All International students and their dependent family members (partner and children under 18) need OSHC. Only students from Belgium, Norway, Sweden and New Zealand (residing in Australia and have Medicare benefits) are exempted.
Why Are International Students Required To Have OSHC?
It is a condition of Student Visa that student needs to have continuous OSHC for the duration of his stay for Study in Australia. Most Australians are covered by Australia’s national health insurance program, Medicare, which covers a significant amount of the costs required for healthcare services. While Medicare does not cover international students, OSHC allows international students to access health care without experiencing financial hardship.
Who offers OSHC?
The Australian Government Department of Health has approved following Insurance Companies for OSHC:
- ahm OSHC
- Allianz Care Australia
- BUPA Australia
- CBHS International Health
- Medibank Private
- NIB OSHC
What Services Does OSHC Offer You?
Basic OSHC covers visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, limited pharmacy, ambulance cover, some prosthetic device and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. Dental, optical and physiotherapy treatments are not covered by basic OSHC but are available as ‘extra’ from some OSHC providers as part of more comprehensive OSHC cover.
What is Extra OSHC?
Extra OSHC provided international students access to services that are not covered by basic OSHC medical and hospital cover. It provides dental, physiotherapy and optical services. OSHC providers will be able to provide full details of the services under extra OSHC cover and the additional cost involved.
What If I Need Treatment While I'm In Australia?
The best option is to visit a doctor or go to the emergency department of a public hospital. Many educational institutions have a doctor on campus or nearby. Most OSHC providers have direct billing relationships with medical clinics to ensure students can access treatment with no or minimal up-front expenses. The doctor will refer you to a specialist or hospital if further treatment is required. You can choose either a public or a private hospital, but make sure to contact OSHC provider before going to a private hospital to check that your treatment will be covered at that hospital or not.
How Do I Pay For Medical Treatment?
In most cases, OSHC will cover a good proportion of your medical expenses. Once you receive a medical bill from hospital, there are generally two choices. You can pay the bill and claim reimbursement from your OSHC provider, or have the bill sent directly to you OSHC provider for payment. For pharmacy claims, you need to pay for your medicines first, then you can claim reimbursement from your OSHC provider. Hospital bills are generally sent direct to OSHC providers for payment, but processing for payment may vary between health insurers.
How Long Do I Need To Be Covered?
Student required OSHC for the duration of their student visa. It should be renewed in case he / she extends the length of his / her visa.
