Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is insurance that helps cover the cost of medical care for international students while they are living in Australia, which in some instances, applies to pharmaceuticals and ambulance services. It is a compulsory requirement for all student visa holders in Australia. International students must maintain OSHC for the duration of their student visa, as do any family members, such as partners and children.
In the context of the OSHC, an overseas student constitutes anyone that holds a student visa or someone who has applied for a student visa, holds a bridging visa and has, prior to receiving their bridging visa, held a student visa.
Who provides OSHC?
There are many providers that can offer OSHC to international students. These private health insurers include:
- Peoplecare*
- BUPA
- Medibank
- Australian Health Management**
- nib
*Allianz Global Assistance offers OSHC policies under an arrangement with Peoplecare
**ahm health insurance is a business of Medibank
Documentation that is required.
A deed for the provision of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an official, legally binding document that states the rules that domestic health funds must comply with if they wish to provide OSHC policies.
Is it acceptable to use an overseas provider for OSHC insurance?
International students cannot use overseas insurers, a protocol that allows the Federal Government to regulate those living temporarily in Australia. Students from particular countries, such as Norway, Beligum and Sweden, may have different arrangements based on their own national schemes.
Who to contact for assistance.
If you’re facing trouble with your OSHC, get in touch with your insurer first. If the problem cannot be resolved, you should contact the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO), a free, independent service that helps those with health insurance-related issues and enquiries.