Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for Student Visa Holders in Australia

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For international students pursuing their dreams in Australia, health and well-being are paramount. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a comprehensive insurance plan designed to support students with medical and hospital care costs during their stay in Australia. Here’s what you need to know:

Why OSHC is Essential:

  • Mandatory Requirement: All student visa holders must have OSHC.
  • Coverage Start: Students must not arrive in Australia before their health insurance starts.
  • Payment: In most cases, payment for the health coverage plan can be made along with the chosen course.

  • What OSHC Covers:

    1. General Practitioner (GP) Services:

      • 100% refund based on the government tariff. (Any charges above the tariff are the student’s responsibility.)

    2. Specialist Services, X-Ray, Blood Test:

      • 85% refund based on the government tariff. (Refund requires a referral from a GP.)

    3. Admission to Public Hospital:

      • 100% refund based on the government tariff. (Includes hospital stay, ambulance assistance for accidents, post-accident or post-operation treatments not requiring hospitalization.)

    4. Admission to Private Hospital:

      • 100% refund if the hospital is allied with the insurance company. (Otherwise, the student covers the difference between the government tariff and the hospital bill.)

    5. Ambulance Services:

      • 100% refund.

    6. Prescribed Medication:

      • Up to $50 for prescribed medication listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) after covering the PBS fee ($300 per person per annum).
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MEDICAL SERVICES NOT COVERED BY STUDENTS’ INSURANCE:

  • Infertility treatments.
  • Dentist and physiotherapy (unless it is a part of hospital treatment);
  • Plastic surgery and laser vision correction.
  • Medical services outside Australia even during the duration of a student visa, during a holiday in Asia or New Zealand (we recommend separate travel insurance)
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Where can I purchase OSHC?

OSHC is offered only by certain insurance providers. It is covered by the Deed of Agreement with the Department of Health, and its purpose is to offer international students health services at a reasonable cost. Some of the OSHC providers are:

Health InsurerInsurer website
AHM OSHCwww.ahmoshc.com
ALLIANZ CARE AUSTRALIA (PEOPLECARE)www.allianzcare.com.au/en/student-visa-oshc.html
BUPA AUSTRALIAwww.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc
CBHS INTERNATIONAL HEALTHwww.cbhsinternationalhealth.com.au/overseas-students-oshc
MEDIBANK PRIVATEwww.medibank.com.au
NIB OSHCwww.nib.com.au
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Your Well-Being Matters:

Ensuring you have the right health coverage is crucial for a positive and successful academic journey in Australia. OSHC not only meets visa requirements but also provides the peace of mind needed to focus on your studies and make the most of your time Down Under. Prioritize your health, prioritize your success!

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