Preparing to study in Australia requires some preparation before you arrive here and one of the things you need to know is the importance of Overseas Student Health Cover (a.k.a. OSHC). In summary, OSHC is a health insurance which you need to purchase online before your student visa can be processed.
So, what is OSHC and how many companies out there offers this product? Below, we provide you with comprehensive information about OSHC, why do you need it and which OSHC to purchase before you step into Australia.
The first thing to remember is that all international students studying in Australia are required to purchase the OSHC before coming to Australia and this product can be purchased through your University, through an authorised agent or directly from the OSHC provider. There are pros and cons in each purchasing option which we will explain in detail below –
Purchasing through University
Purchasing directly through the University often offers you the convenience of claiming your health benefit – imagine if you are sick and you visit a doctor, you can claim the amount spent on visiting the doctor somewhere close to your university. However, the University often offers the premium product (in most cases are the most expensive ones) If you are not one that falls to illness easily you might be over paying for this product. Also some OSHC providers no longer have service branch in their respective university and prefer students to make their claims online via websites and apps. It defeats the purpose of convenience when you are spending more by purchasing your OSHC directly. Do your research by comparing various OSHC websites before purchasing one from the university you are enrolling.
Purchasing directly
Okay, now you have gone on google and compared the prices of various options and have decided on the cheapest. However, the most common mistake made by students is by purchasing the wrong length of the health insurance which can result in the failure of obtaining your student visa. It is necessary for students to purchase the date which covers the day you arrive Australia and 60 days after you complete your studies. If you purchase anything less, it will have impact on your student visa approval.
Purchasing through an authorised agent
This is the most recommended option because –
a. An authorised agent will navigate through dozens of options out there and choose the best (and often the cheapest) product for you. You can be sure that you are not overpaying for your medical insurance.
b. The rise of AI means you could pretty much ask ChatGPT anything for support. However if you still prefer human contact, often when you need to make a claim – maybe you got involved with an injury while doing UberEats with your electric bike. Your authorised agent can speak to you and guide you through the process.
c. In some unique cases where you manage to fast track your studies and reduce the duration of your education (e.g. you took some extra subjects during the University break) an Authorised agent can also assist you to claim back the additional fees paid to your OSHC provider. In the opposite direction – if you need to extend your program (maybe you failed a couple of subjects) your authorise agent will be able to help you extend your OSHC policy to ensure you are covered in case of an emergency.
Summary of Benefits Covered Under Your Policy
As an illustration, we have outlined the coverage provided by one of our recommended OSHC providers, Allianz Care Australia. Please note that policy details may be updated periodically. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to refer directly to the official Allianz Care Australia website.
Out-of-Hospital Services
General Practitioner (GP) visits – 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee.
Other medical services (e.g., pathology, radiology, specialists) – 85% of the MBS fee.
In-Hospital Services
Medical services for admitted patients – 100% of the MBS fee.
Public hospital care (shared ward, same day services, emergency, intensive care, outpatient, post-operative) – covered at the rate set by State/Territory health authorities.
Private hospital or registered day hospital – 100% of contracted charges at agreement hospitals (shared ward minimum). If no agreement exists, the minimum benefit as per Benefit Requirement Rules applies.
Prescription Medicines
Reimbursement for medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) above the PBS patient contribution.
Up to $50 per prescribed item.
Annual limits:
From 1 Jan 2023: $500 (Single), $1,000 (Dual/Family).
Before 1 Jan 2023: $300 (Single), $600 (Dual/Family).
Each individual in Dual/Family cover has their own single-equivalent limit until the family maximum is reached.
Medical Devices & Human Tissue Products
100% of the cost of items on the Federal Government’s Prescribed List.
Ambulance Services
100% of the cost for medically necessary ambulance transport for hospital admission or emergency treatment, provided by an approved ambulance service.
Note: You may still incur out-of-pocket costs, particularly with hospital admissions. Check your policy’s “Private Admission” section for details.
Contact us to find out more!
Our consultation service centres are located in various locations in Asia and Oceania including Australia, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji and many more. However, if you have a direct enquiry, you can contact us through:
Call/ WhatsApp: +60162206607
Email: [email protected]
About Post Author
Georgina is a content marketer who is part of the E2 family. Being an international student who have completed her degree at UNSW Sydney, she also has extensive experiences as a professional education consultant – helping students to identify the right university to achieve career successes.