We all know that Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking higher education. The country is known for its high-quality education, multicultural environment and exceptional quality of life. As a result, more students are choosing Australia as a study destination than ever before. This popularity has risen sharply in recent years.
However, as an international student, it’s important to understand the health care system in Australia and the options available for obtaining health insurance. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to OSHC and OVHC for international students in Australia. This article is based on the latest regulations in 2023. So let’s take a look!
What Is the OSHC?
The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory health insurance policy that all international students must purchase before coming to Australia. It provides coverage for medical services, hospital treatments, ambulance services and prescription medicines. OSHC is required for the entire duration of a student’s stay in Australia. It also must be renewed annually.
What Does the OSHC Cover?
OSHC provides coverage for a wide range of medical services and treatments, including:
- Doctor’s appointments and consultations
- Hospital treatments and accommodation
- Prescription medicines
- Emergency ambulance services
- Some diagnostic tests and scans
- Some additional medical procedures
It’s important to note that OSHC may not cover all medical services or treatments. For example, it may not cover dental treatments, optical services or elective cosmetic procedures. It’s highly recommended that students read their OSHC policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.
How Much Does the OSHC Cost?
The cost of OSHC varies depending on the insurer and the length of coverage required. It’s important to compare prices from different insurers to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. The average cost of OSHC for a single student is around $600 per year. But this cost can vary depending on the insurer.
What is the OVHC?
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a health insurance policy designed for non-student visa holders, such as visitors, workers or temporary residents. It provides similar coverage to the OSHC. The OVHC is not mandatory for international students. But it’s highly recommended for anyone visiting or living in Australia for an extended period.
What Does the OVHC Cover?
The OVHC provides coverage for a wide range of medical services and treatments. These services are similar to those covered by the OSHC, such as:
- Doctor’s appointments and consultations
- Hospital treatments and accommodation
- Prescription medicines
- Emergency ambulance services
- Some diagnostic tests and scans
- Some additional medical procedures
It’s important to note that OVHC also may not cover every kind of medical service or treatment. Like OSHC, it may not cover dental treatments, optical services or elective cosmetic procedures. So you should read the OVHC policy carefully to understand all the terms and conditions of this insurance policy.
How Much Does the OVHC Cost?
Like the OSHC, the cost of the OVHC varies depending on the insurer and the length of coverage required. You should compare the prices from different insurers here as well. This will make sure that you get access to this policy at a reasonable cost. The average cost of OVHC for a single person is approximately $80 per month. This can vary depending on the insurer.
How to Purchase the OSHC or OVHC
International students can purchase OSHC through their education provider or directly from an insurer. It’s recommended that students compare prices and policies from different insurers before making a purchase. Similarly, individuals can purchase OVHC directly from an insurer. We suggest seeking the help of professional migration or educational consultants for this purpose.
Education and Migration Consultancy Agencies
There are numerous agencies that can help you by providing useful tips and guidance when looking for a health insurance policy in Australia. Skilled and experienced consultants can also manage these facilities at a very reasonable price for you. Therefore, seeking the help of skilled consultants is a very convenient way to manage a health insurance policy.
Remember that there are some agencies with bad reputations. We always suggest doing some research and comparing different organisations before choosing a particular agency. Genuine agencies can arrange the perfect solution for you in a short period of time while maintaining transparency and honesty. Therefore, you should always try to be cautious in this matter.
Do not hesitate to ask your consultant about his previous experience and portfolio. You can also ask the consultant several questions to clear up any confusion and understand the whole process. A higher level of transparency can save both parties a lot of trouble and hassle in the long run. You and your consultant should stay on the same page throughout the process.
Conclusion
International students and visitors in Australia must have health insurance to cover medical expenses. OSHC is mandatory for international students. On the other hand, the OVHC is highly recommended for visitors and temporary residents. It’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered by each policy and to compare prices and policies from different insurers.
A health insurance policy can save you a lot of trouble if you’re visiting Australia as a tourist or international student. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to have this arranged beforehand. By having the right health insurance, international students and visitors can have peace of mind during their stay in Australia.
