Having health insurance is crucial for international students who wish to study in Australia, as adjusting to a new environment can put a strain on the body, making it more susceptible to illnesses.
In the event that a student falls sick, they may find themselves in a foreign country with no support network, wondering who will take care of them and how they will pay for the medical expenses.
To address this concern, the Australian immigration authorities have mandated health insurance as a requirement for international students studying in the country.
Despite this regulation, many international students still lack clarity on why health insurance is necessary for studying in Australia.
That’s why today, education ONE article will share everything about health insurance for international students in Australia; it’s called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Introducing OSHC: Health Insurance for International Students In Australia
Good health insurance is necessary for international students to cover any medical expenses that may arise during your stay in Australia.
The Australian government mandates that students obtain a health insurance policy known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as part of their visa requirements.
OSHC provides comprehensive coverage for medical and hospital expenses, as well as extra benefits, including prescription drugs and ambulance services, tailored to meet the unique needs of international students in Australia.
How much is OSHC in Australia?
The price of OSHC coverage in Australia is dependent on the length of coverage and the insurance provider selected.
Typically, longer coverage periods attract higher fees, which may be paid upfront for the entire study duration, although some providers may offer payment plans spanning monthly or quarterly periods.
However, the Australian immigration authorities do not permit students to purchase OSHC after commencement of their studies, making it essential to acquire the insurance policy at the beginning to cover all study costs.
It is advisable to conduct a thorough comparison of different OSHC providers’ policies and prices to identify a suitable insurance plan that meets both your financial capacity and coverage needs.
Typically, OSHC premiums for international students in Australia can be estimated between AUD 300 to AUD 500 per semester, or AUD 1.200 to AUD 2.000 per year.
Nonetheless, the actual cost of obtaining OSHC coverage is subject to different variables, such as the provider selected, the preferred length of coverage, and any additional benefits opted for.
Compare Australian Government-approved Overseas Student Health Cover providers in one place, and see if you already chose the best quote available using our OSHC calculator.
Can International students enter Australia without OSHC?
No, having health insurance coverage for international students in Australia (OSHC Australia) is an obligatory requirement for obtaining a student visa.
Therefore, any international student intending to study in Australia must secure OSHC coverage before their arrival.
How long does it take to get an OSHC certificate?
The process of acquiring Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia usually spans between one to three business days.
However, the exact duration may vary depending on the chosen provider and the period of application.
How long is OSHC valid?
The duration of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia is based on the chosen insurance policy and provider.
OSHC policies typically provide coverage for diverse periods, ranging from one semester, one year, to the course’s duration of study.
It is crucial to purchase OSHC coverage based on the length of stay required by immigration regulations and not the length of the course.
Failure to secure OSHC according to the length of stay guidelines could result in a shortening of the student visa validity period.
Moreover, the student visa validity period is contingent on the OSHC coverage period, implying that if an incorrect OSHC coverage period is acquired, immigration authorities would grant the student visa based on the OSHC duration, which could be problematic.
OSHC policies typically remain valid for the duration specified in the policy, which begins from the activation date.
It is essential to keep in mind that OSHC coverage does not automatically renew, so if you require coverage for a more extended period, you must reapply for it.
Additionally, as a requirement for obtaining a student visa, the Australian government mandates the possession of OSHC coverage, which implies that you must obtain OSHC before entering Australia and maintain coverage for the duration of your stay.
If you cancel or allow your health insurance for international students in Australia policy to expire before the conclusion of your stay, you may breach your visa conditions, leading to consequences such as visa termination or deportation.
Therefore, it is crucial to review your OSHC policy’s terms and ensure that you have continuous coverage throughout your stay in Australia.
Regularly reviewing your policy ensures that you get the best value for your money while fulfilling your coverage needs.
Review your OSHC with our Career Development Consultant today, GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION HERE.
Why Do International Students Need Health Insurance While Studying In Australia?
There are a few reasons why international students in Australia may choose Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) instead of other types of insurance:
Required by the Australian government as a condition of obtaining a student visa
International students in Australia must have health insurance for international students (OSHC) in Australia to meet the visa requirements for studying here.
Without OSHC, international students will not be able to obtain a student visa for Australia and will not be able to study in the country.
International students need to apply for and purchase OSHC before arriving in Australia to ensure that they meet the visa requirements and can begin their studies as planned.
Provides coverage for medical and hospital expenses
The health insurance for international students in Australia is designed particularly to cover the medical and hospital expenses that may be incurred by international students during their stay in Australia.
OSHC sometimes covers 100% of the student’s medical spend or only 100% of the MBS depending on the health facility the student gets collaborative medical care or not with that OSHC provider.
So it is important to consult with education ONE consultants regarding which OSHC providers work with most hospitals and institutions.
For example, CBHS may be recommended for students studying in Melbourne or Sydney due to their extensive partnership with hospitals in those cities.
However, for students studying in Tasmania or Darwin, AHM OSHC may be a better option due to their partnership with Medibank and availability of partner hospitals in regional areas.
Required by some universities and educational institutions
To enrol in certain programs of study, some Australian universities and educational institutions may mandate international students to have OSHC.
