5 Best Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best OSHC options available, covering the benefits, coverage details, and unique features of each plan. In this guide you will learn:
- ✅ What is OSHC and why is it important?
- ✅ 5 best overseas student health cover (OSHC) in Australia
- ✅ Frequently asked questions
We understand the importance of finding the right health insurance plan for international students. Navigating the healthcare system in a foreign country can be challenging, especially when dealing with unexpected medical expenses. That’s why having an OSHC plan that meets your needs is not only a visa requirement but also a vital safety net during your time in Australia.
What is OSHC and Why is it Important?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a type of health insurance specifically designed for international students studying in Australia. It helps cover the cost of medical treatments and hospital care that students may need during their stay, providing a financial safety net for healthcare expenses.
Why OSHC is Important for International Students
OSHC is essential for ensuring that students have access to necessary medical services while they are away from their home country, where healthcare systems and costs may differ significantly.
What Does OSHC Cover?
The purpose of OSHC is to give international students a level of health coverage similar to that enjoyed by Australian residents under the public healthcare system, Medicare. This includes benefits for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, some prescription medications, and emergency ambulance services.
However, it does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. OSHC helps protect students from potentially high out-of-pocket medical costs, offering peace of mind for those studying far from home.
OSHC Requirements for International Students
OSHC is mandatory for international students on a student visa (subclass 500), as it is a requirement set by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. Maintaining continuous OSHC coverage is necessary for the entire duration of a student’s stay in Australia on a student visa.
Benefits of OSHC for International Students in Australia
This allows all international students to have access to affordable healthcare, promoting a healthier student community and reducing the strain on Australia’s public health resources. By mandating OSHC, the government ensures that international students can receive medical care without facing financial hardship, making their experience in Australia safer and more secure.
The mandatory nature of OSHC emphasizes the country’s commitment to protecting the well-being of its international student community.
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Benefits of Choosing a Comprehensive vs. Basic OSHC Plan
When selecting Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), international students in Australia can choose between basic and comprehensive plans, each offering different levels of coverage to suit various healthcare needs and budgets.
Basic OSHC Plan
A basic OSHC plan typically covers essential healthcare services, such as visits to the doctor (general practitioner), hospital admissions, emergency ambulance services, and some prescription medications. These plans provide the minimum coverage required to meet the Australian Government’s visa requirements, making them an affordable option for generally healthy students who do not anticipate needing extensive medical care.
Comprehensive OSHC Plan
In contrast, a comprehensive OSHC plan offers a broader range of benefits beyond the essentials. It may include coverage for additional services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, dental, and optical services—services not typically covered under basic plans. Comprehensive plans are ideal for students with existing health conditions, those who wear glasses or contact lenses, or anyone seeking more extensive coverage for peace of mind. While they come at a higher premium, comprehensive plans can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for services that would otherwise not be covered.
Deciding Between Basic and Comprehensive OSHC
The choice between a basic and comprehensive OSHC plan depends on individual health needs and budget. Basic plans are a good fit for young, healthy students looking for cost-effective coverage, while comprehensive plans are more beneficial for those with specific healthcare needs or who prefer the added security of broader coverage.
Ultimately, selecting the right OSHC plan allows students to effectively manage their healthcare needs while studying in Australia.
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Bupa Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Bupa’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) offers comprehensive protection for international students in Australia, covering both public and private hospital treatments. It includes in-hospital services like accommodation, operating theatre fees, and PBS-approved pharmaceuticals. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and other allied health services are also covered during hospital admissions.
Bupa’s OSHC includes 100% coverage for outpatient services like doctor and specialist consultations, pathology, and radiology, as well as unlimited emergency ambulance transport. Mental health is prioritized with waived waiting periods for psychiatric services, and students can access 24/7 support through a student advice line and digital health resources.
For more coverage, students can add “Extras” to their plan, which includes dental, physiotherapy, optical, and chiropractic services. Bupa’s Members First network helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for these services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Bupa health insurance plans?
Bupa offers a range of health insurance policies designed to meet different budgetary requirements. Plans with weekly fees that include hospital care and other expenses range from $2.79 to $21.19.
While general items cost between $2.79 and $5.62 each week, exclusive medical items cost between $17.98 and $21.19. Packaged products range in price from $24.35 to $39.09 per week.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Bupa Health Insurance Plan benefits?
The waiting periods for Bupa health insurance vary based on the coverage chosen. Benefits often include a two-month waiting period and include general treatments and hospital stays.
Pregnancy care and drugs for pre-existing conditions frequently have a 12-month waiting period.
The duration of these additional services ranges from two to twelve months. It is necessary to comprehend the technical features of your policy to ascertain the exact waiting periods associated with your coverage.
