Embarking on an educational journey to Australia is an exciting prospect for international students. Amidst the thrill of new experiences, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being. This is where Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) comes into play.
As a mandatory health insurance plan for those holding a student visa, OSHC ensures that you have access to necessary medical services, fulfilling legal requirements and providing peace of mind throughout your stay. In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of OSHC, from understanding its benefits to navigating the application process, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared for your Australian adventure.
Who Needs OSHC and Why?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for international students studying in Australia. Here are the details:
International students on a student visa: This applies to almost all international students coming to Australia to study. There are a few exceptions, including citizens of Norway, Sweden and Belgium.
Family members of international students: If you’re an international student with a spouse or children under 18 coming to Australia with you, they’ll also need OSHC.
If you’re unsure whether you need OSHC, it’s best to check with the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs or a trusted education consultant.
What Does OSHC Cover?
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) helps international students in Australia with unexpected medical and hospital expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what it typically covers:
- Doctor visits (GP): Consultations with a general practitioner for illnesses and injuries.
- Some hospital treatments: Inpatient care in a public hospital shared ward, including surgery and specialist consultations.
- Ambulance services: Transportation by ambulance in case of an emergency.
- Limited pharmaceuticals: A certain amount of medication listed on the Australian government’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
It’s important to note that OSHC covers the minimum requirements set by the government. Here’s what it typically doesn’t cover:
- Dental, optical, or physiotherapy: You might need to consider purchasing extras cover for these.
- Private hospital care: If you choose a private hospital room, you’ll be responsible for the extra costs.
To get more comprehensive coverage, you can explore options like:
- Extras OSHC: This can be purchased from your OSHC provider and covers things like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
- Private health insurance: Alongside OSHC, private health insurance can provide additional coverage for items not covered by OSHC.
- Travel insurance: This can be an option to consider for specific health treatments not covered by OSHC.
OSHC plans can vary between providers, so it’s always wise to carefully review the details of your specific policy to understand what’s covered.
OSHC as Compliance with visa requirements
OSHC, or Overseas Student Health Cover, is a mandatory health insurance for international students in Australia.
It is a visa requirement to ensure that international students can meet the costs of medical and hospital care they may need while in Australia. Here’s how it relates to visa compliance:
- Visa Condition: Holding OSHC is a condition of most student visas. It must be maintained for the entire duration of the visa as proof of meeting the visa health requirements.
- Visa Application: Evidence of OSHC must be provided when applying for a student visa. The coverage must start from the day the student arrives in Australia and continue until the visa expires or the student leaves Australia.
- Visa Compliance: Failure to maintain continuous OSHC coverage can lead to visa non-compliance, which may result in the cancellation of the student’s visa.
- Visa Renewal: If a student wishes to renew their visa, they must also renew their OSHC policy to cover the new period of stay.
OSHC is essential for international students not only for health coverage but also as a key compliance requirement for their Australian student visa. It’s important for students to understand this requirement to avoid any issues with their visa status. If you need more detailed information or assistance, feel free to ask!
Application Process for OSHC for Study Visa
Applying for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an important step in the student visa application process for Australia. Here’s a guide to help you with the application process:
- Accept Your Offer: Once your course application is successful, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer from your education provider. Accept this offer to proceed.
- Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): After accepting your offer and paying any required deposit, you’ll be issued a CoE by your education provider. This document is crucial for your visa application.
- Choose an OSHC Provider: Select an OSHC provider from the registered insurers. Compare their plans to find one that suits your needs.
- Apply for OSHC: You can apply directly through the insurer’s website, through an agent, or sometimes through your educational institution. You’ll need to provide personal details, including your passport and visa information.
- Payment: Pay for your OSHC policy. The coverage should start from the day you arrive in Australia and last for the duration of your visa.
- Receive Policy and Certificate: Once your application is processed and payment is confirmed, you’ll receive your OSHC policy and a certificate of insurance. This certificate is necessary for your visa application.
- Proof of OSHC for Visa Application: Attach proof of your OSHC when you apply for your student visa. Without it, your visa application may be refused.
- Maintain OSHC: It’s important to maintain your OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia as part of visa compliance.
Having continuous OSHC coverage is a condition of your student visa, and failing to maintain it can lead to visa cancellation. If you need further assistance or have more questions, feel free to ask!
Where to Buy OSHC?
You can purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from a few registered health insurers in Australia. Here’s a list of providers where you can buy OSHC:
- ahm OSHC
- Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare)
- BUPA Australia
- CBHS International Health
- Medibank Private
- NIB OSHC
These providers offer a range of different OSHC plans, and you can compare their plans and prices to find one that best suits your needs. You can typically purchase OSHC online through the provider’s website or have it arranged for you by your educational institution.
Maintaining your OSHC is a requirement by the Department of Home Affairs for the duration of your stay in Australia as an international student.
Conclusion
Let’s recap the importance of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and offer some final advice:
- Importance of OSHC:
- Visa Requirement: OSHC is a mandatory requirement for most student visas in Australia. It ensures that international students have access to necessary medical services during their stay.
- Health Coverage: OSHC provides coverage for doctor visits, hospital treatments, and ambulance services. It’s essential for managing unexpected health issues.
- Compliance: Maintaining OSHC is crucial for visa compliance. Failing to do so can lead to visa cancellation.
- Peace of Mind: Having OSHC gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re financially protected in case of health emergencies.
- Final Advice:
- Choose Wisely: When selecting an OSHC provider, compare plans and choose one that aligns with your needs. Consider additional coverage (Extras OSHC) if you require dental, optical, or other services.
- Keep Records: Keep your OSHC certificate safe. You’ll need it for your visa application and throughout your stay in Australia.
- Stay Informed: Understand the terms and conditions of your OSHC policy. Know what’s covered and any waiting periods.
- Renew Timely: Renew your OSHC when needed, especially if you plan to extend your stay or renew your visa.
Remember, OSHC not only fulfills a visa requirement but also ensures your well-being while studying in Australia. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Safe travels and best wishes for your educational journey!
