Certificate of currency checks before sending a quote request
What to confirm before a client, venue or contractor asks for evidence.
A certificate of currency is a one-page document that summarises the key details of an active insurance policy. For overseas visitors and temporary visa holders, it is often the first thing a rental agent, employer, university or event organiser asks for before accepting a booking or starting a contract. At OVHC Quote, we help you compare health cover options, but before you send a quote request, it is worth doing a few quick checks on the certificate you already have—or the one you expect your new policy to produce.
The document usually shows the policyholder’s name, the type of cover, the policy number and the period of insurance. It may also list the insurer’s contact details and any important exclusions or conditions. Because the certificate is a snapshot of cover on a particular day, its value depends on it being current and accurate. If you are about to ask us for a quote, confirming these details first can save you time and avoid confusion later.
Start by looking at the insured name. It must match the name on your passport or visa exactly. Even a small spelling difference can cause a venue or employer to reject the certificate. If you have recently married, changed your name or use a shortened version, update your records with the insurer before requesting a new certificate. Next, check the policy number. This unique identifier is what a third party uses to verify cover directly with the insurer. If you are holding an old certificate from a previous policy, the number may no longer be valid. Always make sure the certificate you plan to share relates to a policy that is still in force.
The period of insurance is equally important. A certificate of currency is only useful if the dates shown cover the day you need to prove cover. If your policy has lapsed or the certificate shows an expiry date that has already passed, any quote request or application you submit could be delayed. Most insurers allow you to download an up-to-date certificate from their online portal. If you are between policies or waiting for a new one to start, be upfront with the requesting party. Some will accept a conditional offer subject to receiving a current certificate within a set timeframe.
Look at what the certificate says about the type of cover. For example, an OVHC policy designed for a 485 visa may not meet the requirements of a rental application that expects a specific level of personal liability cover. While OVHC policies generally include medical and hospital cover, they may not automatically include extras or liability components that a contractor or venue wants to see. If the requesting party has given you a written checklist, compare it point by point with the certificate. If something is missing, ask the insurer whether an endorsement or a separate policy can fill the gap before you proceed.
Check the insurer’s contact details on the certificate. A legitimate certificate will show a phone number, email address or website where the document can be verified. If you are dealing with a landlord or employer who has never heard of your insurer, having clear contact information on the certificate can make the verification process smoother. Some government agencies and educational institutions keep a list of approved insurers. While we cannot tell you which insurers are accepted in every situation, we do recommend checking the official website of the relevant department or institution before you lock in a policy.
If you are using a broker or a comparison service like OVHC Quote, remember that the certificate is issued by the insurer, not by us. We can help you find a policy that fits your visa and budget, but the certificate will come directly from the insurance company once the policy is active. Before you request a quote, have your visa grant number, passport and any specific requirements from the requesting party ready. This helps us narrow down the options and reduces the chance of selecting a policy that cannot produce the certificate you need.
Finally, a short caution: rules change. Insurers update policy wordings, government agencies revise their requirements and visa conditions can be reissued. Always verify the latest information with the insurer or the official body that is asking for the certificate. A certificate of currency is a powerful piece of paper when it is accurate and up to date. Taking ten minutes to check it before you send a quote request can prevent a last-minute scramble and give you confidence that your cover will be accepted.