Compare & Select the Optimal Health Insurance Plan

Given its costly healthcare system, Australia considers health insurance as a necessity. Especially, if you are an international student or visitor, it becomes a lot more important to have one. First, it is one of the key visa requirements and second, it helps you cover your medical expenses while you enjoy your stay in the country peacefully.

Finding the right and suitable health insurance plan is not everyone's cup of tea. You have to understand the healthcare system and the health plan options available. It will help you to find the plan that fits best with your interests. In the following guide, we will help you understand the Australian healthcare system and the plans available so you can make informed decisions.

Understanding the Australian Healthcare System

It is essential to have a basic knowledge of the Australian healthcare system before you go ahead for choosing your health coverage. Australia is home to the best health facilities and hospitals and even better health insurance plans, catering to its people’s health needs.

As an international student or visitor, you have two health covers, each with different health benefits and medical needs –

·         Overseas Student Health Cover

·         Overseas Visitor Health Cover

For international students studying in Australia, OSHC is a mandatory insurance plan that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and emergency ambulance services in compliance with the Australian government's health requirements.

Likewise, OVHC is for international visitors, covering them for similar medical needs and other relevant treatments as per the need. OVHC ensures you to have a peaceful stay during your time in the country.

Types of Health Cover Plans

There are two different types of health cover plans in Australia – hospital cover and extras. The former provides health coverage for hospital accommodation, medical treatments, prescription, emergency medical services, and certain medical treatments as per the need. Whereas, the latter, provides you health coverage for dental, optical, physiotherapy, and alike treatments. You can also merge both the covers together and use the medical benefits to the fullest.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Plans

To make sure you choose the right health cover for you (or your family), we have enlisted certain factors that you must consider:

·         Coverage: Check the coverage provided to you i.e., whether hospital services and medical treatments are covered as per your need or not.

·         Cost: Next, check the price of the different health covers, compare, and then, finalize the one that fits your health needs and budget.

·         Waiting Periods: Ask your provider to explain waiting periods as different medical conditions have different waiting periods.

·         Provider Network: Ensure your preferred medical providers are included on your coverage to save money out of your pocket.

·         Policy Inclusions and Exclusions: Make sure you are thorough with your OSHC or OVHC plan in terms of what is inclusive and what is exclusive.

Tips for Selecting the Optimal Plan

To ease the process of buying the right and optimal health insurance in Australia, we have jotted down some important tips:

1. Understand Your Healthcare Needs: To decide on what you need to include in your health cover, you will have to consider your age, lifestyle, your current health condition, family planning if you recently got married, expected medical expenses, and so on.

2. Compare Multiple Quotes: Shortlist the providers' list and compare the prices of their health cover plans. Look out for features, extras, benefits, and more while comparing. You can visit Budget Policy for comparing and buying from major providers across Australia.

3. Seek Expert Advice: You can seek guidance from a professional to ensure a smooth and hassle-free comparing and buying process. The expert will provide you tailored solutions so you can find the plan that suits your needs best.

4. Stay Updated Regularly: Keep checking with your provider about your health coverage, to ensure you are updated with new changes, inclusions, exclusions, or any important information that is must for you to know.

Conclusion

For international visitors and students, understanding Australia's healthcare system is important as it takes care of their medical expenses and is a mandatory part of visa requirements. To choose the best plan, understand your healthcare requirements, compare several plans and their pricing, seek experts' guidance, and keep yourself updated regularly. This will ensure you to find the best OSHC or OVHC plan for your medical needs in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why OSHC is required to study in Australia?
As an international student studying in Australia, OSHC is important to have as it covers for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and emergency ambulance services in compliance with the Australian government's health requirements.

What are the two types of private health insurance in Australia?
As an international student or visitor, you have two health covers, each with different health benefits and medical needs – Overseas Student Health Cover and Overseas Visitor Health Cover.