OVHC - Waiting Periods Explained

A waiting period is the time you need to wait after purchasing your policy and before cover is available for certain medical conditions. You cannot claim for medical treatment that is provided during the waiting period. This means that you will need to pay for all expenses for the treatment.

Certain medical conditions and treatments have different waiting periods. Carefully review your policy to ensure you are aware of the different waiting periods.

If you purchase Budget or Visitor Plus cover you’ll need to wait:

• 2 months for pre-existing psychiatric-related medical conditions.
• 12 months for all other pre-existing medical conditions.
• 12 months for pregnancy-related medical services.

If you also purchase or add Basic Extras or Top Extras to your cover, additional waiting periods also apply including:

• 2 months waiting period for general dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic, podiatry, psychology, speech therapy, health aids, Chinese medicine consultations and complementary therapies.
• 6 months waiting period for optical and health management programs.
• 12 months waiting period for major dental.
• 24 months waiting period for laser eye surgery and hearing aids.

Your waiting period will start from either:

• the date you or your dependant (as the case may be) arrived in Australia; or
• the date your eligible visa was granted; or
• the date your policy commenced, whichever is the later date.

We can waive your waiting periods if you are switching your policy.

If you are switching to Allianz Global Assistance from a similar policy held with another insurer, and there has not been a gap in your coverage of more than 30 days, we will count the time you were covered under your previous policy towards any waiting period which applies to your coverage with us. To transfer your OVHC, you’ll need to provide us with a clearance certificate from your current Fund.

Arrange a transfer now

• Email ovhc@allianzassistance.com.au
• Call us on 1300 727 193.

Related Articles

> How do Pre-existing conditions work?
> Pregnancy care
> What does OVHC Cover?
> Making a Claim
> Policy Wording Documents