Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory health insurance for international students in Australia. OSHC helps students to pay for medical care, hospital visits, and prescription medicines during their studies and stay in Australia. If overseas students want to come to Australia to complete their studies, they need a health insurance that is called Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC).
Indeed, OSHC provides access to medical and hospital services while studying and staying in Australia. In that case, overseas students do not need to face the full cost of medical treatment. But what are the requirements to obtain Australian health insurance for international students?
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a type of Australian health insurance. The OSHC has been designed for international students who want to study in Australia. It helps the overseas students to cover the medical care costs (doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, and ambulance services) while they live and study in Australia.
The Australian Government requires that all international students (subclass 500) must have and maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their stay. This will cover students’ high medical expenses during their studies.
Why International Students Need Health Insurance in Australia?
Health insurance protects international students from bearing high medical costs. It also ensures student can access quality healthcare during their studies in Australia. It is a mandatory and crucial part of the student visa processing. Health insurance is also a legal requirement for student visa holders. In case of illness or emergencies, it gives peace of mind and financial security to the global students. That’s why international students need health insurance to study in Australia.
What Does Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Cover?
It covers unplanned medical and hospital treatment costs for overseas students who go to Australia to study. However, let’s see in detail and understand clearly what OSHC covers for overseas students.
Most OSHC policies include
· Doctor (GP) visits
· Hospital stays and surgery
· Prescription medicines
· Ambulance services
· Limited coverage for prostheses and day surgeries
Common exclusions include
· Dental and optical care (unless you add extras)
· Physiotherapy and chiropractic services
· Non-emergency cosmetic procedures
If you need Overseas health insurance support, then contact GoGlobalSafe Overseas Health Insurance providers. GoGlobalSafe takes care of all the students and manages health insurance coverage.
What are the Types of Health Insurance for International Students in Australia?
There are two main types of health insurance plans for overseas students in Australia, but Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory. The Australian health insurance plans are:
· Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for global students.
· OSHC Extras or Comprehensive OSHC: It is not mandatory for overseas students.
· Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC): Not mandatory for international students.
· Private Health Insurance is not mandatory: Not mandatory for overseas students.
How Much Is OSHC Health Insurance for Overseas Students?
OSHC health insurance cost varies depending on the provider, duration of stay, and whether you are a dependent. Let’s see a chart to be clear about how much OSHC health insurance charges for an overseas student.
It is noted that most international students expect to pay around AUD 500 to 650 per year for single OSHC coverage. But couples and families will pay more depending on their dependents.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Provider?
GoGlobalSafe is a top health insurance solutions provider for international students. They work for different countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, etc. However, choosing the right Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider is one of the most important. Let’s see what need to check to choose the best one.
· Visa compliance
· Comprehensive coverage
· Affordable premiums
· Strong hospital network
· Reliable customer support
· Check waiting periods and exclusions
· Check reviews and student feedback
In that case, GoGlobalSafe may be the ultimate choice for internal students. Because they have a massive experience in this field. Why people like GoGlobalSafe for overseas privileges? Due to their service, support, and humility. They are popular due to
· Comprehensive health insurance service and support.
· Partnering with leading insurance providers to deliver the best care.
· 24/7 multilingual customer support.
· Effortless and worry-free claims processing.
· Competitive pricing and flexible payment options.
Final Thought
Health insurance isn’t just a visa requirement, it’s peace of mind that you will feel when you are in Australia. With the right OSHC, you can focus on your studies, enjoy life in Australia, and feel confident knowing your health is protected. For this reason, find the best health insurance provider that can manage all the OSHC coverage. In that case, you may get help from GoGlobalSafe. GoGlobalSafe is a renowned global health insurance solutions provider. They have massive experience in this field. So, get in touch.
FAQs
What Does OSHC Cover and Avoid?
Australian Health Insurance for international students covers:
· Visits to a general practitioner (GP) / doctor.
· Some hospital treatment (public or private) when admitted.
· Emergency ambulance services.
· Some prescription medicines (but limited).
What Coverages are not under OSHC?
· Dental treatment.
· Optical treatment (glasses/contact lenses).
· Physiotherapy, chiropractor, or many allied health services (unless a student pays extra).
· Some special treatments may have waiting periods or may be excluded.
Can OSHC Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Yes, but there are waiting periods and limitations that students need to understand carefully. In most cases, OSHC providers apply a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions. It means that if you have a health condition that existed before your OSHC policy began.
What Happens to Health Insurance if I Travel Outside Australia?
OSHC will never cover you while you are an overseas student. Indeed, OSHC is designed to protect international students only within Australia’s borders. It means if you go out of Australia, then you must bear the cost. OSHC will only be applicable if you stay in Australia.
What happens if I don’t have OSHC?
Your student visa may be cancelled. Therefore, you will be responsible to afford of all medical costs. It means OSHC health insurance is mandatory for overseas students.
How Long Does Coverage Last?
It depends on the duration of your student visa and course of study. In most cases, OSHC must cover you from the day you arrive in Australia until the day you leave Australia. It ensures that you remain insured for your entire stay.
Can I trust GoGlobalSafe for Australian Health Insurance Coverage?
Yes, GoGlobalSafe is a famous insurance service provider. They don’t only work for Australia, they are familiar with the USA, Canada, the UK, and other countries. So, to obtain better health insurance and overseas student medical service, you may contact GoGlobalSafe.
Can I Pay OSHC Monthly in Australia?
No, because it is an obligatory requirement that overseas students must pay the OSHC cost before coming to Australia. But to obtain a bit of flexibility, you may contact with the best health insurance service providers.
