All You Need to Know About Overseas Health Student Coverage (OHSC)

OHSC, or Overseas Health Student Cover, is a health insurance product for international students who are going to study in Australia. It helps overseas students manage their health and medical needs. All Australian Visa applicants must have OHSC, according to the Department of Home Affairs in Australia. OHSC is provided by the Australian public health system. You will have to get an Australian Student Visa to apply for OHSC. This blog will enlighten you about the coverage of OHSC.

Coverage of OHSC

The OHSC provides base-level health benefits as an Australian resident for internationals, which are hospital, ambulance, prescriptions, and other out-of-hospital treatments. 

Hospital

• 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee
• A ward in a public hospital for overnight stay
• Private room in a private hospital with a connection to your health fund
• In hospital treatments and surgeries.

Ambulance

• Emergency hospital transport is covered.
• On-spot medical treatment through ambulance is covered.

Out of Hospital Treatments (Doctors)

• 100% coverage of the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) fee for General Practice (GP), including telehealth.
• 85% coverage of the MBS fee for specialist visits. 
• 85% coverage of MBSfee for X-rays and blood tests. 
• For prescription Medicine, you can see the gap between the Pharmacy Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment and the amount paid and refunded to you.
• You can claim a gap payment, with no waiting period, for various allied health services.

Prescription Medicines 

You will get pharmaceutical benefits for holding OHSC. However, these benefits are limited. You must pay $50 per pharmaceutical item, which is $300 annually for a single person. For a family, it is $600. Certain pharmaceuticals from your native country may be imported in small quantities as needed; however, please consult with authorities first. 

Providers of OHSC

Six registered insurance companies offer OHSC. Which are: 

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

We have provided you with all the highlighted information, but if you still have a question/query, you can go to the official page for clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we travel to Australia before OSHC starts?
No.

Is OSHC refundable in Australia?
If you get a permanent resident visa in Australia, you may request a refund for the unused portion of OHSC.

Can we cancel OSHC?
Only permanent departure from Australia or the beginning of a new OSHC membership with a different provider will allow you to cancel your membership.

Conclusion

International students studying in Australia must have Overseas Health Student Cover (OHSC), which provides fundamental health coverage. It covers hospital stays, emergency room visits, out-of-hospital care, and prescription medicine with certain pharmaceutical limits. Students who wish to apply for an Australian student visa must have OHSC coverage, which is provided by six approved insurance carriers.