Allianz OVHC — Overseas Visitor Health Cover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Which Visas Does Allianz OVHC Cover?
- About Allianz Overseas Visitor Health Cover
- What Does Allianz OVHC Cover?
- Allianz OVHC Policy Options
- How to Use Your Allianz OVHC in Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions About Allianz OVHC
- Not Sure if Allianz is Right for Your Visa?
Allianz offers eligible policies that meet visa condition 8501, which requires some temporary visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia.
Compare Allianz before you buy, or learn how to use your existing cover, from finding care to making a claim.
Visa-Compliant Cover
Meets 8501 on eligible OVHC policies
Multiple Visa Types
Options for visitor, worker and graduate visas
24-Hour Support
Help line for OVHC members
Direct Billing Access
Participating doctors may bill Allianz directly
Single, Dual, Family
Cover options for individuals and families
Compare Providers
Review Allianz beside other OVHC options
Which Visas Does Allianz OVHC Cover?
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is private health insurance for eligible temporary visa holders in Australia. If your visa carries condition 8501, you must maintain adequate health insurance while you stay in the country.
Allianz Care Australia lists OVHC options for a range of working, visitor, graduate, working holiday and bridging visas. Eligibility depends on your exact visa subclass and the policy you choose, so check your visa requirements before you buy.
Skilled Worker and Training Visas
Subclasses: 482, 407, 400, 403
For temporary workers, sponsored employees and training visa holders who need compliant health cover.
Graduate and Skilled Pathway Visas
Subclasses: 485, 476, 489
For recent graduates or skilled visa holders who need OVHC after study or while transitioning visas.
Working Holiday Visas
Subclasses: 417, 462
For visitors working and travelling in Australia.
Business / Investor Visa
Subclass: 188
For business or investment visa holders who need private health cover.
Student Guardian Visa
Subclass: 590
For guardians accompanying an international student in Australia.
Bridging Visas
Subclasses: 010, 020, 030
For bridging visa holders whose next visa requires health cover.
Dependants and Family Members
Partners and children may be included in family cover where eligible. Check your visa application and policy requirements to make sure everyone who needs cover is included.
Not sure which visa you have? Check your visa grant letter.
Compare Policies for Your Visa
About Allianz Overseas Visitor Health Cover
Allianz OVHC is health insurance for eligible international visitors and workers staying in Australia. It can help with the cost of eligible hospital and medical treatment, which lowers the risk of paying the full cost of care yourself. How much you can claim depends on the policy you choose.
For temporary visa holders, Allianz offers different levels of cover, from hospital-only policies through to options that add benefits for GP visits, specialists and prescription medicines. Members can access 24/7 emergency assistance, use participating direct-billing providers where available, and lodge claims through Allianz’s current member process. Some higher policies include selected extras.
This page is published by OVHC Insurance, a comparison site, not Allianz Care Australia. If you’re weighing up your options, you can compare Allianz against other OVHC providers before you decide.
Visa Condition 8501
Eligible Allianz OVHC policies meet the Australian Government’s adequate health insurance requirements.
24-Hour Support
Emergency assistance is available to Allianz OVHC members around the clock.
Direct Billing Access
Participating providers can bill Allianz directly.
Family Cover Options
Eligible members can choose cover for themselves and their family.
Flexible Payments
Payment options depend on the policy you select.
Compare Providers
Check Allianz against other OVHC providers before you buy.
What Does Allianz OVHC Cover?
This section explains what Allianz OVHC may help with and where you could still have costs to pay yourself. Your exact benefits depend on the policy you buy.
Hospital and Emergency
If you are admitted to hospital as an inpatient, meaning you stay in hospital for treatment rather than simply attending an appointment, your policy may contribute towards eligible hospital treatment and accommodation. Cover can include emergency ambulance and other hospital-related benefits, depending on your policy. Your final cost depends on the policy you hold, including any hospital excess.
GP and Medical Visits
A GP, or general practitioner, is a local doctor who provides everyday medical care. Depending on your policy, Allianz may contribute towards GP visits and other medical services outside hospitals.
Your benefit is often based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), the Australian Government’s list of medical services and standard benefit amounts. This does not necessarily mean Allianz will cover your entire bill. A participating provider may be able to bill Allianz directly, but you could still have an out-of-pocket cost, also called a gap payment, if the doctor charges more than your benefit. Ask about the total cost before treatment.
Prescription Medicines
Some Allianz OVHC policies contribute towards eligible prescription medicines, up to the limits set by your policy. Prescription medicines are those a doctor or other authorised health professional prescribes for you. Over-the-counter medicines, such as many painkillers and cold medications bought without a prescription, are generally treated differently and may not be covered, so check your policy before assuming a medicine is claimable.
Emergency Ambulance
Emergency ambulance cover can help pay for ambulance transport when you need urgent medical care. Many Allianz OVHC policies include an emergency ambulance benefit, but what you can claim depends on your specific policy and the service you receive. Check your policy wording for the exact terms that apply.
