Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Many people think that overseas visitor health cover is just another type of travel insurance. However, it is much more specific and important for people who are visiting certain countries. If you do not understand these policies, you could end up with extra costs or coverage gaps when you need it the most. This article will clear up seven common misconceptions about overseas visitor health cover. 

1. OVHC is the Same as Travel Insurance

OVHC is designed to cover the health needs of visitors in Australia, including routine medical treatments, hospital visits, and emergencies. While both plans offer coverage for medical emergencies, OVHC is specifically designed to deal with the health needs of visitors. 

 

On the other hand, travel insurance protects against a wider variety of complications, including trip cancellations and lost luggage, among other things. 

 

It’s important to understand the differences, as OVHC focuses on health care, while travel insurance includes other travel-related concerns. Depending on your situation, you might need both.

2. You Only Need OVHC for Longer Stays

A further misunderstanding is that you are only required to have OVHC if you intend to remain in Australia for an extended period of time. Even visitors who are only staying for a short period of time, such as tourists or business travelers, can reap the benefits of OVHC. 

 

It does so by providing coverage for unforeseen medical expenses that may arise during your stay, which can be quite costly if you do not have insurance. Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or months, OVHC can help protect you from high medical bills. 

 

It is always safer to have health coverage when visiting another country, regardless of the length of your stay.

3. Covers All Types of Health Services

Some people believe that OVHC covers all types of health services. While it does cover many essential services, such as doctor visits, hospital care, and surgery, it does not always cover everything.

 

It is possible that the basic policies of the OVHC do not provide complete coverage for certain services, such as dental or optical treatments. It’s important to check the specific details of your policy to know exactly what is included and what is excluded. Gaining an understanding of your coverage will assist you in avoiding unanticipated expenses.

4. Too Expensive

Variables such as your age, the level of coverage you require, and the provider that you select can all have an impact on the cost of OVHC. In fact, for most people, the cost of OVHC is reasonable, especially when compared to the potential cost of emergency medical treatment without insurance. 

 

You can frequently find plans that are within your price range and provide the coverage that you require. Compare a number of different plans in order to find one that is within your financial means.

5. You Don’t Need OVHC if You’re Healthy

Even though being healthy can reduce the likelihood that you will require medical attention, accidents, and illnesses can occur to anyone at any time. Medical costs in Australia can be very high, and OVHC can help cover unexpected expenses, even if you’re in good health.

 

It’s always better to have insurance in place just in case something goes wrong, so you’re not left with large medical bills if you need treatment.

6. Automatically Included with Your Visa

Some people believe that OVHC is automatically included with their visa. However, this is not always the case. 

 

While some visa types, like student visas, require OVHC as part of the application process, others do not. It’s important to check your visa requirements and ensure you have the necessary health cover. If your visa does not include OVHC, you will need to arrange it separately before arriving in Australia.

7. Can Only Be Purchased Before You Arrive

In reality, you can purchase OVHC at any time during your stay, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. While it’s a good idea to arrange your coverage in advance, you can also buy OVHC once you’re in Australia if you forget or decide to purchase it later. There are flexible options available, so don’t worry if you didn’t buy it before you left home.

Seek the Right OVHC Plan

Navigating the complexities of Overseas Visitor Health Cover can be tricky, but by debunking common misconceptions, you can make an informed decision. Take the time to compare different providers, review your healthcare needs, and select a plan that fits your budget and requirements.