When do I need to buy a health cover?

Students who belong to a nation that lacks a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHCA) with Australia require an Overseas Student Health Cover. Students hailing from 11 RHCA nations can avail healthcare services for free or at a subsidised rate.

However, all international students need an OSHC cover in the longer run, save for those coming from Sweden, Norway, and Belgium as the health covers from their home country are valid and accessible in Australia, too!



What does an OSHC cover?

A prominent Overseas Student Health Cover, such as BUPA OSHC, makes a massive difference between an affordable expense and a hefty hospital bill.

An OSHC helps international students cover the cost of healthcare services such as medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency ambulance service, and expensive prescription medications.

In general, an OSHC covers the following expenses:

  • Hospitalization bills and treatment cost
  • Out-patient emergency hospital treatment
  • Emergency ambulance services
  • 100% cover on MBS expense for in-patient medical procedures such as surgery and healthcare procedures for extended diseases
  • Private or public shared ward accommodations for private hospitals that are affiliated or accredited by an OSHC health partner
  • Surgically-implanted prostheses covered by the Federal Government
  • Certain prescription medicines referred by a GP or specialist

It is important to note that a usual OSHC Plan does not cover contact lens or eyeglass procedures, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and dental services.

However, some student health policies in Australia, such as BUPA OSHC & OVHC, cover these services under the "Extra Benefit" feature on their plans at some added cost.

How does OSHC work?

Students in need of medical attention can look for a General Practitioner in close proximity that is accredited with their OSHC Policy.

The students should check beforehand and keep information about clinics and hospitals around their university or accommodation. The information is readily available on Google and Social Media.

Most GPs work round-the-clock either from their clinic or from home. In case of a serious health issue needing specialized attention, your GP can refer you to a specialist.

How Budget Policy can help you in getting the best OSHC Policy

With so many health insurance providers around in a foreign land, finding the best health cover can be a daunting task. It is important that you compare all available plans before buying. A wrong OSHC Plan can make you pay a hefty bill on medical treatments if it does not cover the situation and condition you are facing!

That is where Budget Policy comes in handy. Budget Policy provides you 1-click instant comparison of OSHC policies by some of Australia's leading health partners, including BUPA, NIB, AHM, and Medibank.

All our partners provide feature-rich health insurance plans with the broadest coverage in the industry. In addition, Budget Policy gives you a whopping discount of up to 50% on all plans.

Simply compare the plans and buy the one that best suits your needs. All plans from our health partners meet the documentation requirements of more than 16 types of Australian visas.

So, why wait? Grab your preferred health insurance cover now!

Compare leading Bupa OSHC and Bupa OVHC plans and buy one now.

Location: Australia

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