Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a type of health insurance that is specifically designed to help international students get access to essential medical and emergency services during their stay in Australia. 

Before submitting your OSHC purchase order, there are a few things you should know. This guide will inform international students on what to know when buying OSHC and provide some key considerations when purchasing OSHC.

Understanding Your Healthcare Needs

While abroad, you will still need to prioritise your health. This includes having routine medical check-ups, vaccinations, and managing pre-existing conditions. 

If you have asthma or diabetes, you’ll need access to a pharmacy to get your medicine. OSHC plans fall under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) which gives you significant discounts on your prescriptions. If you fail to have OSHC, you’ll have to pay premium prices out of pocket,

Certain health services such as dental care, mental health support, or specialist treatments might not be covered under standard OSHC plans. This means that you may incur additional out-of-pocket costs.

Budget and Cost Considerations

The cost of OSHC is based on several factors, including the length of stay, the level of coverage, and the insurance provider. 

When deciding on a plan, balance cost with coverage. Lower premiums aren’t always the best option. Depending on your medical needs, a more inclusive plan may save you money in the long run.

To budget for OSHC, start by comparing the different providers and plans. Take the time to go over your specific healthcare needs. Although it may be tempting to immediately go for the cheapest plan, your coverage needs to meet your medical requirements or else you could end up paying out of pocket. 

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, check whether it's covered and if there are any waiting periods. Manage your healthcare expenses while studying in Australia by finding a plan with the right mix of affordability and coverage. 

Duration of Coverage

A common mistake international students make with their OSHC purchase orders is failing to get a policy for the entire duration of their stay. Policies range anywhere from a few months to several years and can be purchased to align with the duration of their student visa. 

Exclusions and Limitations

Each policy will offer the minimum requirements outlined in condition 8501 of most student visas. But beyond this, each will have additional features as well as exclusions and limitations to be aware of. Exclusions and limitations are services and treatments that may not be covered or are only partially covered by your OSHC plan. 

Exclusions are the medical services or treatments that are not included in your OSHC policy. These are usually things like dental, optical, and elective surgeries. If you need any of these services, you’ll have to pay for them out of pocket.

Limitations refer to services that are only covered to a certain extent or under certain circumstances. There may also be caps, or limits, on how much your insurer will pay for certain treatments. You will be responsible for any costs beyond the insurer’s limitation.

It all comes down to reading comprehension. Be sure to read the fine print to understand what is and is not covered in your policy.

Customer Support and Assistance

Since you will be in a foreign country, customer service cannot be overlooked. The last thing you want is to deal with issues with your insurance provider following an accident or emergency. Good customer service will make your life much easier.

If English is not your first language, many providers offer multilingual assistance in several languages. Most providers also have 24/7 support teams.

You should research the customer service services of any potential OSHC provider. Verified customer reviews are a good place to start where you can hear the experiences of real people.

Renewal and Policy Extensions

Renewing your OSHC policy is relatively simple. You can elect to stay with the same insurance provider if you’re satisfied, or you can compare other policies and make a switch. You can renew your policy on your OSHC provider’s website in a few easy steps.

It is always a good idea to know your OSHC coverage’s expiry date and renew beforehand, if needed. Some insurance providers may offer a grace period which is usually up to 30 days after the policy’s expiry date. If you renew your coverage within the grace period your coverage will be considered valid.

Making the Right Choice for Your OSHC

Now you should know how to buy student health insurance in Australia. Remember to read the fine print, research customer reviews, and balance cost with coverage.

If you need OSHC to meet your 8501 visa condition, visit OSHC Australia today to compare the top insurance providers and receive an instant quote.