Australia has a special health insurance coverage for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance designed to help international students cover the costs of medical and hospital care that they may need while in Australia. Because of these requirements, it is important that international students purchase their Australian international student health insurance prior to departing their home country.
Who Must Purchase OSHC?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires that all individuals carrying a student visa and their dependents must maintain OSHC for the full duration of their time in Australia.
There are a few exceptions to this rule:
Belgians Students
Do not need to purchase OSHC since they are covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
Swedish Students
Do not need to purchase OSHC since they are covered under the National Board of Student Air or by Kammarkollegiet. If not covered by either, then Swedish international students will need to purchase OSHC.
Norwegian Students
Do not need to purchase OSHC since they are covered under the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme
Who Purchases OSHC?
OSHC is purchased either by your education provider or you can choose your own OSHC approved provider and pay the insurance yourself. It’s important that regardless of who purchases it, that you maintain continuous coverage for the entire stay in Australia. This especially applies for students who are studying through two different institutions who organize the insurance on the international student’s behalf.
Which insurers offer OSHC?
Currently, there are 5 insurers that offer OSHC which can be purchased through your academic institution or directly on your own:
- Australian Health Management
- BUPA Australia
- Medibank Private
- Allianz Global Assistance (subcontracted by Lysaght Peoplecare)
- nib OSHC
What does OSHC cover?
The OSHC plan is designed to provide coverage for international students seeking treatment at a doctor’s office, hospital, or for limited prescription drugs. Coverage will vary based on the plan you purchase so it’s important to contact each OSHC provider to ensure that you get the coverage you need.
You will want to ask about waiting periods, exclusions, and other limitations on the plan. The OSHC insurance plan will not cover any treatment arranged in advance of arrival to Australia, treatment to and from Australia, as well as transportation into or out of Australia. OSHC does not typically cover dental, optical or physiotherapy either.
If you’re looking for coverage for these events, you’ll need to buy a separate private Australian international student health insurance plan. Below are three options depending on the type of coverage you need.
Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation of Remains
Trip Cancellation Plan
Travel Medical Insurance
You’ve got OSHC to cover you in Australia, but you want coverage during your flight or you are planning to travel to other international destinations as well. After all, New Zealand and Fiji are just around the corner. Consider purchasing an Australian international student health insurance so that you can be covered when your OSHC plan stops. Prices on travel medical plans are daily rated and you can apply right online.
Health Insurance Conditions And Suitability:
OSHC for international students
International students’ medical expenses are now covered by the Overseas Student Health Cover programme. The cost of this insurance may be purchased by an applicant arriving in Australia on a student visa subclass 500 in order to cover medical, hospital, emergency ambulance, and prescription drug expenditures. For as long as the student visa is valid, you must purchase the OHSC. For any family members travelling with you on the same visa application, you must purchase health insurance.
Overseas visitor health cover (OVHC) for (188, 400, 403, 407, 408, 417, 462, 476, 482, 485, 489 and 590 visas)
International students’ medical expenses are now covered by the Overseas Student Health Cover programme. The cost of this insurance may be purchased by an applicant arriving in Australia on a student visa subclass 500 in order to cover medical, hospital, emergency ambulance, and prescription drug expenditures. For as long as the student visa is valid, you must acquire the OHSC. For any family members travelling with you on the same visa application, you must purchase health insurance.