How to Claim for Bupa Health Insurance Benefits
To receive your Bupa Health Insurance benefits, you can use the following options:
- To quickly and simply submit your claim, utilize your Bupa account, which you can access online or on your smartphone.
- Bring your medical bills with you when you visit a Bupa Health Insurance office. It is crucial to deliver the completed claim form and receipts to Bupa so they can process it.
Many healthcare providers can handle Bupa claim filings.
Our Overall Assessment
Bupa’s OSHC provides international students with essential healthcare while balancing affordability and comprehensive medical benefits.
Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Medibank offers two types of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) plans: Comprehensive and Essentials, each offering different coverage needs.
Comprehensive OSHC Plan
The Comprehensive OSHC plan provides extensive benefits, including coverage for a wide range of hospital services such as rehabilitation, psychiatric services, surgery, and specialist consultations. It covers treatments for various medical conditions, including cancer therapies, joint replacements, cataract surgery, and pregnancy.
The plan also offers unlimited emergency ambulance services and repatriation benefits, including up to $100,000 for medically supervised travel back to the home country in case of severe health issues.
Outpatient mental health support is available with annual limits, as well as coverage for prescription medications up to $1,000 per member annually. Comprehensive OSHC is designed for students who require broader healthcare coverage and prefer minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
Essentials OSHC Plan
In contrast, the Essentials OSHC plan provides more basic coverage, suitable for students seeking affordable health insurance while still meeting visa requirements. It covers many of the same hospital services, including psychiatric care, surgery, and pregnancy-related services, but with fewer benefits for prescription medicines (up to $500 per member annually).
It also includes unlimited emergency ambulance coverage and accident and emergency department benefits. While both plans allow choosing doctors and specialists, Essentials OSHC may involve higher out-of-pocket expenses, especially for high-cost treatments.
Both plans feature a 24/7 Student Health and Support Line, providing medical, counseling, and legal assistance. However, Comprehensive OSHC offers higher limits and more inclusive services, making it suitable for students with more extensive healthcare needs, whereas Essentials OSHC is for those prioritizing budget-friendly coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Medibank health insurance plans?
The monthly cost of Medibank health insurance plans depends on several factors, including the insured’s location, age, and level of coverage.
The most basic security plans are very reasonably priced, with monthly rates starting at under AUD 100. On the other hand, more extensive plans that include hospital treatments and other coverage could cost as much as AUD 150 to AUD 200 a month. To obtain a personalized quotation, use the quote option on the Medibank website.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Medibank health insurance plan benefits?
The length of waiting periods for Medibank health insurance benefits depends on the particular coverage type chosen.
Typical waiting periods include two months for standard treatments like physical therapy and dental care, twelve months for maternity services or pre-existing conditions, and rapid coverage for hospitalizations brought on by accidents. Waiting periods can vary based on the coverage you choose, so it’s critical to confirm the details of your plan.
How to Claim for Medibank Health Insurance Benefits
To access the advantages of your Medibank health insurance, choose one of the following methods:
- Using the My Medibank app or logging into your Medibank account online, you may quickly submit your claim.
- When you go to a Medibank branch, you can make your claim using your Medibank card.
If you need assistance, call Medibank’s customer care.
Many medical providers can handle your claims automatically.
Our Overall Assessment
Medibank offers two OSHC plans – Comprehensive and Essentials – catering to different healthcare needs and budgets. The Comprehensive plan provides extensive coverage for hospital services, emergency ambulance, and mental health support, making it ideal for students with broader healthcare needs.
The Essentials plan offers basic coverage that meets visa requirements at a more affordable price, with lower benefits for prescription medications and higher out-of-pocket expenses for some treatments.
Allianz Care Australia Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
The Allianz Care Australia Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Standard plan provides essential health coverage for international students in Australia. It includes a range of benefits aimed at meeting the healthcare needs of students while they pursue their studies.
Core Benefits and Coverage
The plan covers out-of-hospital medical services, including 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for general practitioner (GP) visits, and 85% of the MBS fee for specialist consultations, pathology, and radiology. This helps students manage costs associated with various medical treatments outside of hospital settings.
For in-hospital services, the policy covers 100% of the MBS fee for medical services when admitted to a hospital, as well as accommodation costs in public hospitals for shared wards. In private hospitals, coverage includes 100% of the agreed fee for services at facilities that have agreements with Allianz Care.
Emergency ambulance transport is fully covered when it is medically necessary for hospital admission or emergency treatment.
Prescription Medicines and Prostheses
The plan provides coverage for prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with a reimbursement limit of $50 per item and an annual cap of $500 for single policies and $1,000 for family policies. Surgically implanted prostheses are also covered as per the federal government’s prostheses list.