Extras and General Treatment
Extras are services outside standard hospital and medical treatment, such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. They are not included in every Allianz OVHC policy. Higher levels of cover may provide selected extras, while lower-level policies may not. Check the benefits for your specific policy before booking treatment.
Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the time you wait after your cover starts before you can claim for certain services. If you’re treated during a waiting period that applies to you, you may need to pay the full cost yourself. Waiting periods can apply to pre-existing conditions, pregnancy-related services, mental health care and some other restricted services. Check your current policy wording for the waiting periods that apply to your cover.
Understanding Your Coverage Limits
Here’s what to know before you need it:
A provider may charge more than your policy benefit, which leaves you with a gap payment.
Dental, optical, physiotherapy and other extras may only be available on selected policies.
Prescription medicine limits can apply.
Some services have waiting periods before you can claim.
Pregnancy-related services and pre-existing conditions can carry longer waiting periods and additional conditions.
On some hospital policies, an emergency department visit that doesn’t lead to admission may not be covered.
Treatment received outside of Australia is generally not covered.
Cosmetic treatment and some assisted reproductive services are commonly excluded.
Your policy wording is the final word on what is and isn’t covered. If anything is unclear, check the current Allianz documents before you’re treated. You can also see the FAQ section below or compare plan details before choosing your cover.
Allianz OVHC Policy Options
The right Allianz policy depends on your visa requirements, the level of cover you choose and who you need to cover. Premiums vary by your circumstances and policy selection, so always check a current quote rather than relying on an advertised figure.
Value Visitors Cover
Best for: Eligible visitors under 50 who don’t need to satisfy visa condition 8501
Value cover for eligible overseas visitors under 50.
Does not meet visa condition 8501.
Includes eligible hospital and out-of-hospital benefits, emergency ambulance and medical repatriation, but excludes certain hospital categories.
Review exclusions, waiting periods and benefit limits carefully.
Final price confirmed through quote.
Hospital Care Visitors
Best for: Visitors who want essential hospital cover.
Focuses on eligible in-hospital treatment.
Includes emergency ambulance and medical repatriation benefits.
Meets visa condition 8501 requirements.
Check exclusions, waiting periods, hospital excess and benefit limits before you buy.
Classic Care Visitors
Best for: Visitors who want hospital plus everyday medical cover
Includes eligible hospital treatment.
Adds GP, specialist, pathology, radiology and prescription medicine benefits.
Provides broader out-of-hospital cover than a hospital-only policy.
Check current benefits, waiting periods, limits and out-of-pocket costs before you buy.
Worker Cover Options
Best for: Eligible temporary workers and graduates
Allianz’s worker range runs from Hospital Care Workers, which focuses on hospital cover, up to Premium Care Workers, which adds selected extras such as dental, optical and physiotherapy.
Everyday Care Workers and Classic Care Workers sit between these levels, adding GP and other medical benefits.
Allianz’s worker policies are designed to meet visa condition 8501 requirements.
Choose the level that matches your healthcare needs and visa.
Want to see how Allianz compares with other OVHC providers?
How to Use Your Allianz OVHC in Australia
Buying OVHC is only the first step. Once your cover starts, you also need to know how to access healthcare, manage your membership and claim eligible costs.
Step 1 – Apply for Allianz OVHC
Start by checking your visa subclass and whether you need to meet condition 8501. You can then compare Allianz policies, choose your cover level, enter your policy dates and buy your cover. Some visa holders buy through a migration agent, employer or partner channel instead of directly. However you buy, keep your certificate of insurance and policy documents somewhere easy to access. Allianz sends your certificate of insurance by email when you buy online.
Step 2 – Activate or Manage Your Membership
After you buy, check the start and end dates on your certificate and save your membership details. Update your Australian contact details if needed and follow Allianz’s current member setup process. Allianz’s Online Member Services lets members manage their policy, make payments and lodge claims. Keep your certificate accessible in case your employer, a provider or the Department of Home Affairs asks for proof of cover.
Step 3 – Use Your Cover
When you need care, choose a GP or other provider and ask about costs before your appointment. If you want to use direct billing, check that the provider takes part in Allianz’s network so they can bill Allianz for the eligible amount. You may still have a gap payment, so ask about any out-of-pocket cost first. If a provider can’t bill Allianz directly, you may need to pay upfront, keep your receipts and claim the eligible amount back later through Allianz’s claims process.
What to Do if You Get Sick in Australia
For non-urgent care, book a GP appointment.
Ask the clinic whether they bill directly or require upfront payment.
Call Allianz support if you need help understanding where to go.
Keep receipts, invoices and medical documents.
Submit a claim through Allianz’s current claim process.
What to Do in a Medical Emergency in Australia
Call 000 for urgent ambulance, fire or police help.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if urgent.
Show your Allianz membership details when asked.
Contact Allianz support after receiving treatment.
