For international students, a sound body and mind are the cornerstones of a triumphant academic expedition Down Under. Therefore, it is paramount for international students to secure their health with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This blog will comprehensively introduce Australia’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
What is OSHC?
OSHC, or Overseas Student Health Cover, is a unique insurance plan meticulously crafted to safeguard international students from potential medical costs and hospital care while pursuing their dreams in Australia. It’s an essential step in the journey of every international student, one that must be taken before they bid farewell to their homeland.
Who Requires OSHC?
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship stipulates that each individual holding a student visa and their dependents must have OSHC throughout their stay in this beautiful country. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
- The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement covers students hailing from Belgium.
- Swedish students who are under the protective umbrella of the National Board of Student Aid (Kammarkollegiet) don’t require OSHC.
- Norwegian students, insured by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, are also exempted.
How much does it cost to get OSHC as an international student?
As an international student, procuring OSHC can be accomplished in two ways, contingent on your university’s offerings. At times, universities take the initiative to acquire OSHC from their preferred providers and extend it to their students. Alternatively, you can independently select an OSHC provider and bear the cost. You should check with your educational institution to identify which route is open.
The ultimate cost of your OSHC hinges on your medical history and the extent of coverage you opt for. However, to give you a ballpark figure, individuals typically shell out around AUD 438 annually, while couples spend close to AUD 2,685. Additionally, Family coverage usually runs around AUD 4,026.
Can international students in Australia use Medicare?
With your OSHC plan secured and paid for, you unlock the door to Australia’s medical services under Medicare. This includes:
- Services outside of hospitals under Medicare
In-patient medical aid - Accommodation in public hospital wards
- Private hospital lodging with OSHC agreements in place
- Day surgery accommodation
- Select prosthetic devices
- Pharmaceutical services
- Ambulance services
- Accident and emergency services
- Services outside of hospitals under Medicare
Are dental care and eye care included with OSHC?
While OSHC is a comprehensive shield against many health costs, it typically does not extend to dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. You might need to venture into additional private coverage if you seek coverage for these services.
How do I register for OSHC?
To get overseas student healthcare, you will need to apply via your university or a provider, the most popular of which are:
- Allianz Global Assistance (subcontracted by Lysaght Peoplecare)
- Australian Health Management
- BUPA Australia
- Medibank Private
- nib OSHC
Once you choose your provider, you will need to complete an application and provide information such as:
- residency status
- who the cover is for (ie, individual, couple, family)
- your date of birth
- the Australian state you will be studying in
- country of citizenship
- visa class
- duration of stay
- contact details
- medical information.
Once you provide all the required information, you will receive a quote and can finalise and pay for your cover.
Benefits of OSHC
Comprehensive Hospital Coverage
One of the main advantages of OSHC is that it covers hospital treatments. Whether it’s an unexpected illness or a sudden accident, OSHC ensures that your hospital expenses are covered, allowing you to focus solely on recovery.
Pharmaceuticals Benefit
Prescription medications can often be an unforeseen expense. With OSHC, benefits are paid for pharmaceuticals, providing financial relief when you need medication.
Emergency Services Coverage
Emergencies are unpredictable and stressful, especially in a foreign country. OSHC assists by covering ambulance services, ensuring rapid and efficient medical attention when it’s most crucial.
To bring these benefits to life, let’s consider a hypothetical situation. Imagine you’re an international student from India studying in Melbourne. One day, you slip and fracture your arm. As daunting as this may sound, with OSHC, you’re covered. Besides, your hospital treatment, including surgery if needed, prescription painkillers, and the ambulance ride to the hospital, would all be covered under your OSHC policy.
Conclusion
OSHC is a comprehensive health insurance plan that offers international students in Australia coverage for various medical services. From hospital treatments to prescription medications and ambulance services to surgery, OSHC ensures you’re well-protected.
Besides, OSHC is the assurance that should you face health challenges, you have a robust safety net to fall back on. Moreover, it allows you to focus on what truly matters – your studies, personal growth, and the incredible experience of living and learning in Australia.
