If you plan to take a shot at studying abroad in Australia, understanding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is crucial. You might be asking, “What is overseas student health cover?” and “Do I need it?” Well, if you’ve asked yourself either of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place.
OSHC is a health insurance plan specifically for international students studying in Australia. As travel insurance has historically been limited and expensive with minimal coverage, this health insurance plan acts as a safety net to guarantee access to medical services while you pursue your academic goals in Australia.
OSHC is also a requirement on student visa applications, meaning that you must have your OSHC sorted out before submitting your visa application.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know regarding health insurance for international students in Australia, including OSHC and how to make sure you’ve got everything covered before you set off on your journey.
For more information about OSHC and to compare plans from different overseas healthcare providers, visit the OSHC website.
What Is OSHC?
To best explain the options available to you, where to get healthcare, and when you’ll need it, we should start off by explaining the thing itself. So, what is OSHC?
OSHC is a health insurance policy specifically designed for international students studying in Australia (and their dependents). OSHC insurance provides financial assistance for emergency and routine medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital treatments, ambulance services, and prescription medications that international students may incur while undertaking formal studies in Australia.
In short, having OSHC grants you access to essential healthcare services while you're away from home.
The Australian Government mandates that all international students must have OSHC for the entire duration of their stay. This requirement is in place so students always have health insurance to cover potential medical costs, prevent financial strain, and access necessary healthcare services.
How Does OSHC Work?
In Australia, only insurers that are a party to the Australian Government Deed for the Provision of Overseas Student Health Cover can offer OSHC products and policies. This Deed sets out the conditions with which a registered Australian private health insurer must comply in order to provide OSHC products and policies to overseas students. There are currently only 6 private healthcare insurance providers operating in Australia that are allowed to offer OSHC.
With OSHC Australia, you can compare all 6 of the current private health insurers that offer OSHC:
- ahm OSHC (via Medibank Private)
- Allianz Global Assistance (via Peoplecare Health)
- Bupa Australia
- CBHS International Health
- Medibank Private
- nib
For those looking to buy their OSHC, there are a few ways to purchase your cover. OSHC can be purchased directly through the overseas student’s University or Educational Institution. OSHC can also be purchased directly through the insurance provider.
If you require more assistance, you may enlist the services of a migration agent or an education agent who is acting as an intermediary on behalf of the Educational Institution.
OSHC products and policies do vary between individual insurers, so it is important to keep track of what is and is not covered under each insurer’s policy. The Deed sets out the requirement for insurers to offer a minimum level of benefits for OSHC. However, insurers may choose to offer additional benefits above the minimum as a part of their product offering.
These additional benefits can include extras or higher benefits for certain services. Costs vary and will be dependent on the level of coverage provided by each insurer, so it’s important to read the details of your policy.
What Does OSHC Cover?
When seeking medical treatment in Australia, overseas students should contact their insurer prior to agreeing to any treatment or hospital admission. This is recommended so overseas students understand how they will be covered and any out-of-pocket costs that may apply.
Overseas students who do not contact their insurers before agreeing to treatment will be required to pay for all costs at the time of treatment. And, if the services are not covered by their insurer, the insurer is not required to refund any claims made by the student.
So, what does OSHC cover? According to Study Australia, the compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan covers:
- visits to the Doctor/GP
- certain hospital treatments
- emergency ambulance services
- limited pharmaceuticals (medicines)
There are waiting periods for certain services covered under OSHC policies. Services and treatments covered under a person’s policy will only yield a benefit after the policyholder has served the required waiting period. Waiting periods usually include:
● 12 months for pre-existing conditions
● 12 months for pregnancy-related conditions
● 2 months for pre-existing psychiatric conditions
Waiting periods do not apply for emergency treatment, even if the treatment is related to a pre-existing condition, provided it is an emergency.
For more information, please refer to: https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/overseas_student_health_cover.htm
Who Requires OSHC?
OSHC isn’t just recommended for overseas students, all student visas in Australia require OSHC as per the 8501 condition of their visa. This means that if you're applying for a student visa to study in Australia, you will need to have OSHC arranged before you can enter the country. The most common student visa is the Subclass 500 Student visa.
Don’t forget that your OSHC must cover the entire duration of your study and maintaining OSHC is a condition of your visa.
In addition to primary visa holders, dependents (spouses and children) of student visa holders are also required to have OSHC. The insurance policy must cover the entire family if they are accompanying the student to Australia.
A single OSHC insurance policy applies to the overseas student who is the primary Student visa holder and who does not have dependents linked to their Student visa. For overseas students with dependants joining them in Australia, a Couple, Single-Parent and/or Family OSHC policy will apply.
Things To Consider When Purchasing OSHC
Always consider all factors when selecting an OSHC policy. Factors such as your own pre-existing conditions, family health history, and any additional benefits should all be taken into consideration.
You should disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for OSHC. Most providers have a waiting period (typically 12 months) before they cover treatment for pre-existing conditions. Understanding the details of your terms is important if you want to find the right coverage. You should also consider any hereditary health issues during your stay in Australia. Choose an OSHC policy that provides coverage for potential treatments.
Determine if you need coverage beyond the standard inclusions. OSHC doesn’t cover dental, optical or physiotherapy treatment. You can purchase Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider if you want cover for these. Additionally, you can buy travel insurance or private health insurance along with your OSHC to cover other benefits that OSHC does not cover.
And lastly, compare the costs and benefits of different OSHC providers to find the policy that offers you the best value for your money. Make sure the policy covers essential services and any additional benefits you may require.
For more advice on what to consider when purchasing OSHC, visit OSHC Students.
Maintaining Your OSHC Policy
Keeping up with the validity of your OSHC policy is the key to maintaining ongoing coverage throughout your stay in Australia. Remember these five key points to maintain your policy:
- Regularly Review Your Policy
Review your policy documents regularly and stay informed about your policy's coverage, including any updates or changes.
- Renew Your OSHC on Time
If you are continuing your education past the term of our initial student visa you will have to renew your OSHC policy before it expires. This will help you avoid any lapses in coverage and make your time in Australia go much smoother. Renewing on time guarantees you remain compliant with your visa conditions and continue to have access to medical services. If you are switching to a work visa you will need OVHC insurance.
- Update Your Information
Notify your OSHC provider of any changes in your circumstances, such as a change of mailing or email address, or if family members join you in Australia. Keeping your information up-to-date keeps your policy valid and effective.
- Know How to Make Claims
Familiarise yourself with the claims process of your OSHC provider. Knowing how to submit claims and what documentation is required can expedite reimbursements and reduce stress after a medical emergency.
- Ask for Help
If you have questions or need assistance with your OSHC policy, don't hesitate to contact your provider's customer service. Many providers have support services for international students.
By understanding how OSHC works, what it covers, and how to maintain your policy, you can better focus on your studies and enjoy your time in Australia.
If you are an existing user looking to maintain or renew their policy, read our complete guide to renewing your OSHC policy.
