing the correct policy is important to help meet your visa requirements and ensure you have appropriate healthcare cover while you are in Australia.
This guide explains the differences between OSHC and OVHC, who each policy is designed for, when you may need to switch from one to the other and how to compare policies before making a decision.
OSHC vs OVHC at a Glance
| Feature | OSHC | OVHC |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Student Visa (500) holders | Many temporary visa holders |
| Common users | International students | Visitors, graduates and temporary workers |
| Common visa examples | Student Visa (500) | 485, 482, 600, 870, 417, 462, 407 |
| Main purpose | Health cover while studying | Health cover while visiting, living or working in Australia |
| Typical providers | Approved OSHC providers | Australian OVHC providers |
Although both OSHC and OVHC provide health insurance for temporary residents, they are designed for different visa holders. The table above provides a quick overview before exploring each type of cover in more detail.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance specifically designed for international students studying in Australia on a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
OSHC helps eligible students access healthcare services during their studies and assists with the cost of eligible medical and hospital treatment. In most cases, international students are required to maintain OSHC for the duration of their Student Visa unless another acceptable arrangement applies.
Several Australian health insurers offer OSHC policies, with premiums and benefits varying between providers.
What is Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)?
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a health insurance designed for many temporary visa holders living, working or visiting Australia.
OVHC is commonly chosen by people holding visas such as:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
- Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
- Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
- Training Visa (Subclass 407)
- Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
Depending on the policy selected, OVHC may include benefits for eligible hospital treatment, GP consultations, specialist services, emergency ambulance and prescription medicines.
What is the Difference Between OSHC and OVHC?
Although both provide health insurance for temporary residents, the main difference is who the policy is designed for.
OSHC is intended specifically for international students studying in Australia on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), while OVHC is designed for many other temporary visa holders, including visitors, graduates and temporary workers.
The policies may also differ in their eligibility requirements, policy features, premiums and available benefits.
When Should You Change from OSHC to OVHC?
One of the most common situations occurs when an international student finishes their studies and moves from a Student Visa (Subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Once your Student Visa ends, OSHC may no longer be the appropriate form of health insurance. Many graduates then arrange Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) to ensure they continue to have suitable health insurance while living and working in Australia.
If you change to another temporary visa, you should review your health insurance to ensure it remains appropriate for your new visa.
Which Australian Visa Requires OSHC or OVHC?
| Visa | Recommended Health Insurance |
|---|---|
| Student Visa (500) | OSHC |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (485) | OVHC |
| Visitor Visa (600) | OVHC |
| Sponsored Parent Visa (870) | OVHC |
| Skills in Demand Visa (482) | OVHC |
| Working Holiday Visa (417) | OVHC |
| Work and Holiday Visa (462) | OVHC |
| Training Visa (407) | OVHC |
| Temporary Activity Visa (408) | OVHC |
| Student Guardian Visa (590) | OVHC |
The table above provides a general guide to the type of health insurance commonly associated with these visa subclasses. Always refer to your visa grant notification and individual circumstances to determine the health insurance arrangements that apply to you.
How to Compare OSHC and OVHC Policies
Whether you need OSHC or OVHC, consider the following when comparing policies:
- Hospital benefits
- Medical services
- Emergency ambulance cover
- Waiting periods
- Prescription medicine benefits
- Family cover
- Optional extras
- Premiums
- Overall value
Choosing the right policy involves more than comparing price alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between OSHC and OVHC?
OSHC is designed for international students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), while OVHC is designed for many other temporary visa holders, including graduates, visitors and temporary workers.
Do I need to change from OSHC to OVHC after graduation?
If you move from a Student Visa to a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) or another temporary visa, you should review your health insurance. Many graduates arrange OVHC after their Student Visa ends.
Can I keep my OSHC after my Student Visa expires?
OSHC is designed for Student Visa holders. Once your visa changes, you should ensure your health insurance remains appropriate for your current visa and circumstances.
Is OVHC the same as travel insurance?
No. OVHC and travel insurance are different products with different purposes and benefits.
Which is cheaper, OSHC or OVHC?
The cost depends on factors such as the insurer, level of cover, family composition and policy features. Comparing providers helps you find suitable cover for your circumstances.
Can my family be included on either policy?
Yes. Many insurers offer single, couple and family policies for both OSHC and OVHC
Does OSHC satisfy Visa Condition 8501?
Student Visa holders generally maintain OSHC to meet their visa health insurance requirements. If you move to another visa subclass, you should ensure your health insurance remains appropriate for your new visa.
How do I compare OSHC and OVHC?
Compare premiums, hospital benefits, medical services, waiting periods, emergency ambulance cover, family options and overall value before selecting a policy.
Compare OSHC and OVHC with Confidence
Whether you are preparing to study, work or visit Australia, understanding the difference between OSHC and OVHC is an important first step in choosing suitable health insurance. The right policy depends on your visa type, personal circumstances and healthcare needs.
Use our comparison tools to explore policies from leading Australian health insurers and compare premiums, benefits and policy features to find the cover that best suits your stay in Australia.