[ads1]Are you planning to study in Australia? It is suggested that you apply for health insurance before you start visa application process. Health insurance helps you to lessen the burden of expensive health services in Australia. Health insurance is the cheap option to get better health services. You can save yourself from being robbed of lots of money in case of health emergencies by having health insurance. Moreover, while applying for a visa you must have attached a copy of health insurance along with it.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the right kind of insurance for students planning to study in Australia. OSHC is health insurance arranged for international students to assist the hospital and medical costs.
Who needs Overseas Student Health cover?
An international student and his/her dependents ( spouse, or children below 18 yrs) are required to take OSHC. OSHC covers doctor visits, some hospital treatment, a cost of the ambulance and some medicines.
International student means:
-a person with a student visa or
a person who is
-an applicant for a student visa and is the holder of a bridging visa OR
– was the holder of a student visa before being granted the bridging visa.
However, Norwegian, Swedish, Belgian students need not take OSHC.
How much do you need to pay for Student Health Cover?
The cost of Overseas Student Health Cover varies from insurers, their policies, type of cover and duration of cover. International students have to contact their private health insurer for policy related information of Overseas Student Health Cover so that appropriate policy can be chosen.
How do you purchase OSHC?
You can whether pay for your Overseas Student Health Cover through your educational institution or purchase OSHC online by visiting the OSHC insurers’ websites. Australian Health Management, Allianz Global Assistance, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private offer OSHC.
How do you pay for treatment?
Generally, hospital bills are directly sent to the Overseas Student Health Cover insurer for payment. You have two choices to pay for the treatment. You can pay the bill of your treatment and then get a refund from your Cover insurer, or the unpaid account can be given directly to your Overseas Student Health Cover insurer. You need to pay the chemist first and then claim back pharmaceutical from your health insurer.
How long do you need an OSHC cover?
OSHC cover must be obtained as long as the duration of the student visa. If you extend you visa duration, you must renew yourOverseas Student Health Cover policy. Students are required to pay cover for a minimum of five years which is equal to the duration of their visa. You can choose for a longer cover if you need. [ads2]
