Everything you should know about a compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Hello everyone,
When you apply for student visa in Australia, you will need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to meet your student visa requirements. Your student visa will be valid for the same as your OSHC policy to ensure that you have OSHC for the entire period you are in Australia. Without private health insurance such as OSHC you would have to pay the full cost of any medical expense or hospital stay. This could add up to many thousands of dollars.  You can choose a single policy that covers you only or a family policy which provides health insurance for you, your partner and any dependent children under 18 if they live with you in Australia and are listed on your student visa. 

What does OSHC cover?
OSHC provides a safety net for international students. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).There are 5 private insurers which offer OSHC and they can provide a range of different OSHC products. Our advise is to compare policies from different OSHC insurers before selecting your insurer to make sure that the level of cover you have chosen meets your needs. 

How much does OSHC cost?
The OSHC cost varies depending on the type of cover required. The minimum cover is from $456 per year for singles, $1222 for 12 months couples cover, $1744 for single parents cover and over $2000 family cover.

How do you purchase OSHC?
You can arrange to pay for your OSHC through your educational institution or you can purchase OSHC directly from the OSHC insurer. Study Online Australia team works closely with Nib private insurance which offers OSHC in very competitive rates. 

How do I use my OSHC card?
If you need to visit a doctor of medical centre, show your  card/payment confirmation and your student ID when you attend your appointment. You will be charged the doctor's fee and the government fee component of that may be processed by the medical centre. You will either to be able claim straight away or may incur an additional charge. Remember to keep a receipt and submit a claim through your OSHC provider.

Not everyone needs to organize OSHC
Some students may be exempt from enrolling in the OSHC such as students from countries whose Governments may have Reciprocal Health Agreements for students in Australia. Note: Only some reciprocal health agreements cover students in Australia (students from Norway, Sweden and Belgium), some will only cover visitors. Study Online Australia team will assist if  you are eligible before you apply for your student visa.

Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our Study Online Australia team.