If you are an international student studying in Australia, then you must know the importance of having adequate health insurance - Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC). The health coverage covers your medical expenses during the time of need for as long as you are in the country on a student visa (subclass 500).

However, if you are planning to extend your stay then you must extend your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy too, to make sure that the coverage covers you for the time of your stay. Moreover, it is an important visa requirement as well as a safety measure while you are away from your home. So, you have to ensure that you have one.

Now, coming to the main part – if your OSHC policy has expired or soon will, then it is the right time for OSHC renewal.

Understanding OSHC and its Importance for Students
The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covers medical expenses for international students for the duration of their stay in the country. With OSHC plan, international students can concentrate on their studies, without worrying for expensive medical and hospital bills.

There are generally three levels of OSHC cover – top, medium, and basic, each with different coverage benefits and prices. You can choose the one that you find suitable. Generally, an OSHC policy will cover you for -
•    Medical expenses
•    Hospital treatments
•    Ambulance services, and
•    Prescribed medicines

Every international student is obliged to buy OSHC before entering Australia. Not having one can put them in risk of visa cancellation, considering it one of its key requirements.

How to Extend Your OSHC Policy in Australia
Primarily, you must know for how long your OSHC policy will cover for you. Next, start with renewal process before the time of expiration of your policy. It is best to stay a step forward every time to prevent yourself form being in a critical situation.

Remember, a student visa has certain criteria that are must to follow, failing to which, can put you at risk of visa cancellation.
How to extend or renew your OSHC policy? Well, firstly, start looking for the new coverage as soon as possible. Secondly, get in touch with your existing provider to know your options. And, if you want to change your provider, now is the good time. In either ways, you have to seek professional guidance and get your OSHC in place quickly.

Budget Policy is an online platform where you can compare and buy from top providers in Australia under one roof. You get to see the best of all the major providers – NIB, BUPA, AHM, Medibank, etc. compare and choose the policy that suits your health needs and budget and extend your OSHC in no time.

Key Considerations while Renewing OSHC Policy
You have to consider two important things while renewing your OSHC policy in Australia i.e., grace period and OSHC provider.
• Grace Period: Check the time within which your OSHC will renew to ensure your stay in the country is legal and that your visa is not canceled in the meantime.

• OSHC Provider: Second yet important, decide whether you want to continue with your existing OSHC provider or switch to a new one. Look for a provider that satisfies your healthcare needs and budget. Consider the prices and benefits you are getting. Take into account even the minute details of the provider and the policy he is selling to you to ensure you have invested in the right policy.

Final Words
At Budget Policy, we understand your healthcare needs and therefore, help you compare various OSHC plans from top providers in the country so you can choose the one that suits you the best. We can help you extend your OSHC options, making it easier for you to have the right coverage policy.

Get in touch with our experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when the OSHC policy expires?
An adequate OSHC coverage is a mandatory student visa requirement for all international in Australia. It cannot be renewed on its own therefore; you have to keep checking its expiration date. When the expiration date is near, you can apply for a new one or extend the existing policy. Without OSHC, you might get your visa canceled.

How can I extend my OSHC?
To find out your OSHC renewal options, begin searching for the new coverage as quickly as possible. Secondly, contact your current provider for professional advice and promptly set up your OSHC. You can switch to a new provider if you were not satisfied with your previous coverage.

Which OSHC is best in Australia?
It is difficult to name the best OSHC in Australia, as all the policies are unique. This is why it is important to compare first and buy later. Budget Policy is a leading online platform, allows you to compare OSHC options from top provider in the country. Visit our website www.budgetpolicy.com to know more.