Keep all hospital documents and receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allianz OVHC
These are the most common questions temporary visa holders ask about Allianz OVHC.
Does Allianz OVHC meet visa condition 8501?
Condition 8501 means you must hold adequate health insurance for the whole time you’re in Australia. Some Allianz OVHC policies meet this condition, but Value Visitors Cover does not. If your visa carries condition 8501, check that the specific Allianz policy you choose meets the requirement before you buy.
Which visa types can use Allianz OVHC?
Allianz lists OVHC for a broad range of temporary visas, including working, visitor, graduate, working holiday and bridging visas. Examples include 482, 485, 417, 462, 407, 408, 188, 590, 476 and bridging visas such as 010, 020 and 030. Eligibility can vary by product, so check your exact subclass before you buy. You can also use the visa checker above.
Does Allianz OVHC cover 482 visa holders?
Allianz lists the 482 visa (Skills in Demand, formerly Temporary Skill Shortage) among the visas its OVHC can cover. If your 482 visa carries condition 8501, you need to hold adequate health insurance for as long as your visa requires. Check that the policy you choose meets your visa conditions, your employer’s requirements and your family situation.
Does Allianz OVHC cover 485 visa holders?
Yes. Allianz lists the 485 Temporary Graduate visa among the visas its OVHC can cover. This can be particularly relevant when you move from a student visa and OSHC to a graduate visa. Line up your new cover to start when your previous cover ends so you don’t leave a gap.
Does Allianz OVHC cover working holiday visas 417 and 462?
Allianz lists both the 417 Working Holiday and 462 Work and Holiday visas as eligible for OVHC. If your visa carries condition 8501, choose a policy that meets it and check the dates before you buy.
What does Allianz OVHC cover?
It depends on your policy. Depending on the product, Allianz OVHC can include hospital treatment, GP and other medical services, emergency ambulance, prescription medicines and selected extras. Benefits, exclusions, waiting periods and limits differ between policies, so check your specific product rather than assuming every Allianz OVHC policy is the same. See above for more details.
Does Allianz OVHC include direct billing doctors?
Yes. Allianz has a network of participating providers that can bill directly. Direct billing means the provider claims the eligible benefit straight from Allianz instead of asking you to pay the full amount upfront. Not every provider takes part, and you may still have a gap payment, so confirm direct billing and any extra fees before your appointment.
Does Allianz OVHC cover dental and optical?
Not every Allianz OVHC policy includes dental or optical. These count as extras, meaning general treatment outside standard hospital and medical cover. Some higher levels of cover, such as Premium Care Workers, include selected extras, so check the benefits for your specific policy before you book.
Does Allianz OVHC cover pregnancy and pre-existing conditions?
Pregnancy-related treatment and pre-existing conditions are usually subject to waiting periods, limits and other conditions. A waiting period means you cannot claim certain benefits until the set time has passed. Don’t assume these services are covered straight away. Check the current Allianz policy wording for the product you’re considering.
How do I activate or manage my Allianz OVHC?
After you buy, check your certificate of insurance for your policy dates and membership details. Allianz’s Online Member Services lets members manage their policy, make payments, update details and lodge claims. Keep your certificate and membership information accessible while you’re in Australia. See above for the full steps.
How do I make a claim with Allianz OVHC?
If your provider doesn’t bill Allianz directly, you may need to pay first and then claim. Allianz members can lodge claims through Online Member Services or the app, with other options available for eligible services. Keep your receipts and invoices, and lodge your claim as soon as you can.
Can I switch from OSHC to Allianz OVHC?
You may need to move from OSHC, or Overseas Student Health Cover, to OVHC when you move from a student visa to another temporary visa, such as the 485 Temporary Graduate visa. If you switch within 30 days of your OSHC ending and provide a clearance certificate, your waiting periods can transfer to the new policy. Arrange your OVHC to start when your student cover ends so you don’t leave a gap.
Can I add my partner or children to Allianz OVHC?
Allianz offers single, dual and family cover, though eligibility and structures vary by product. If your partner or children are on your visa or travelling with you, check whether they need to be on your policy too. Make sure your cover includes everyone who must meet your visa’s health insurance condition.
How much does Allianz OVHC cost?
There is no single price for every visitor. Your premium can depend on your visa, cover level, policy dates, excess, payment frequency and the people included. Rather than trusting an old advertised figure, get a current quote for your situation and compare it with other OVHC providers.
Can I cancel Allianz OVHC if my visa changes or I leave Australia?
Cancellation and refund rules depend on your policy terms and the reason you’re cancelling. Allianz’s policy documents note that cover can end when you leave Australia, stop holding an eligible visa, cancel the policy or reach the end date, whichever comes first. If your visa or travel plans change, contact Allianz and check the current cancellation and refund rules before you end your cover.
Not Sure if Allianz is Right for Your Visa?
You don’t have to choose on price alone. Compare Allianz with other OVHC providers by visa type, price, hospital and medical benefits, waiting periods, excess and policy limits before you decide.