Australia Health Insurance

Student Health Insurance

International Students in Australia receive special health cover, generally known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). International students from every country except Sweden and Norway are required to have OSHC to study and travel in Australia, as it is a condition of your student visa for the duration of your studies.
This insurance is very important, as international students are not covered by Australia’s national health program, otherwise known as ‘Medicare’.

The benefits of having Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is that it allows you to have affordable health cover, formatted to cover possible medical and hospital services you may require when studying in Australia.

There are many OSHC providers to choose from, and you can gain assistance in choosing one from your university or educational institution when you apply. Most universities will have a preferred provider, which makes your decision easier.
OSHC will cover both singles, or those with families who will be joining them when travelling to Australia. It is very important that you inform your institution of the level of cover you will need.

The Australian Government regulates OSHC, and only those Australian health funds which have signed a Deed with the Australian Government are able to provide you any OSHC.

There are four providers of OSHC in Australia, which are AHM, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, and OSHC Worldcare.


How to get OSHC

You actually need to gain OSHC cover before you can apply for a visa to study in Australia. Your application and payment to your OSHC provider will be lodged by your educational institution while they process your enrolment. Therefore you can gain your membership details either once you arrive in Australia, or as part of your orientation and enrolment program.


What will it cost

This all depends on the length of your studies in Australia. If you would like further information, however, your educational institution can provide you with more. Otherwise, you can also visit your OSHC provider’s website for more information.
Depending on your institution, you may need to pay the total cost of OSHC at once, in order to cover your whole stay in Australia. This can prove beneficial as you will therefore have no need to renew your cover if it will expire during your stay.
Renewing or Extending your Cover
If your OSHC is due to expire, you must renew it in order to continue studying and living in Australia. Generally your educational institution or OSHC provider will give you reminders, but it is ultimately your duty to renew your cover. Your health benefits will not be paid if your OSHC expires.


What is covered

OSHC will cover most medical and hospital costs you should need. OSHC also covers most prescription drugs, and also emergency ambulance transport.
Some costs are not usually included, such as dental and optometry expenses. However, you can take out additional cover if you feel you will need these services.
OSHC also does not cover pre-existing conditions like pregnancy or a prior illness. Therefore expenses for these conditions will need to be met by the student.
However, you should look carefully at your own OSHC providers’ website for details of their level of cover.