As an international student, you're not covered by Australia's Medicare system. That's why having the right health insurance is not just a visa requirement – it's essential protection for your wellbeing and peace of mind.
1 OSHC: Your Essential Health Coverage
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for international students studying in Australia. This specialized insurance provides financial protection for medical treatments and hospital care you might need during your studies.
Key Benefits of OSHC:
- Coverage for doctor visits and medical consultations
- Hospital treatment and emergency services
- Prescription medications through the PBS
- Emergency ambulance services
- Protection against unexpected medical costs
2 Coverage Requirements and Duration
Your OSHC policy must remain active for your entire course duration, including any accompanying family members. This is a mandatory requirement for your student visa approval and maintenance.
Important Considerations:
- Individual students need single coverage
- Couples require dual coverage plans
- Families need comprehensive family policies
- Coverage must start before you arrive in Australia
- Policy must extend through your entire study period
3 Understanding Your Coverage Options
Standard OSHC covers essential medical and hospital services. However, routine services like dental care, optical services, and physiotherapy typically require additional coverage known as OSHC Extras.
Standard OSHC Covers:
- General practitioner and specialist consultations
- Hospital admissions and treatments
- Approved pharmaceutical items
- Pathology and radiology services
- Ambulance emergency transport
OSHC Extras Can Include:
- Dental examinations and treatments
- Optical services and prescription glasses
- Physiotherapy sessions
- Chiropractic care
- Other allied health services
4 OSHC vs OVHC: Understanding the Difference
Different visa types require different health coverage. Understanding which insurance you need is crucial for compliance and adequate protection.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover):
- Required for: Student visa holders (Subclass 500)
- Must be purchased upfront for entire study period
- Covers medical and hospital expenses
- Must be from government-approved providers
OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover):
- Required for: Working holiday visas, temporary work visas (482, 485, 408), bridging visas
- Can be paid monthly rather than upfront
- Provides hospital and medical coverage
- Optional extras for general treatments available
- May include limited pharmaceutical benefits
5 How We Help You
Navigating health insurance options can be confusing, especially when you're new to Australia. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance to help you:
- Select the most appropriate insurance type for your visa
- Compare policies from approved providers
- Understand coverage levels and costs
- Complete application processes correctly
- Determine if you need extras coverage
- Ensure compliance with visa requirements
Why Choose Our Service: We work with all approved OSHC and OVHC providers, ensuring you get unbiased advice tailored to your specific needs and budget. Our goal is to help you secure comprehensive, affordable coverage so you can study with confidence.
Important Notes About Coverage
Your health insurance covers medically necessary treatments and services. COVID-19 related medical care is included in both OSHC and OVHC policies, providing you with comprehensive protection.
Remember to purchase your insurance from government-approved providers only. We can help you identify legitimate insurers and avoid potential issues with your visa application.
Get Started Today: Contact our team for expert guidance on choosing and purchasing the right health insurance for your Australian stay. Protecting your health is an investment in your successful study experience.