The Allianz Care OSHC Standard plan balances affordability with essential healthcare coverage, making it suitable for students who need reliable protection without extensive out-of-pocket costs. The availability of direct billing services and a 24/7 helpline further adds to the support for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the Allianz Care Australia health insurance plans?
To get a customized quotation based on your needs and travel status, use the “Get a Price” option on the Allianz Care Australia website.
What Is the Waiting Period for the Allianz Care Australia health insurance plan benefits?
Depending on the particular service or treatment being sought, there are different waiting periods for the benefits of the Allianz Care Australia health insurance plan.
- Any treatment for pre-existing conditions has a 12-month waiting period.
- Any services related to pregnancy have a 12-month waiting period.
- Palliative care, rehabilitation, and psychiatric therapies all have a two-month waiting period.
There are no waiting periods for services unrelated to specialized care, pregnancy, or pre-existing diseases.
Because the precise waiting periods may differ depending on your cover type and visa requirements, it’s crucial to review the individual plan details and clarify with Allianz Care Australia.
How to Claim for Allianz Care Australia Insurance Benefits
Registering with Allianz Care Australia’s online portal, which allows you to maintain your policy and file claims, is beneficial before filing a claim.
- Before filing your claim, make sure you have all the required paperwork.
- You can use the MyHealth app or portal to file your claim.
- Following submission, you can use the portal or app to track the status of your claim.
Allianz Care Australia will pay you back straight into the bank account you specified when you set up your policy if your claim is accepted.
Our Overall Assessment
Allianz Care Australia’s OSHC Standard plan provides essential health coverage for international students in Australia, including GP visits, specialist consultations, and emergency ambulance transport. It covers 100% of MBS fees for in-hospital services and offers prescription medicine coverage with a cap, making it an affordable option for students. This plan balances cost and comprehensive healthcare, with added support through direct billing services and a 24/7 helpline.
NIB Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
The NIB OSHC Core plan provides essential health coverage for international students in Australia, meeting the Department of Home Affairs requirements for student visas. It includes several important benefits to support students’ health needs during their stay.
Core Medical Benefits
NIB OSHC covers 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for doctor (GP) visits, ensuring that students can access medical consultations without significant out-of-pocket expenses. For other out-of-hospital services, such as specialist visits, pathology, and radiology, the plan covers 85% of the MBS fee, leaving students responsible for any excess charges.
In-hospital services are covered at 100% of the MBS fee, including surgical and anesthetist fees for medical treatments when admitted to a hospital.
Hospital Inpatient Benefits
When admitted to a contracted private hospital, NIB OSHC covers 100% of the agreed rate for accommodation, operating theatre fees, and intensive care. For non-contracted private hospitals, coverage is limited to the default benefit, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Public hospital coverage includes 100% of the Gazetted Rate for shared ward accommodation, although additional costs may apply if fees exceed this rate.
Prescription Medicines and Ambulance Services
The plan provides coverage for prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with a reimbursement limit of $50 per prescription item and an annual cap of $500 for singles and $1,000 for families.
Emergency ambulance transport is fully covered when it is medically necessary for hospital admission or emergency treatment.
NIB’s OSHC Core plan offers fundamental healthcare coverage with options to minimize out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring international students have access to necessary medical services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the NIB health insurance plans?
The weekly rates for NIB health insurance policies are determined by the chosen plan and coverage level. Basic hospital coverage typically costs between AUD 25 and AUD 40 per week. Hospital and supplemental care are covered by more comprehensive policies, which typically cost AUD 40 to AUD 60 per week or more. With the NIB quotation tool, you can generate a personalized quote that is perfect for your unique situation.
What Is the Waiting Period for the NIB health insurance plan benefits?
The waiting periods for NIB health insurance benefits vary depending on the type of coverage you choose. Generally, waiting periods are one year for maternity or pre-existing conditions, two months for extra treatments like dental and physiotherapy, and immediate coverage for unintentional accidents.
Waiting periods can vary depending on your specific plan and provider, so it’s important to check with your insurance company for exact details.
How to Claim for NIB Health Insurance Benefits
To start getting your NIB Health Insurance benefits, go into your account and electronically submit your claims. The NIB mobile app allows you to submit receipts and process claims with a few taps. On your behalf, some medical experts can submit claims to NIB directly.
Our Overall Assessment
The Allianz Care Australia OSHC Standard plan offers essential health coverage for international students, including GP visits, specialist consultations, and emergency ambulance transport. It covers 100% of MBS fees for in-hospital services and provides prescription medication and prostheses coverage within set limits. With direct billing services and a 24/7 helpline, the plan offers affordability and reliable healthcare protection for students.
