As an international student you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) so that you are covered for any medical treatment you may need during your stay in Australia.
Why are international students required to have OSHC?
Australian hospital and medical care can be very expensive if you do not have health insurance. International students are not covered by the Australian Government's public health insurance system (called Medicare), so they must have OSHC so that they can get health care without having to pay large amounts for it.
Who needs OSHC?
All international students and their family members (such as spouses and children under 18 years of age) need OSHC. An international student is:
- a non-Australian resident with a current student visa
- a student from New Zealand
- expatriate Australian students who are ineligible for cover by Medicare.
The only exceptions are Norwegian students and some Swedish students. Norwegian students are covered by the Norwegian Government and do not need Australian OSHC. Swedish students who have insurance with the Swedish National Board of Student Aid (CSN International) also do not need to take out Australian OSHC.
Who offers OSHC and how much will it cost?
The following health funds are approved to offer OSHC:
- Medibank Private Overseas Students Health Cover
- Teachers Union Health Fund Limited, subcontracting to Worldcare Assist: http://www.oshcworldcare.com.au/
- BUPA OSHC: http://www.overseasstudenthealth.com/
- Australian Health Management Group: http://www.ahmg.com.au/
Three months cover for a single person costs around A$80. You will need to contact the OSHC provider to find out the exact cost for the length of your stay..
What kind of services are you entitled to with your OSHC?
A full list of what is covered and what is not covered is available on the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website. Your OSHC provider will also be able to provide you with a full list.
What is extra OSHC?
If you would like health cover for services that are not covered by standard OSHC you can take out extra OSHC at an additional cost. Once again the Department of Health and Ageing website, and your OSHC provider will be able to provide full details.
What if I need treatment while I'm in Australia?
You can choose to visit a doctor or go to the out-patients department of a public hospital. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to a specialist for further treatment. If you require hospitalisation, you can choose to go to either a public or private hospital, but you should contact your OSHC provider before going to a private hospital.
How do I pay for medical treatment?
When you receive a bill for medical treatment, there are generally two choices. You can pay the bill, and then get a refund from your OSHC provider; or you can give the unpaid account directly to your OSHC provider. For pharmaceutical claims, you need to pay the pharmacy first, and then claim the refund from your OSHC provider.
Hospital bills are normally sent directly to OSHC providers for payment. However, arrangements for payment of bills will vary between OSHC providers. You will need to contact your OSHC provider for further information.
How long do I have to have cover?
The minimum period of cover is 12 months or the length of your student visa — whichever is shorter. You must have health cover for all of the time that you are studying in Australia.
Can I transfer to a different OSHC provider?
You may transfer between OSHC providers at any time, but you may be charged a ?refund processing fee' if you transfer to a new policy before your old one ends.
If you have paid in advance, you can get a refund. You must provide proof to your old OSHC provider that you have a valid OSHC policy with a new provider that has started during the time you have already paid for.
When transferring between OSHC providers, any membership time served with one provider will count toward waiting periods with your new provider, providing there is no lapse in membership.
What is Optional OSHC?
Optional OSHC is for international students who do not hold a student visa but who are undertaking studies in Australia, for example, students undertaking intensive English language courses.
People who can take out Optional OSHC include:
- students and their dependants from overseas who are undertaking a short-term informal course and have been issued with a visitor's visa
- any other group considered suitable by the Department of Health and Ageing.
Where can I go for further information or help?
If you require any further information about OSHC either now or during your stay in Australia, you can contact the Department of Health and Ageing on 02 6289 9864 or see their website.
The information in the above article is taken from the Australia Government Department of Health and Ageing website, Overseas Student Health Cover FAQ, viewed 25 May 2005.
