Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is a health insurance plan that is required for all international students studying in Australia. It helps to cover the cost of medical expenses, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, and emergency treatment.
OSHC is not the same as Medicare, which is the Australian government's universal health care system. Medicare only covers Australian citizens and permanent residents.
There are many different OSHC providers, and the policies vary in terms of coverage and cost. It is important to shop around and compare policies before choosing one.
What services are covered by OSHC?
Basic OSHC usually covers:
- Doctor's visits
- Hospital stays
- Emergency treatment
- Restricted medications
- Some prosthetic devices
Some OSHC providers also offer coverage for dental, optical, and physiotherapy services.
Does OSHC pay for all medical expenses?
No, OSHC does not pay for all medical expenses. It usually covers a portion of the costs, and you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.
The amount of coverage that OSHC provides varies depending on the policy. It is important to read the policy carefully before you purchase it.
How much does OSHC cost?
The cost of OSHC varies depending on the policy and the age of the student. It is important to shop around and compare policies before choosing one.
OSHC is a valuable insurance policy for international students studying in Australia. It can help to protect you from high medical expenses in case of an illness or injury.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about OSHC:
- You must have OSHC in place before you arrive in Australia.
- You must keep OSHC throughout your studies.
- If you lose your OSHC, you must get a new policy as soon as possible.
- You can claim OSHC benefits by submitting a claim form to your provider.
If you are an international student studying in Australia, it is important to understand how OSHC works. It can help you to protect yourself from financial hardship in case of an illness or injury.