International students who are planning to study in Australia must have comprehensive health insurance. This article will discuss everything international students need to know about health cover in Australia.
Why do international students need health cover in Australia?
International students in Australia are not covered by Australia’s national health insurance program called Medicare. This means they would be liable for the high cost of medical treatment if they get sick, injured or hurt while studying in the country. To avoid the financial burden associated with medical treatment, international students are required to have adequate health insurance.
What are the types of health insurance available for international students?
There are two types of health insurance available for international students in Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and Travel Insurance. OSHC covers students for medical treatment that is necessary and unavoidable while they are studying in Australia. Travel insurance, on the other hand, is designed to cover travel-related risks such as flight cancellation or lost baggage.
What does OSHC cover?
OSHC covers international students for a range of medical services, including:
– Hospital treatment and accommodation fees (including day surgery fees)
– Medical treatment fees when admitted to a public or private hospital as an inpatient or outpatient
– Ambulance services in an emergency
– Prescription medicine
– Diagnostic services such as X-rays and blood tests
– Some out-of-hospital medical services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic and osteopathy.
It’s essential to note that OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy services that are not related to an injury or illness.
How much does OSHC cost?
The cost of OSHC varies depending on the duration of your stay and the level of coverage you require. Generally, it can cost between $500 and $1000 per year per person.
What should international students consider when choosing a health insurance provider?
When choosing a health insurance provider, international students should consider:
– The level of coverage offered
– The cost of the policy
– The reputation of the provider
– The claims process and how easy it is to make a claim
– The flexibility of the policy (can you upgrade or downgrade your coverage?).
It’s vital to compare different policies and providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
In conclusion, international students in Australia must have adequate health insurance to avoid the financial burden of medical treatment. OSHC is the most common type of health insurance, and it covers a range of medical services. When choosing a health insurance provider, it is essential to consider the level of coverage, cost, reputation, claims process, and flexibility of the policy. Ultimately, having comprehensive health insurance will give international students peace of mind and allow them to focus on their studies.