Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students and their dependents. OSHC helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care that you might need while in Australia.
When to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover
Arrange and pay for Overseas Student Health Cover before arriving in Australia.
You must have this health cover in place for the full duration of your student visa. This is a visa requirement.
During your stay, OSHC will cover you and your family for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceutical medicines.
How to choose an OSHC insurer
You can arrange OSHC health insurance through your educational institution or buy online from an OSHC insurer website.
Compare providers and find out more about Overseas Student Health Cover on the OSHC Australia website at oshcaustralia.com.au
Check your policy for what's covered
Check the details of your policy to understand what expenses are covered. Sometimes you may be asked to pay a 'gap' amount. This happens when the expense of the medical treatment is only partly covered by the health insurance. The part that is not covered by insurance is called the gap and this is the amount you need to pay.
Some OSHC insurers have arrangements with preferred hospitals. These arrangements can mean that if you use a preferred hospital or health provider, there are less gap costs, less paperwork and other benefits. Check your insurer's website to find health providers and hospitals that bill direct with your insurer.
How to use your OSHC card
If you see a doctor or need emergency treatment show your OSHC insurance card.
If you do not have OSHC cover you can still receive treatment but you will need to pay the full amount for it.
Additional ambulance cover
OSHC includes limited ambulance cover.
If you want to have a higher level of cover during your stay contact Ambulance Victoria.
Read more on the membership page of the Ambulance Victoria website.
Private health insurance
Along with your OSHC you might want to consider purchasing private health insurance to cover items that your OSHC does not cover.
You can take out private health insurance to cover just you or your family as well. Benefits, membership costs and eligibility can vary greatly between funds and insurance policies, so when buying health insurance take care to ensure the cover you select is suitable for your needs.
You can find more information at: www.privatehealth.gov.au
Travel insurance
Australia has a very reliable travel industry, but cancelled flights, lost luggage or other un-planned issues can arise. If you are travelling with valuables or are on a travel schedule you have to meet, travel insurance can help cover any mishaps or missed flights. You can arrange travel insurance through a range of providers including travel insurance companies, airlines and travel booking companies.
