Bridging Visa Health Insurance


If you are on a bridging visa A, B, or C, you will need an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to cover your medical expenses.


An Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of health insurance for a bridging visa. Individuals on a temporary visa who need access to health care services while waiting for the outcome of their permanent visa can access the Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). 


Holding a Bridging Visa (BVA - subclass 010, BVB - subclass 020, or BVC - subclass 030) can make accessing comprehensive health insurance challenging. We help you make an informed decision by comparing healthcare benefits from various insurance providers to suit your needs. 


Who Is Eligible for A Bridging Visa?

If you are in Australia and your current temporary visa is expiring or has expired, you are eligible to apply for a bridging visa while waiting for a decision on your permanent visa status. Eligibility for a bridging visa depends on the type of substantive visa you have applied for and your individual circumstances. 


Bridging visa holders may be eligible for work, study, and healthcare services. Depending on the specific bridging visa subclass, you also may be eligible to leave and re-enter the country. 

 

Health Insurance Requirements for Bridging Visas


As detailed in the 8501 Condition, of Schedule 8 of the Migration Regulations 1994, it is a requirement for individuals to get health insurance for a bridging visa A, B or C. Bridging visa holders are responsible for paying for all hospital and medical expenses in the public or private sector, as you will not have access to Medicare. This is where Health Insurance can save you significantly.


The 8501 Condition also applies to student visas (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC), student guardian visas and other temporary graduate visas and temporary work visas. 


A bridging visa health insurance will include a basic public hospital cover, 100% of the cost of ambulance transport and some pharmaceutical benefits, which will support you with the cost of medicines. However, it will not cover the cost of visiting a doctor, or seeing a dentist or physiotherapist. If you pay for an extra cover, you may be able to claim a portion of these extra services. 


What Are the Different Types Of Bridging Visas?  

There are three main types of bridging visas in Australia. The Bridging Visa A (BVA) Subclass 010, Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020, and Bridging Visa C (BVC )Subclass 030. Below is a brief description of these visas:

  • Bridging Visa A: With this visa, you can legally stay in Australia until your next visa status is determined. Usually, BVA holders may work and study in Australia. For a Bridging Visa A, health insurance coverage is essential. 
  • Bridging Visa B: Bridging Visa B is a visa designed for individuals who wish to travel outside Australia as lawful residents. You can leave and return to Australia within the specified travel period while your visa application is being processed. The length of stay and permission to work depend on the individual circumstance and Visa Condition. 

  • Bridging Visa C: Bridging Visa C allows you to stay in Australia until your visa status is fully determined or court proceedings are completed. This visa does not permit travel, so you cannot leave and re-enter Australia. No work is permitted on this visa, and you must maintain adequate health insurance for BVC. 


Why Choose OVHC Insurance To Compare Health Insurance for Bridging Visa Holders


OVHC Insurance is the ideal place to compare health insurance for bridging visa holders. We are trusted by many individuals to assist with purchasing health cover for their Australian visa insurance. 


Our website provides a comprehensive comparison of the prices and benefits of several reputable OVHC providers in Australia. This comparison provides you with detailed information about coverage, premiums and benefits, making it easier to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.


It also offers a user-friendly web platform that makes it easy to navigate the comparison process. You can quickly input your details, such as visa type, age and coverage preferences and receive personalised recommendations for suitable overseas health insurance plans. 


We have a quick application process and turnaround time, therefore it is convenient and saves you time and money. If you need further information, you can talk to our team of friendly experts, and they can help guide you. If English is not your first language, our multilingual customer service team can also help you.  


Meet Your Visa Requirements


Visa Condition 8501 requires visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia. An Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plan meets this requirement by providing comprehensive health coverage for visa holders.  


Policy Received Within Minutes


The process is streamlined, making it easy to choose your type of insurance.  Click ‘buy now’ and follow our online form.  Get your OVHC certificate within minutes, or have it mailed to you within 24 hours.


Easy to Use and Compare Online


Input the number of individuals you wish to obtain the insurance for and a comparison of the following providers, AIA, Allianz, Bupa, CBHS, Frank, Medibank and NIB will be listed along with their benefits. 


Compare Health Insurance for Your Bridging Visa Today


Find the best deal on your health insurance cover today. Choose an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plan and take the first step towards securing health insurance on your bridging visa. Get a quote and find the best plan for your needs.


Frequently Asked Questions


Does A Bridging Visa Require Health Insurance?


Yes, if you are applying for a bridging visa that allows you to remain in Australia while waiting for a decision on a permanent visa application, you may be required to get a bridging visa health cover as part of the 8501 Condition. 


What Is The 8501 Condition ?


The 8501 Condition is a mandatory requirement for some select Australian visas, including certain bridging visas. It requires that visa holders maintain adequate health insurance coverage while in Australia. This condition aims to ensure that individuals have access to healthcare without burdening the Australian healthcare system.