Hence, by having OSHC, international students can fulfil this obligation and guarantee their enrolment in the program.
It’s cheaper than the most health insurance
The relatively lower cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) compared to other health insurance options in Australia is primarily due to its focus on providing coverage for international students studying in the country.
Since OSHC is intended to be a temporary form of insurance, it may offer more limited coverage compared to other policies. This means that certain medical services or procedures may only be covered up to a certain amount.
Aren’t international students covered by Medicare in Australia?
No, Medicare, the national health insurance program in Australia, is not available to international students studying in the country.
Only Australian citizens and specific categories of permanent residents, like New Zealand citizens residing in Australia, are eligible for Medicare coverage.
What OSHC Providers Are Available In Australia? Which is the best?
There are a number of health insurance providers that offer OSHC in Australia, including:
It can be challenging to determine the best health insurance for international students in Australia as individual preferences can bias the decision.
Each insurance provider has its own range of plans available, although most offer tailored health programs and round-the-clock medical assistance.
Visiting each insurer’s website and assessing their benefits, pricing, and services is not an efficient use of time.
Instead, it is advisable to compare the available OSHC providers or seek the assistance of a Career Development Consultant from education ONE, who can help identify the more effective approach would be to compare, purchase, and save on student health insurance.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing Your OSHC Provider?
When it comes to choosing an OSHC provider in Australia, there are various factors that international students should consider.
Cost
The price of OSHC can vary between providers, so it is important to compare prices and choose a policy that fits your budget.
Coverage
To make sure that your OSHC policy is suitable for your needs, it’s crucial to review the coverage provided by each provider carefully.
This is because some policies may offer more comprehensive coverage than others, such as dental and optical services that are not covered by all policies.
Additionally, the coverage area of OSHC providers may differ, so it’s essential to choose the available benefits carefully and tailor them to your location.
It’s also important to note that the availability of partner hospitals may vary significantly between cities and regional areas.
Reputation
Gathering information about the reputation of various OSHC providers is also crucial. It is advisable to read reviews and seek recommendations from education ONE.
Customer service
Selecting an OSHC provider with excellent customer service is crucial if you need assistance with making a claim or if you have inquiries about your policy.
Medibank, Allianz Global Assistance, and nib OSHC are among the top OSHC providers for international students in Australia, but it’s important to conduct a thorough examination of each provider’s policies to determine which one is suitable for your requirements and financial resources.
How do I get OSHC in Australia?
Acquiring OSHC is a straightforward process, but it is crucial to consider the duration of your health insurance policy and align it with the length of your studies.
It can be challenging to determine when your studies will end, which can result in purchasing more coverage than needed or finishing your studies later than expected.
To obtain OSHC in Australia, you can follow these steps:
Determine your eligibility
To be eligible for OSHC, you should first confirm that you will be studying in Australia on a student visa.
International students who are enrolled in a course of study in Australia that is at least three months long and holds a student visa are generally eligible for OSHC.
Next, you should check the eligibility requirements of specific OSHC providers to ensure that you meet their criteria.
Some providers may have additional requirements, such as age limits or restrictions based on your country of origin.
Choose an OSHC provider
There are several providers of OSHC in Australia, including Medibank, Allianz Global Assistance, Bupa, and nib OSHC. It is important to compare the policies and prices offered by different providers to determine the best fit for your needs and budget.
Apply for OSHC
Once you have chosen an OSHC provider, you can apply for coverage online or by contacting the provider directly. You will need to provide your details and information about your course of study to apply.
Pay for OSHC
Once your application for OSHC has been approved, you will need to pay for your coverage. OSHC premiums are usually paid upfront for the duration of your study in Australia.
Confirm your OSHC coverage
Once you apply and pay for OSHC, you should receive a confirmation of coverage from the provider.
It is crucial to keep this confirmation with you while in Australia as it may be required to access some services or benefits.
You must have OSHC before arriving in Australia as you won’t be able to get a student visa without it.
To guarantee coverage before starting your studies, it’s also a good idea to apply for OSHC as soon as possible.
Contact our education consultant team to help you decide the best health insurance for international students and the insurance duration in Australia. GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION HERE.
That’s Everything About Health Insurance for International Students In Australia, Ready To Get One?
In conclusion, it is essential to consider the duration of your health insurance coverage when studying as an international student in Australia.
It is crucial to comply with the regulations and maintain lawful status to avoid jeopardising your studies.
By obtaining OSHC coverage and adhering to the requirements, international students can protect themselves financially and access necessary medical services during their time in Australia.
You can get professional assistance to get or extend your OSHC Australia, BOOK FREE CONSULTATION SESSION.
Our education consultant at education ONE can advise you on your case to continue your studies in Australia.
Stay lawfully and contact education ONE Australia via phone at 1300 083 663 or via email at [email protected].
You will gain valuable insight into your future visa application possibilities from our qualified experts and ONE derland Consulting, our in-house Australian Registered Migration Agents.
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- We’ve partnered with the proven and best education providers across Australia to give our clients quality education that gives them advantage against today’s job market and prepares them for the future based on their further study or career plans.
- We’ve partnered with a highly rated Australian Registered Migration Agent so that any of your student visa problems could be solved legally.
