Independent OSHC & OVHC informationFocused on nib overseas health cover
Independent guide

NIB OSHC vs NIB OVHC: What Is the Difference?

OSHC and OVHC are both overseas health cover, but they are designed around different visa situations.

OSHC

Overseas Student Health Cover

Used by international students to meet student visa health cover requirements.

NIB OSHC →
OVHC

Overseas Visitors Health Cover

Used by many temporary visitors, graduates and workers, including where a visa requires adequate health insurance.

NIB OVHC →

Why the difference matters after graduation

nib explains that when an international student finishes studies and moves onto a graduate visa, OSHC is no longer the appropriate cover for that new visa situation and OVHC is required instead.

Do not choose only by the acronym

Within OVHC there can be different products and benefit levels. Check that the actual cover you select is appropriate for your visa, not simply that it is labelled OVHC.

Independent editorial informationReviewed against current nib and Australian Government information • Updated August 2026
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