Faq Category: OVHC Faq

How do I know which is the right health insurance cover for me?

We’re here to help you select the right health cover for your needs.

Bupa has an extensive range of overseas visitors cover and private health insurance options, including 457 visa health insurance. If you’d like to do your own research, this website contains lots of information about different health covers to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, plus you can join online.

If you’d feel more comfortable talking to someone about your options, please don’t hesitate to call us on 134 135 from within Australia, or +61 3 9487 6400 from outside of Australia.

Bupa’s opening hours are:
8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and
9am – 1pm Saturday
(All times in AEST)

You can call us anytime to discuss at 0400 451 493

I’m applying for a 457 working visa, which overseas visitors cover meets the visa requirements?

The following overseas visitor health covers meet the minimum level of insurance required as set out by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP):

  • Platinum Visitors Cover
  • Platinum Visitors Cover with Excess
  • Gold Visitors Cover
  • Gold Visitors Cover with Excess
  • Essential Visitors Cover
  • Essential Plus Visitors Cover

Find out more about our overseas visitors cover for working visa holders, including 457.

I have a Reciprocal Medicare card, do I need to take out overseas visitors health cover?

If you are from a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHCA) country* and have a Reciprocal Medicare card, your access to Medicare may be limited.

To ensure you are covered for both inpatient and out-patient hospital services and treatment by a doctor or specialist in private practice, you will need to take out one of our overseas visitors health cover.

If you take out one of our health insurance covers for Australian residents, you will not be covered for out-patient hospital services and treatment by a doctor or specialist in private practice, which would result in large out-of-pocket expenses.

* Countries include Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and United Kingdom.

Why does my accountant ask me to get a tax statement from health fund?

There may be a number of reasons for this, for example:

  • So you can claim the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance

You are eligible for the Australian Government Rebate if you have a Reciprocal Medicare card and have Extras cover or Reciprocal Health Cover with us.

  • To exempt you from the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)

You are liable for the MLS if you: are from a country that has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with Australia, have a Reciprocal Medicare card, and are working in Australia and earning over the MLS threshold amount.

What does Bupa Specialist mean?

You get a Dedicated Bupa Specialist
When you buy your Bupa Overseas Visitor’s health cover from Tiara Consultants, you will be persionlay assigned with a  <br> Specialist Bupa officer, who will be at your service and help you with any policy concerns/queries/questions
Imagine not having to queue up in the office or to wait on unlimited hold time on the phones/call centre to ask a simple question.  If you decide to buy the Bupa’s policy, you not only get the best deals, but you will also be rest assured that there is someone to take care of you for your policy needs
Call us now! Ask us how it works
Let’s get you the best deals

Do I get a refund if my visa is not granted or decide to postpone the visit?

Unfortunately OVHC policies has to be charged for a minimum of one month after it has been issued. As you pay on a periodic basis, you only pay for the First month when the policy is issued.

However, for your convenience, we can postpone the dates in the future (as long as you want), we will be happy to show and guide you through the process.