What is your access to healthcare and insurance as an international student in Australia?

Australia, often known as “The Land Down Under” and “The Land of Kangaroos,” is one of the most popular study abroad destinations. Many students apply for admission to Australia's premier schools and institutions to pursue the programmes of their choice. Australia has the third-highest number of international students in the world, behind only the UK and the US, which is an impressive accomplishment for a nation with only 24 million residents. There are many options because Australia is home to 37 prestigious universities, seven of which are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2023.

The best universities in Australia are spread out across the whole country, from Perth in the west to Brisbane in the east, Darwin in the north, and Hobart in the south. Australian institutions are well-known worldwide and provide a wide range of academic options. Australia offers courses in a wide range of subject areas, including social sciences, business analytics, medicine, engineering, law, and artificial intelligence. The Australian health insurance system is excellent, much like the country itself. In Australia, access to healthcare has been progressively expanding. Australia has one of the highest life expectancy rates among all industrialised countries, both for men and women. Before beginning your study abroad experience, it's important to become familiar with the local health insurance system. Thanks to the insurance, you are secure in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.

Health Services in Australia

Health Care for International Students in Australia:

Any one of the following health insurance plans must be obtained if you are an international student hoping to complete your degree in Australia:

• Private insurance policy for short-term courses/initiatives
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Coverage) for prolonged study periods

1. Individual Health Insurance

International students studying in Australia are allowed to enrol in courses with a duration of three months or less while in the country on a tourist visa. Such students are recommended to acquire private health insurance. You can choose to include coverage for any dependents who are living with you while you study abroad in Australia, or you can build plans that solely protect you. Make sure to complete your research before purchasing an international student insurance to make sure the plan you choose is most suited to your individual requirements. The cost and eligibility of insurance may differ significantly between funds and policies.

2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

If you intend to enrol in a programme of study in Australia for a duration longer than three months, a student visa and an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) are required. One of the requirements for your student visa is this. Students are required to maintain active, current insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia. It covers some prescription drugs, ambulance costs, medical expenditures, and doctor visits. OSHC is one of the best investments you can make because medical costs in Australia are higher than those in many other countries, in addition to being a condition for enrolling in a programme of study in Australia. Except for students from Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden, all visitors to Australia on student visas are obliged to acquire Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay.

3. Cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Australian Government's Department of Health allows the following health funds to provide OSHC

• Medibank Private
• BUPA Australia
• CBHS International Health
• NIB OSHC
• Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare)
• ahm OSHC

Depending on the type of coverage required, the OSHC costs vary. As of 2023, the lowest cost minimal protection for an individual for a full year is approximately AUD 591. You can either purchase your OSHC online from the website of the recognised OSHC provider, or your educational institution may make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. It would be best if you spoke with the various OSHC providers before choosing the level of coverage you would like to purchase to make sure it meets your needs.

4. What exactly does Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) cover?

The OSHC plans are combined to provide coverage for international students studying in Australia who need medical care at a clinic or hospital as well as for a select number of prescription drugs. Before purchasing a plan, it is essential to contact each OSHC provider to ensure you have the coverage you require. Additionally, learn about the waiting periods, exclusions, and other limitations of the plan. The OSHC insurance plan will not pay for any care received outside of the nation, including travel to or from Australia. Typically, OSHC does not provide coverage for dental, optical, or physiotherapy treatments.

5. Payment Confirmation

Following the submission of your application, you must present payment confirmations and proof that your OSHC coverage starts the minute you land in Australia.

Conclusion

Hope this blog has given you a fair glimpse of the health insurance that you need to subscribe to in Australia. Get in touch with our student counsellors at MWT Education Consultancy and take advantage of our extensive selection of services for students in locations like Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand among others.