Those non-hamiltonian graphsG withn vertices are characterized, which satisfy the Ore-type degree-conditiond(x)+d(y)≥n−2 for each pairx,y∉M of different nonadjacent vertices whereM consists of two vertices ofG. As an application a theorem on hamiltonian connectivity of graphs is given. Furthermore, a condition is presented which is sufficient for the existence of a covering of a graph by two disjoint paths with prescribed set of startpoints and prescribed set of endpoints. A class of graphs is described which have no covering of this kind.