Health Insurance

Overview

What is OSHC and why do I have to purchase it?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory insurance to assist international students meet the costs of medical and hospital care that they may need while in Australia. OSHC will also pay limited benefits for pharmaceuticals and ambulance services, depending on the plan.

To get an Australian student visa, you must have purchased OSHC. You can purchase coverage via your university when you accept your offer, or directly from an OSHC provider.

Only primary student visa holders (you, the student) are eligible to purchase “Single” OSHC. If you plan to take a dependent with you (e.g., your spouse or de facto partner), then you must purchase “Dual/Couple” coverage. You’ll need “Family” coverage if more than one dependent (children younger than 18) will be coming with you to Australia (e.g., spouse and child(ren)).

The Department of Home Affairs requires international students to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia. For further information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Who Offers OSHC?

OSHC is only offered by the following approved providers:

 

I already have health coverage here in Canada. Can I use this coverage in Australia?
Unless the coverage is offered by one of the preferred providers listed above, it will not be approved by the Australian Government as meeting the necessary requirements for your time in Australia. As this is the case, you can maintain any coverage you have here if it will cover travel and any other requirements you need, but you will need to purchase a proper OSHC policy from one of the approved providers to meet the requirements of an Australian student visa.

What OSHC Covers

OSHC provides a safety net for international students. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).

The student lead website SafeDownUnder – OSHC does a great job outlining what is and isn’t covered, as well as answering from OSHC FAQs.

OSHC insurers usually offer two types of policies: basic or additional coverage.

All OSHC insurers must include the following services in their basic policy:

  • Doctor (GP)*
  • Specialist doctors*
  • Hospital treatment in a public or private hospital
  • Surgery
  • Blood tests and x-rays*
  • Ambulance services for emergency treatment*
  • Some prescription medicines – up to $50 per item up to $500 (single) or $1000 (couple/family) per year.

*The benefit amount listed in Australia’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS, list of medical services).

What OSHC Does Not Cover

Each policy does offer slightly different options, though the basics required for a person studying in Australia are typically the same. Standard/basic OSHC typically doesn’t not cover dental, optical, physiotherapy or other extras treatments. You can arrange additional (“extras” or “ancillary”) coverage with your OSHC provider at an additional cost.

Most OSHC policies will not cover:

  • treatment arranged before coming to Australia
  • treatment needed while travelling to or from Australia
  • transportation of an overseas student or dependent into or out of Australia for any reason
  • treatment covered by provisions for compensation and damages

Some policies have waiting periods on pre-existing conditions. This means you cannot claim for costs arising during the waiting period if such costs arise from a pre-existing condition.

#OzTREKKStudentTip: “If you need to see a specialist doctor while in Australia, call your insurer before your appointment to ensure everything will be covered and to get any required paperwork in advance.”

Choosing and Purchasing an OSHC Provider

You can buy OSHC in several ways:

All OSHC policies must meet the requirements set out in the Australian Government’s OSHC Deed; however, prices and benefits can vary between providers. Compare policies before you buy to make sure the cover meets your needs.

Through Your University
Many students choose their university’s preferred OSHC provider because it is simple to arrange. You can purchase this alongside your acceptance, and the university sets up the OSHC on your behalf. Your university’s preferred provider may also offer services that make managing your health coverage easier. Depending on the university and provider, these may include

  • an OSHC representative on campus;
  • access to university health services; and/or
  • direct billing for some services.

Check what is included before you buy, as benefits vary between universities and providers.

Buying OSHC Yourself
You can also arrange OSHC directly with an approved provider. This gives you the opportunity to compare providers and choose a policy that suits your needs and budget. If you arrange OSHC yourself, you will need to provide your proof of purchase when you apply for your Australian student visa. Some universities may also request this before they issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Your policy should begin from the date you arrive in Australia and continue for the required length of your stay.

Additional Cover
You can also choose additional cover for services that are not included in your basic OSHC policy. Depending on the policy, additional cover may include

  • dental treatment;
  • physiotherapy;
  • optical services;
  • psychology and counselling; and/or
  • repatriation.

Additional cover usually costs more. Check the policy details carefully to understand what is covered, any waiting periods and any limits on benefits.

Provincial Health Coverage

You must alert your provincial government to let them know you’ll be leaving the country for an extended period. Check out the link for your province and be sure to let them know you’ll be studying outside Canada.