Overseas Student Health Cover: What To Know When Studying In Australia

Studying abroad in Australia requires a valid visa and a health insurance. One of the most common health insurance options available for you is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). In this guide, we will explore what OSHC is, its coverage, and its duration to make your study experience worry-free.

What Is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

OSHC is a type of health insurance that covers the expense of medical and hospital services for international students learning in Australia on a student visa. It is mandatory for most student visa holders, as it is a condition of their visa grant. 

This insurance serves as a crucial health support system for international students. It covers the costs of medical and hospital care they need during their stay in Australia. Further, OSHC includes ambulance services and limited pharmaceutical coverage.

An example of Overseas Student Health Cover (Image Source: Medibank)

Because OSHC is a visa requirement, it's essential to ensure that your coverage remains in place continuously. If you're late in making payments or renewing your policy, it could impact your ability to get help for any medical services.

Should your visa status or Medicare eligibility change, instantly tell your insurer to assess whether your current level of coverage is still appropriate. When your student visa expires, you are no longer eligible to maintain OSHC. At this point, you can transition to a resident's health cover or choose an Overseas Visitors Health Cover plan.

Medicare and OSHC

Medicare is the public health system in Australia that provides free or subsidized health care to Australian citizens and permanent residents. It does not cover international students, except for those who come from these countries:

• Belgium

• Finland

• Italy

• Malta

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Republic of Ireland

• Slovenia

• Sweden

• United Kingdom

If you are from one of these countries, you can enroll in Medicare and access some benefits similar to OSHC health insurance. However, Medicare does not cover everything OSHC does, such as dental care, optical care, etc. Therefore, it is still advisable to have OSHC even if you are eligible for Medicare.

What Is Included In Overseas Student Health Cover?

Explore Overseas Student Health Cover (Image Source: OSHC)

OSHC policies cover the cost of essential medical and hospital services you need while taking Australia education. The minimum requirements for an OSHC policy are clearly outlined in the OSHC Deed. 

To better understand the specifics of what's covered and how this insurance operates, the Department of Health and Aged Care provides helpful resources like Explanatory Guidelines and a One-Page Fact Sheet.

It's essential to note that this international student health insurance doesn't cover general treatments like dental, optical, or physiotherapy. If you need coverage for these services, consider getting Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider or opt for general treatment cover with any Australian private health insurer. 

Regarding pharmaceuticals, OSHC provides limited benefits, capping at $50 per pharmaceutical item and a yearly maximum of $300 for a single membership ($600 for a family). That means there might be significant out-of-pocket costs, especially for pricey treatments like oncology.

Duration Of Overseas Student Health Cover

As one of the requirements to study in Australia, your OSHC must cover the entire duration of your course. The expiration date of your OSHC and any relevant welfare arrangements will be considered in determining the allowable stay. 

To secure a student visa for a long time, your OSHC must align with the same timeframe. For instance, if your course ends on August 30th for a year, you can be eligible for a student visa until October 30th, provided your OSHC is valid until that date.

When deciding the extent of OSHC coverage to buy, remember that the end date cannot be altered once your visa is granted. It's an essential factor to consider for an uninterrupted stay in Australia.

How To Choose Overseas Student Health Cover?

When searching for the keyword "overseas student health cover australia," you will find numerous OSHC providers. Each of them offers different types of policies, benefits, and prices. Choosing the right provider can be confusing, but there are some ways to make this process easier:

1.University

Getting OSHC through your university is one of the easiest ways. Universities usually team up with a specific OSHC provider, and they can set you up with this insurance as you enroll. You can pay for your OSHC at the same time as your tuition fees, and the university will give you a certificate of insurance for your visa application. 

Choosing OSHC with The University of Melbourne

The best thing about this is that it's convenient and trouble-free. Also, you can use health services on campus and get support there. However, the drawback is that you might not have many choices or flexibility regarding the plan, benefits, or prices.

Moreover, this way is also helpful if you're looking for international students' scholarships. Many universities offer scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. It's advisable to explore the scholarship options at your chosen school when considering both your OSHC and funding needs.

2. Australian Health Insurance Providers

Reputable Australian Health Insurance providers

Another way to get OSHC is through Australian health insurance providers. There are 6 OSHC providers that are approved by the Australian Government, including:

• ahm OSHC is a part of Medibank, one of the largest health insurers in Australia. They offer affordable and flexible OSHC policies for international students. You can enjoy 24/7 student support, online claims, and extra cover for dental, optical, etc. 

• Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare) is a joint venture between Allianz Global Assistance and Peoplecare. They offer competitive OSHC policies for students, with access to over 500 private hospitals and 36,000 medical providers. 

• BUPA Australia is a part of BUPA Group, an international healthcare company that operates in over 190 countries. They have a 24-hour Student Advice Line that's here to support you. The team even offers support in your preferred language and can connect you with the right expert to assist you when needed. 

• CBHS International Health belongs to CBHS Health Fund, a non-profit health fund. Their OSHC health insurance covers medical services, hospitalization, emergency transportation, and prescription medicines. There are various plans tailored to your needs and budget, starting at $45.66 per month. 

• Medibank Private is one of the largest health insurers in Australia, with over 3.7 million members. With their Student Rewards Plus, you can enjoy special offers and rewards designed for students. You can also access the Medibank OSHC app to get deals and save money.

• NIB OSHC is a part of NIB Group, one of the fastest-growing health insurers in Australia and New Zealand. NIB has 3 OSHC plans tailored to the needs and budget of international students. They also allow you to activate, extend, or change your OSHC cover online. 

All these international student health insurance providers are well-known and reputable in the industry. Consider their OSHC policies and prices to choose the one that meets your needs and budget. Also, you can customize your policy by adding extra benefits or features for convenience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does overseas student health cover in Australia cost?

The price of OSHC in Australia can vary based on the level of coverage you need. According to New OSHC Premium Rates, a single plan costs $738 for 12 months. Meanwhile, if you're looking for coverage for a dual family, it's about $2,947 for a year, and for a multi-family plan, it's around $4,549. 

Remember that prices may change, so it's a good idea to check with the provider for the most up-to-date costs.

What does overseas student health cover cover?

OSHC health insurance covers you and your family during your stay in Australia. It includes:

1. Visits to the Doctor: OSHC helps cover the costs of consultations and medical appointments with doctors.

2. Hospital Treatment: It provides coverage for specific hospital treatments and services.

3. Ambulance Cover: The insurance also covers emergency ambulance services.

4. Limited Pharmaceutical Medicines: It offers coverage for a limited range of prescribed medications.

Please note that the specific coverage details may vary based on your chosen OSHC provider and the plan you select. Therefore, it's vital to review the policy to understand the full extent of your coverage.

Which insurance is best for international students?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as each student has different needs and budgets. However, some factors that you should consider when choosing OSHC are:

• The type of policy you need (single, couple, or family)

• The level of coverage you want (basic or comprehensive)

• The duration of your policy

• The price of your policy

• The benefits and features of your policy

• The reputation and customer service of your provider

You should compare different policies and providers and read reviews from other students who have used them. Finally, carefully check your policy's terms and conditions before purchasing it.

Conclusion

Overseas Student Health Cover is an essential concern for international students studying in Australia. This vital insurance will help you receive the necessary healthcare support during your stay. 

It's not just a requirement; it's a big help that gives you peace of mind. So, when you come to Australia to study, remember that OSHC has your back. It lets you focus on your studies and enjoy your time in this country without worrying about health issues.