International Students And Medicare: What's The Deal?

International students in Australia are not eligible for Medicare and are required to pay upfront for emergency treatment. However, they can apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is insurance designed to help international students cover medical expenses and hospital care. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders and their dependents, and it is important to have continuous cover for the duration of your stay in Australia. Basic OSHC covers visits to the doctor, some hospital treatments, ambulance cover, and access to private hospitals. Students can also purchase additional coverage for services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy. The cost of OSHC depends on your medical history and the level of coverage chosen, with individuals paying around A$438 per year on average.

International students in Australia must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International students in Australia are required to apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their studies in the country. OSHC is a type of insurance that helps international students cover medical and hospital expenses they may incur while studying in Australia. It is a mandatory requirement for students with a temporary student visa to maintain continuous OSHC coverage throughout their stay in Australia.

The cost of OSHC depends on an individual's medical history and the chosen level of coverage. On average, a single person pays about A$438 per year, while couples and families can expect to pay higher premiums. OSHC provides access to essential healthcare services, including visits to the doctor, hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and limited pharmaceuticals. However, it is important to note that basic OSHC does not typically cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services.

Students can choose from a range of OSHC plans offered by a small number of registered health insurers. It is recommended to compare policies and benefits from different providers to ensure the best coverage at a reasonable cost. Students can apply for OSHC through their university or directly with an OSHC provider.

While international students in Australia are not covered by Medicare, the country's national health insurance program, they can access Medicare services once they have paid for their OSHC plan. Additionally, students from certain countries, such as Belgium, Norway, and Sweden, may be exempt from purchasing OSHC due to reciprocal health care agreements or national schemes.

OSHC is insurance designed to help international students cover medical expenses

In Australia, Medicare is the public healthcare system that covers a significant amount of the costs required for healthcare services. However, Medicare does not cover international students. To address this, international students can apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is a health insurance policy specifically designed to help them cover medical expenses during their studies in Australia.

OSHC is a mandatory requirement for international students on a student visa in Australia and must be maintained for the entire duration of their stay. It ensures that international students have access to essential healthcare services, including medical treatment and hospital care, without experiencing financial hardship. The cost of OSHC depends on an individual's medical history and the chosen level of coverage. On average, an individual pays about A$438 each year, while couples and families can expect to pay higher premiums.

Basic OSHC plans typically cover visits to the doctor, some hospital treatments, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance cover in emergencies, access to private hospitals, and day surgeries. It is important to note that basic OSHC does not usually cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. International students seeking coverage for these additional services may need to purchase 'Extras' OSHC or consider additional private health insurance alongside their basic OSHC plan.

To apply for OSHC, international students can do so through their university or a provider. Popular providers include Allianz Global Assistance and OSHC Australia, which is the only place to compare all six Australian government-approved OSHC providers simultaneously. Students are advised to compare policies and choose the one that best suits their needs and offers the highest benefits at the lowest cost. It is crucial for international students to have continuous health coverage during their time in Australia, ensuring they meet the requirements of their student visa and can access the necessary healthcare services without financial burden.

Students from Belgium, Sweden and Norway are exempt from OSHC

In Australia, Medicare is the public healthcare system that allows residents access to physical and mental healthcare services. International students in Australia are not covered by Medicare and must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is an insurance policy that helps international students cover any medical or hospital care expenses they might need during their studies in Australia. It is mandatory for international students and their dependants to have OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. However, students from Belgium, Sweden, and Norway are exempt from purchasing OSHC policies.

Belgian students are covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and Belgium. This agreement ensures that Belgian students have access to necessary healthcare services during their stay in Australia. Similarly, Swedish students who are covered by the National Board of Student Aid (CSN) or Kammarkollegiet do not need to purchase OSHC. These agencies provide international health cover for Swedish students studying in Australia. On the other hand, Norwegian students are provided with health insurance by the Norwegian government. This means that Norwegian students already have adequate health coverage and do not need to purchase additional OSHC.

It is important to note that OSHC does not cover all types of medical expenses. While it includes visits to the doctor, hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and limited pharmaceuticals, it does not typically cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. If students from Belgium, Sweden, or Norway require these additional services, they may need to purchase supplementary insurance or pay out of pocket.

International students who are not from the exempt countries must purchase OSHC before leaving their home country. They can compare policies from different providers to find the best coverage for their needs. The cost of OSHC depends on the student's medical history and the chosen level of coverage. On average, individuals pay about A$438 per year, while couples and families can expect to pay higher premiums. Maintaining valid OSHC is crucial for complying with student visa conditions, and failure to do so may result in visa cancellation.

OSHC providers often have direct billing relationships with medical clinics

In Australia, Medicare is the public healthcare system that allows residents access to physical and mental healthcare services. International students in Australia are not covered by Medicare and must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance designed to help international students cover any medical or hospital care expenses they may need during their studies in Australia.

The cost of OSHC depends on the level of coverage and an individual's medical history. On average, a person pays about A$438 per year, while couples pay about A$2,685, and family cover costs roughly A$4,026. OSHC insurance plans usually do not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. However, OSHC providers often have direct billing relationships with medical clinics to ensure students can access treatment with minimal upfront expenses.

A direct billing provider has an agreement with the OSHC provider to send the bill directly to them, reducing or eliminating the upfront payment usually required at the time of the appointment. Depending on the doctor, there may be an 'out-of-pocket' expense not covered by the OSHC provider. Students should confirm any 'out-of-pocket' expenses before their consultation. Students must also remember to take their OSHC membership card and photo identification, such as a student ID card, to their appointments.

Upon completing the OSHC application and receiving a quote, students can finalise and pay for their cover. Once they have paid for their OSHC plan, they are eligible to use Australian medical services, including Medicare. Students should contact their OSHC provider before going to a private hospital to ensure they will be covered for treatment at that hospital. Similarly, students should contact their OSHC provider before visiting a public hospital in a non-emergency situation or for an elective procedure. In an emergency, students should go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital and call an ambulance if necessary.

You can apply for OSHC via your university or a provider

As an international student, you must purchase and maintain health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, does not cover international students. Instead, international students must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance designed to help international students cover medical expenses and hospital care while studying in Australia.

When you accept your offer to study, you will likely need to pay for OSHC for the full duration of your studies. The cost of OSHC varies depending on the duration of your degree and the number of dependents you have. On average, individuals pay about A$438 each year, couples pay about A$2,685, and family cover costs roughly A$4,026.

If you purchase OSHC through your university, you may benefit from lower fees and no waiting periods for certain benefits, such as pre-existing mental health and obstetrics. You can compare prices from different providers to ensure you receive the highest benefits for the lowest cost. Basic OSHC covers visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance cover, some prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. Dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments are typically not covered by basic OSHC but may be available as 'extras' from some providers.

Once you choose your provider, you will need to complete an application and provide information such as your personal details, student status, and duration of your stay in Australia. After providing all the required information, you will receive a quote and can finalise and pay for your cover.

Frequently asked questions