Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to Study in Australia
OHSC is a health insurance to assist international students and their dependents meet the costs of unplanned medical or hospital care they may require during their formal studies in Australia. All international students intending to undertake formal studies in Australia are required to obtain an OSHC. The Department of Home Affairs requires international students to maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in Australia and they check the student’s OSHC policy period prior to granting a Student Visa (subclass 500). The OSHC includes cover for your visits to doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance and limited pharmaceuticals.
Australian registered private health insurers which have entered into the OSHC deed can offer OSHC and there are various options to choose from. Students can choose the insurer recommended by their education provider.
OSHC costs and how to purchase?
The costs will vary depending on the insurers and their policies and the type and duration of the cover required. It is best to check with your insurer for the cost which usually ranges from $450- $600 per year on average. It can be purchased in various ways. You can either purchase it through your educational institution, direct from the insurer, through migration agents or, through education agents acting as intermediaries on behalf of the Education Provider.
Education providers are permitted to recommend OSHC products where upon students obtaining one, the education providers must provide students with a copy of their OSHC policy including policy number, policy start date and end date with the policy inclusions.
International students are required to pay the total premium for the OSHC policy upfront for the entire duration of their stay after which the OSHC provider will provide you with a written confirmation of your payment received.
Length of OSHC Policy
Students can select the start date of their OSHC policy noting that the Student visa in is effect on the day it is granted as students cannot enter Australia until the commencement of the policy. Students generally are required to purchase OSHC at least one week prior to their course commencement date.
OSHC must be continuous and should cover the entire duration of their stay during their student visa.
Insurers provide a range of different OSHC products and you can check with your insurer to learn about the products offered.
