Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for Student Visa in Australia
All international students and their accompanying family must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of study student visa in Australia. OSHC will help students for any medical and hospital care in Australia if needed.
What is OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a type of health insurance specifically designed for international students studying in Australia. It ensures that you have access to necessary medical services during your stay, helping to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare costs.
OSHC only applies while you are on a student visa. However, if you transition to another visa, such as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you will need to arrange for new health insurance. Some providers offer specific plans for graduates, or you may be eligible for other forms of health insurance, such as Medicare (if eligible for permanent residency or another qualifying status).
What Does OSHC Cover?
OSHC provides a range of health services to help international students manage their healthcare needs. While the specifics can vary between providers, the following key services are generally covered:
Medical Services: OSHC typically covers visits to general practitioners (GPs), specialist consultations, and hospital treatments. This includes both in-patient and out-patient services.
Hospital Accommodation: If you require hospitalization, OSHC will cover your accommodation costs in a public hospital.
Surgery: If you need surgical procedures, OSHC can help cover the costs associated with the operation, including the surgeon’s fees.
Emergency Ambulance Services: Emergency ambulance transport is generally covered under OSHC policies, but it’s important to verify specific terms with your insurer.
Prescription Medications: Depending on your policy, OSHC may cover a portion of the costs for prescription medications prescribed by your doctor.
Limited Extras: Some OSHC policies may offer limited coverage for services such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy. However, it is essential to check the specifics of your policy, as these extras may not be included in all plans.
What is Not Covered?
While OSHC provides essential health coverage, it’s important to be aware of what it does not cover:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any health issues you had before arriving in Australia may not be covered.
- Cosmetic Procedures: Treatments that are purely cosmetic in nature are generally not covered.
- Non-emergency Care: Services that are not deemed medically necessary may not be included in your coverage.
- Travel Insurance: OSHC does not cover travel-related incidents or injuries incurred while traveling outside Australia
- Ambulance outside the coverage area: If an ambulance is used for non-emergency purposes or outside of the provider’s network, there may be additional costs.
Additional Coverage
While OSHC covers basic health needs, international students can also opt for extra health insurance if they want additional coverage such as:
- Dental: Regular check-ups, fillings, and other dental care.
- Optical: Eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses.
- Physiotherapy: Treatment for injuries or conditions like back pain or joint issues.
Some OSHC policies offer these extras for an additional fee, or students can choose to take out separate extra cover policies.
Where to Buy OSHC
Finding the right OSHC provider is crucial to ensure you have adequate health coverage during your studies. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process:
Research OSHC Providers: There are several approved OSHC providers in Australia, including:
- Medibank
- Bupa
- nib
- Allianz Global Assistance
- Australian Health Management (AHM)
Compare Policies: Each provider offers different plans with varying levels of coverage and costs. Use comparison websites or visit the providers’ websites to evaluate the options available. Pay attention to the inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods, and premium costs.
Purchase Online: Most OSHC providers allow you to purchase your policy online. This can be a quick and convenient way to secure your health insurance before arriving in Australia.
Consult Your Educational Institution: Many universities and colleges have partnerships with OSHC providers and may offer guidance or recommendations based on your specific needs.
Check for Discounts: Some providers offer discounts for students who purchase their OSHC online or for longer policy terms. Be sure to inquire about any available offers.
The department of Health and Aged Care (DHA) regulates OSHC and OSHC providers, however, all applicants have the right to choose their choice of OSHC insurance providers. Institutes also assist students in obtaining ar OSHC membership to cover the entire period of study and in some cases the OSHC fee is included on the letter of offer.
A good place to start researching on OSHC is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) resources | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care