Janice Lozano
International students in Australia are not covered by Medicare, the country's public healthcare system. Instead, international students must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is designed to cover any medical expenses or hospital care they may need during their studies. Students can apply for OSHC through their university or a provider. Once they have paid for their OSHC plan, they are eligible to use Australian medical services. Students should apply for OSHC and obtain their OSHC card before leaving their home country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for a Medicare card? | Residents of Australia with a permanent residency visa or those who have applied for one. |
| Who is not eligible for a Medicare card? | Those who have applied for an 804 or 103 parent visa. |
| Who might be eligible for Medicare benefits? | Holders of the new Regional Provisional visas (491 visa and 494 visa); applicants for a permanent visa with the right to work in Australia; temporary visa holders from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia. |
| What is OSHC? | Overseas Student Health Cover is insurance designed to help international students cover medical expenses or hospital care while studying in Australia. |
| Who needs OSHC? | International students and their family members (partners and children under 18) need OSHC for the duration of their stay in Australia. |
| Who is exempt from OSHC? | Students from Belgium, Sweden, and Norway have alternative health coverage. |
| How to apply for OSHC? | Apply via your university or a provider (e.g., Allianz Global Assistance). Provide required information, receive a quote, and finalize payment. |
| What does OSHC cover? | Basic medical and hospital care. Extra OSHC can cover dental, physiotherapy, and optical services. |
| How to get a Medicare card? | Enrol online as an individual or family through myGov. Provide identity and residency documents. Receive a Medicare card number and, later, a physical card in the mail. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Australia must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students in Australia are not covered by Medicare, the country's public healthcare system. Instead, international students must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), a health insurance policy designed specifically for international students studying in Australia. OSHC provides coverage for medical expenses, hospitalisation, and other healthcare services for the duration of their studies in Australia. It is a requirement for student visas and ensures that international students can access healthcare services without facing financial hardship.
There are several OSHC providers offering different plans with varying benefits and costs. The compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan typically covers visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance cover, some prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. It is important to note that basic OSHC plans do not usually cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. Students who wish to have coverage for these services can purchase Extras OSHC or additional private coverage.
International students can choose their preferred OSHC provider and plan based on their specific needs and budget. They have the option to take out OSHC with their institution's recommended provider or another provider of their choice. It is recommended that students compare policies from different providers to ensure they receive the highest benefits at the lowest cost. Payment arrangements also differ between providers, so it is essential to contact the chosen provider for detailed information.
Once international students have selected their OSHC provider and plan, they need to complete an application and provide the necessary information and payment. After finalising their cover, students can access Australian medical (Medicare) services for the duration of their studies in Australia. It is important to maintain continuous OSHC coverage and renew or switch providers if necessary to avoid any lapse in coverage, as this may result in visa cancellation.
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OSHC providers and the additional services they offer
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance to help cover any medical expenses or hospital care they may need during their studies. OSHC is a mandatory requirement for student visas and ensures that international students can access healthcare services while in Australia.
There are six Australian government-approved OSHC providers, each offering different features and pricing. Here is some information about some of the OSHC providers and the additional services they offer:
Medibank
Medibank is a trusted Australian health insurance provider with over 4.1 million members. Their OSHC plan meets the requirements set out by the Australian Government and provides access to a range of health support services, including registered nurses, counselling services, emergency legal advice, travel document assistance, and interpreter services. Medibank OSHC members also have access to the OSHC app, which offers 24/7 online consultations with qualified medical doctors at no additional cost. Additionally, Medibank offers Student Rewards Plus, which provides exclusive discounts, special offers, and support to help students save money, find work, and enhance their skills during their studies.
Allianz Care Australia
Allianz Care Australia is another OSHC provider that offers 24/7 support to its members. They have a large network of doctors and medical providers across Australia and provide access to qualified doctors via phone or video call. Allianz Care Australia also offers a Hospital in the Home treatment model, where medical specialists can come to your home for certain conditions. Their OSHC plan includes mental health services through Sonder, providing confidential support for safety, medical, and mental health needs via chat, phone, or in person.
Lysaght Peoplecare (Allianz Global Assistance)
Lysaght Peoplecare is another OSHC provider, subcontracted by Allianz Global Assistance. While specific details of their additional services are not readily available, they are one of the most popular providers for international students.
