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Studying and living in Australia is wonderful. This is a unique country with a myriad of attractions and exciting activities for you to enjoy even if you’re on a student’s budget. From spelunking to scuba diving to travelling, hiking, swimming etc, you won’t run out of daring activities to try. However, all the activities come with a modicum of risk involved such as injuries, mishaps and illness. You’ll need treatment in the hospital and this is expensive without the proper insurance and healthcare coverage/plan.
The health insurance system in Australia is impressive and this is reflected in the country’s high life expectancy. As one of the most developed countries in the world, healthcare in Australia is unique and ensures that citizens and even foreigners, migrants and international students, are treated if they fall ill or hurt themselves. The insurance that helps cover the cost of medical care for international students is the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). But what is OHSC, what medical services does it cover and how does it work? These are all great questions we’re happy to answer so let’s start with what OSHC is.
WHAT IS OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is insurance that helps cover the cost of medical care for international students while they are studying and living in Australia. OHSC is absolutely necessary for every international student who wants to study in Australia (for more than three months) and it must be maintained for the total duration of your stay in the country.
Your OSHC covers the costs of doctor visits, pharmaceuticals, hospital charges and ambulance service. Please note that your OSHC does not cover extra treatment such as dental, optical, or physiotherapy. If you need coverage for these treatments, you can get Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider or obtain general treatment coverage from any Australian private health insurer.
IS GETTING AN OSHC IMPORTANT?
The short answer is yes, it is absolutely necessary. However, the long answer is, it depends. Are you planning on schooling in Australia for less than three months? If yes, then you don’t need to get an OSHC. But if you’re going to study in Australia for three months or more, then an OSHC is necessary. Without getting an OSHC, there is no chance your student visa will be approved as it is mandatory for your visa application.
However, if you are studying in Australia for less than three months, you have the option to obtain private health insurance. A private health insurance plan can be tailored to cover you or your family members/dependents who are living or studying abroad with you in Australia.
HOW DOES OSHC WORK?
It’s no secret that healthcare in Australia is expensive. But many don’t know that millions of Australians do not have to pay for healthcare services because of Medicare. As covered in our last article discussing the benefits of permanent residency, Medicare allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to receive medical services at little to no cost. This is similar to what OSHC does.
With an OSHC, international students can have access to medical services without financial hardship.
WHAT IS THE COST OF OSHC?
Your Overseas student health coverage will range from $609 - $3,438 (Australian Dollars). The current OSHC providers in Australia are:
- Allianz Care Australia ($1,147)
- Australian Health Management (AHM) ($1,122)
- BUPA Australia ($1,334)
- CBHS International Health ($1,116.90)
- Nib ($1,142)
Please note that the prices listed above are quotes for one adult (coverage of one year) and not actual prices. The cost of OSHC will depend on the type of coverage you choose and how many dependents.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN OSHC?
Many international students have their OSHC organized by their educational institution or they purchase it through the official OSHC provider's website. However, the easiest and most efficient way to get your OSHC would be through your study abroad agency that helps you with your student visa.
Having underlined the importance of getting your OSHC and insurance, it is imperative that your application goes off without a hitch so you can get your student visa and study in Australia without any issues or hiccups. And if you end up falling ill, your OSHC will ensure you get the best possible medical care without risking financial stability.
Having underlined the importance of getting your OSHC and insurance, it is imperative that your application goes off without a hitch so you can get your student visa and study in Australia without any issues or hiccups. And if you end up falling ill, your OSHC will ensure you get the best possible medical care without risking financial stability.
Do you have more questions and concerns regarding healthcare and insurance for international students in Australia? Schedule an appointment with us for free. Our expert counsellors are ready to help you.
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