Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for International Students
Health Insurance for Students in Australia
Australia provides ample opportunities for students to receive scholarships and financial aid, thanks to its strong economy and excellent healthcare system. The country prioritizes the well-being of international students and boasts one of the world’s best and affordable healthcare systems. These factors contribute to Australia’s popularity as a favored study destination for many international students.
Types of Health Insurance in Australia
Australia is well-known for its comprehensive healthcare system, offering a range of services from general care to specialized treatments. The healthcare system in Australia is divided into two parts: the public system and the private system.
Public System
Public healthcare in Australia is available through public hospitals, community-based services, and affiliated health organizations. Australian residents can access healthcare within the public system for free or at reduced costs through Medicare, a universal healthcare scheme introduced in 1984.
Private System
Many healthcare providers, including private hospitals, specialized clinics, and pharmacies, are privately owned and managed. These services may receive funding from both the government and private entities.
In summary, Australia’s healthcare system provides accessible and affordable healthcare options through both the public and private sectors.
What is OSHC, And What are its Benefits?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a health insurance plan provided by the Australian government specifically for international students studying in Australia. It helps cover the cost of medical and hospital care during their time in Australia. OSHC is essential because international students are not eligible for the Australian public healthcare system called Medicare.
Basic OSHC includes coverage for doctor’s visits, hospital treatments, limited prescription medications, ambulance services, prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. However, it may not cover dental care, optical services, and physiotherapy. Some providers may offer more comprehensive plans that include these additional services.
Having health insurance is highly beneficial for international students in the long run. Without insurance, medical expenses can be expensive and difficult to manage. Health insurance provides financial assistance, making healthcare more affordable and convenient. It also offers students a sense of security and peace of mind.
Why Health Insurance is Required?
If you’re studying in Australia as an international student, it’s important to have health insurance throughout your stay. This is a requirement (visa condition 8501) and helps ensure you’re protected in case of any medical emergencies. There are different health insurance options available, so take your time to research and choose the right one for you.
Once you’ve selected a plan, make sure it covers your entire stay in Australia. If you’re extending your studies and staying longer, you’ll need to get a new OSHC policy and ensure there are no gaps in your coverage between the two policies.
Cost of Health Insurance in Australia
The price of OSHC varies based on factors like how long you’ll be studying in Australia, the type of visa you have, and the number of individuals covered by the policy. The Australian Department of Health has approved specific health funds to provide OSHC coverage.
- ahm OSHC
- Allianz Care Australia
- Bupa
- Medibank
- nib
Before purchasing an OSHC policy, it’s important to explore different providers and their coverage options to ensure it aligns with your requirements. Comparing policies from various providers can help you find the best value with suitable benefits.
Age of Students
International students, along with their family members (excluding Belgian, Norwegian, and Swedish students), are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout their study period in Australia. This includes partners and children under 18 years old.
Length and Coverage
To obtain a student visa for Australia, it is important to fulfill certain requirements, including having continuous health insurance known as OSHC. When you purchase OSHC, you must pay the full premium upfront, which will provide coverage for the duration of your student visa.
Having adequate health insurance is crucial for international students as it is a requirement for maintaining their visa status. It is necessary to obtain and maintain OSHC for the entire duration of the student visa, and if the stay is extended, the policy should be renewed accordingly. It is advisable to inquire about waiting periods, exclusions, and any other limitations that may apply to the chosen plan.
OSHC offers different options based on the coverage needed. The single option covers the primary student visa holder, while the dual family option extends coverage to the student, an adult partner, or children under 18 years old. The multi-family option provides coverage for the student and multiple dependents, 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 university can help you purchase OSHC. They will arrange the first payment to the health fund provider on your behalf. However, it is important to note that you will be responsible for renewing the policy in the future.
- You have the flexibility to select an OSHC-approved provider of your choice and personally pay for the insurance.
Regardless of the arrangement, it is essential to have uninterrupted health insurance coverage throughout your entire stay in Australia. This is particularly crucial if you are studying at multiple institutions, as each institution may procure insurance on your behalf.
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