CBHS Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
CBHS International Health offers Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) that meets the health needs of international students in Australia. Their OSHC plans meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, ensuring students comply with visa regulations while enjoying a range of essential healthcare services.
Core Benefits and Coverage
The CBHS International Health OSHC provides coverage for both out-of-hospital and in-hospital medical services. This includes 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for general practitioner (GP) consultations and in-hospital treatments such as surgeon and anesthetist fees.
It also covers 85% of the MBS fee for other out-of-hospital services, including specialist consultations, pathology, and radiology.
Hospital Treatment and Ambulance Services
For hospital treatments, CBHS OSHC covers accommodation in public hospitals and services provided in shared wards. If students choose a private hospital, the coverage may involve out-of-pocket costs, depending on whether the facility is in the CBHS network. The plan also includes emergency ambulance services, covering medically necessary transport to a hospital.
Prescription Medicines
The policy provides reimbursement for prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with a limit on the amount per prescription item and an annual cap to help manage the cost of medicines.
Additional Support
CBHS International Health offers a 24/7 student support service that assists with health advice, counseling, and interpreting services. This means that students have access to guidance and support anytime, enhancing their overall healthcare experience in Australia.
The CBHS International Health OSHC plan is designed to offer comprehensive protection for international students, covering essential medical services while helping to minimize unexpected expenses, making it a reliable choice for health coverage during their studies in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly premium for the CBHS health insurance plans?
The plans from CBHS start from$48.60 per month based on a 30-day month in the first year of cover. Use the “Get a Quote” tool to get a customized quotation based on your specific plan requirements.
What Is the Waiting Period for the CBHS health insurance plan benefits?
For the CBHS International Health OSHC plan, the waiting periods are as follows:
- 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions: This applies to any ailment, illness, or condition where symptoms existed in the six months before the student’s OSHC policy started. The waiting period must be completed before any claims related to the condition can be made.
- 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related services: Coverage for pregnancy and birth services is subject to this waiting period.
- 2-month waiting period for psychiatric treatment: This shorter waiting period applies specifically to mental health services.
No waiting period for services such as general practitioner (GP) visits, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medicines covered under the policy.
How to Claim for CBHS Health Insurance Benefits
To claim CBHS International Health OSHC benefits, follow these steps:
- Consult a medical provider or hospital. If the provider is part of the CBHS direct billing network, show your OSHC membership card, and the provider will bill CBHS directly for the covered portion of the service.
- If you visit a provider outside the direct billing network, you may need to pay for the services upfront and obtain an itemized receipt.
- Log in to the CBHS International Health member portal or use the mobile app to submit your claim. Upload a copy of the receipt and any relevant documents. You can also submit claims by emailing your receipts and claim form to CBHS.
- If approved, CBHS will reimburse the covered amount directly into your nominated Australian bank account.
You can track the status of your claim via the member portal or app.
Our Overall Assessment
CBHS International Health offers OSHC that meets Department of Home Affairs requirements, providing essential healthcare coverage for international students in Australia. It covers GP visits, in-hospital treatments, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medications within set limits. With a 24/7 student support service, the plan ensures students have reliable healthcare support during their studies, making it a dependable choice for comprehensive health coverage.
In Conclusion
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is essential for international students in Australia, ensuring they have access to necessary medical care and helping to manage healthcare expenses. With the option to choose between basic and comprehensive plans, students can tailor their coverage based on their health needs and budget. By meeting the Australian Government’s visa requirements, OSHC promotes the well-being of students while supporting the healthcare system in Australia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is a type of health insurance required for international students studying in Australia. It helps cover the cost of medical treatments, doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency services, and some prescription medications while studying in Australia.
Why is OSHC mandatory for international students in Australia?
The Australian Government mandates OSHC for international students as a condition of their student visas. This ensures that students have access to necessary medical care while living in Australia, as they are not typically eligible for Medicare, the public healthcare system for residents.
What is covered under OSHC?
OSHC typically covers doctor visits, in-hospital treatments, emergency ambulance services, and some prescription medicines. It does not usually include dental, optical, or physiotherapy services unless specifically added to the policy.
Are there waiting periods for OSHC coverage?
Yes, waiting periods may apply, especially for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related services, which often require a 12-month waiting period. However, general medical services like GP visits and emergency ambulance coverage are usually available immediately.
Can I switch OSHC providers during my studies?
Yes, you can switch OSHC providers if needed. However, it’s important to ensure continuous coverage to meet visa requirements, and any waiting periods you have already served may carry over if there is no gap in coverage.