It is important to note that OSHC plans do not typically cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. However, some providers, like Allianz Care Australia, offer OSHC Extras coverage for these additional services. Additionally, international students can compare OSHC providers and their features through OSHC Australia to find the right plan that meets their individual needs.
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How to enrol in Medicare
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 medical expenses or hospital care during their studies in Australia. It is a requirement for all international students and their family members to have OSHC for the duration of their stay in Australia.
To enrol in Medicare as an Australian resident, you need to have a permanent resident visa or have applied for one. You must prove your identity and residency, and that you live in Australia.
To enrol in Medicare, you can apply online through myGov as an individual or as a family. You will need to provide details and identity documents for any children under 15. If you are unable to enrol online, you can complete a Medicare enrolment form and mail or email it with your supporting documents to Medicare Enrolment Services.
If your application is approved, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail, and you will be assigned a Medicare card number. You can also get a digital copy of your Medicare card through the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, which requires a myGov account linked to your Medicare online account.
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What to do if you're under 15 or have a newborn baby
International students in Australia must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to cover any medical expenses or hospital care they might need during their studies. OSHC is a type of insurance designed specifically for international students. To be eligible for OSHC, students must apply before leaving their home country and maintain their cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.
If you are under 15, you can be included on your family's Medicare card. If you are already on your parent's Medicare card, you are enrolled and do not need to re-enrol. When you turn 15, you can apply for your own Medicare card.
If you have a newborn baby, you can enrol them in Medicare using the Newborn Child Declaration, which you will receive from the hospital. If your child was born overseas, you will need to provide additional documents, including a Medicare enrolment form and proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency for both yourself and your child. If your child has an Australian passport or enters Australia on a foreign passport with the intention to live in the country, they are eligible for Medicare. If you have been overseas for less than 12 months, you will need to fill out a Medicare enrolment form for your child and provide supporting documents. If you have been overseas for more than 12 months, you will need to enrol both yourself and your child, completing a Medicare enrolment form for each of you.
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What to do if your visa type is not eligible for Medicare
International students in Australia are required to apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is an insurance plan that covers international students' medical expenses and hospital care while they study in Australia. This is a mandatory requirement for all international students on a student visa and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country. However, students from Belgium, Sweden, and Norway are exempt from this requirement due to Reciprocal Health Care Agreements.
If your visa type is not eligible for Medicare in Australia, you may need to explore alternative options to ensure you have adequate health coverage. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consider your specific situation: Evaluate your medical history, potential health risks, and specific healthcare needs. This will help you determine the level of coverage you require.
- Explore private insurance options: Research private insurance companies that offer plans tailored to international students. These plans can vary in terms of coverage and cost, so it is essential to compare different providers and choose a plan that aligns with your university's requirements and provides access to local healthcare providers.
- University-sponsored health plans: Many universities in Australia offer comprehensive health insurance plans specifically designed for their international students. These plans often cover a range of medical services, including doctor's visits, hospitalization, and mental health services. Check with your university to see if they offer such plans and if you are eligible to enrol.
- Seek country-specific alternatives: Depending on your country of origin, you may be covered under reciprocal health care agreements. For instance, students from Belgium, Sweden, and Norway are covered under such agreements and may not need separate health insurance.
- Complete the necessary paperwork: If you choose to enrol in a private insurance plan or a university-sponsored plan, carefully review and complete all the required documentation. Provide accurate and detailed information to ensure a smooth application process.
- Maintain compliance: Remember that maintaining valid health insurance is crucial for maintaining your student visa status. Ensure that you renew your insurance plan as needed and comply with any requirements set by the Australian government or your educational institution.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you have appropriate health coverage even if your visa type is not eligible for Medicare in Australia. It is important to prioritize your health and well-being during your studies abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
Medicare is Australia's public healthcare system that allows residents of the country to access physical and mental healthcare services.
International students in Australia are not covered by Medicare. Instead, they must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance designed to help international students cover medical expenses or hospital care during their studies in Australia.
To apply for OSHC, you will need to apply via your university or a provider, such as Allianz Global Assistance. After choosing your provider, you will need to complete an application and provide information such as identity documents and travel documents.
OSHC covers medical and hospital care. However, it typically does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy services. To be covered for these services, you may need to purchase additional private coverage.
