Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a crucial aspect of studying abroad for international students. It provides essential health insurance coverage during your stay in a foreign country, ensuring you have access to quality healthcare services when needed.
Health Insurance for Students in Australia
Amidst its robust economy and top-tier healthcare system, Australia stands out as a prime destination for students seeking scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Renowned for its dedication to the well-being of international students, Australia boasts one of the world’s best healthcare systems, characterized by its safety and affordability. It’s no surprise that Australia remains a favored study destination for countless international students, offering unparalleled opportunities for academic growth and personal development. At Deurali Education & Visa Services, we’re committed to helping students navigate the abundant opportunities available in Australia, providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.
Healthcare Systems in Australia
Australia’s healthcare system is renowned globally for its comprehensive services, covering everything from general and preventative care to specialized treatments.
Public Health System
The public healthcare system encompasses public hospitals, community-based services, and affiliated health organizations. Through Medicare, Australian residents can access healthcare services within the public system either for free or at a reduced cost.
Private Health System
The private healthcare system comprises privately-owned and managed entities such as hospitals, specialist clinics, and pharmacies. These services may receive funding from both government sources and private entities, offering additional options for healthcare provision beyond the public system.
What is OSHC, And What are its Benefits?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a health cover the Australian government designed to help international students cover their medical and hospital care while studying in Australia. This health cover is provided for international students who don’t have access to the Australian Public Health Care – Medicare.
Basic OSHC provides coverage for doctor’s visits, hospital treatments, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance service, prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. Dental care, optical services and physiotherapy are not typically included in basic OSHC plans but may be available as part of more comprehensive coverage from some providers.
Why is Health Cover Required?
As an international student in Australia, you are required to have health insurance for the duration of your stay. This is in accordance with visa condition 8501 and to ensure that you are covered in case of any medical emergencies that may occur. There are a few different options available to you regarding health insurance, so be sure to do your research before deciding.
Once you have chosen a plan, make sure that it is valid for the entirety of your stay in Australia. If you are extending your stay in Australia to continue your studies, you will need to purchase a new OSHC policy and ensure no lapse in coverage between the two policies.
Cost of Health Insurance in Australia
The cost of OSHC will depend on the duration of your study in Australia, your visa and the number of people included in your policy. The Department of Health in Australia has approved the following health funds to offer OSHC:
- ahm OSHC
- Allianz Care Australia
- Bupa
- Medibank
- nib
Before taking out an OSHC policy, you must research the various providers to ensure that the level of cover meets your needs. It can be helpful to compare policies from different providers to get the best benefits for the lowest cost.
Age of Students
Once you have chosen a plan, make sure that it is valid for the entirety of your stay in Australia. If you are extending your stay in Australia to continue your studies, you will need to purchase a new OSHC policy and ensure no lapse in coverage between the two policies.
Length and Level of Coverage
Certain requirements must be met to obtain a student visa for Australia. One of these is having continuous health insurance (OSHC) for your stay. When you purchase OSHC, you will need to pay the policy premium in full upfront, which will cover you for the length of your student visa.
If you are an international student without adequate health insurance, you risk your visa getting cancelled. You will need to obtain OSHC insurance for the duration of your student visa and renew your policy if you extend your stay. Be sure to ask about any waiting periods, exclusions, or other limitations on the plan.
The health insurance can be for singles that cover only the international student who is the primary student visa holder. The dual family option offers coverage for the international student, an adult partner, or one or more children under the age of 18. In the multi-family option, the insurance covers the international student and more than one dependent, including a partner and one or more dependent children.
Ways to Apply for Health Insurance in Australia
There are two ways to get OSHC insurance while studying in Australia
- Your education provider can purchase it for you. The university will schedule your first payment to the health fund provider, but you will be personally responsible for any future renewals.
- You can choose your own OSHC-approved provider and pay for the insurance yourself.
Either way, you must maintain continuous coverage throughout your stay in Australia. This is especially important for students studying at two different institutions, as each may purchase insurance on the student’s behalf.
