Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – What You Need to Know
What is OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory health insurance policy that international students must have for the duration of their stay in Australia. It helps cover the costs of medical and hospital care in Australia, including doctor visits, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceutical prescriptions. OSHC is required for student visa holders (subclass 500) and their dependents, ensuring access to essential health services during your study period.
Why Do You Need OSHC?
Australia’s public health system, Medicare, is only available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. As an international student, OSHC is your primary source of medical coverage. This insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you’ll be covered for necessary medical services, including:
- Doctor consultations and specialist services
- In-hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance services
- Limited prescription medications
How to Get OSHC?
You must purchase OSHC before arriving in Australia and it must be valid for the entire length of your student visa. Many educational institutions have partnerships with OSHC providers and may assist you in obtaining coverage. Alternatively, you can purchase OSHC directly from a range of providers, including:
- Bupa
- Medibank
- Allianz Global Assistance
- nib
- ahm
Each provider offers different levels of coverage, so be sure to compare plans and select one that best suits your needs.
What Does OSHC Cover?
OSHC covers a variety of medical services, including:
- Doctor Visits (GP): You can see a general practitioner (GP) for consultations. Depending on your policy, the full or partial cost of the visit is covered.
- Hospital Treatment: If you need to be hospitalized, OSHC will cover part or all of the costs.
- Ambulance Services: Emergency ambulance transportation is included in your OSHC policy.
- Prescription Medications: Some prescription medications are covered under OSHC, but with limits on the cost per item and the annual total.
It’s important to note that OSHC generally does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services, so you may want to consider extras cover if you need these services.
How Much Does OSHC Cost?
The cost of OSHC varies depending on the provider, the length of your stay, and whether you need single, couple, or family cover. On average, the cost for a single student is around AU$450 to AU$600 per year. If you are bringing family members, the costs will be higher, but there are family policies available.
Maintaining Your OSHC
To comply with your student visa conditions, you must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This means renewing your policy on time and ensuring it covers the full period of your visa. If your OSHC lapses, your visa may be affected.
How to Make a Claim
If you need to visit a doctor or get treatment, you can make a claim with your OSHC provider to get reimbursed. Most OSHC providers have online portals or mobile apps where you can submit claims. Be sure to keep your medical receipts and any other documents required by your provider.
FAQs about OSHC:
- Can I switch OSHC providers?
Yes, you can change your OSHC provider during your stay, but your new policy must provide continuous coverage. There should be no gap between your old and new policies.
- Does OSHC cover pre-existing conditions?
Some OSHC policies may not cover pre-existing medical conditions for the first 12 months. Check with your provider for more details.
- What happens if I extend my visa?
If your student visa is extended, you’ll need to extend your OSHC to match the new visa period. Contact your provider to ensure continuous coverage.
For further information, please visit the Private Health website.