How to Claim on OSHC Policy?

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2023-05-29

Making a claim is a necessary part of Overseas Health Insurance Cover. Therefore, you must not hurry while claiming your OSHC policy and the services you avail. Following is the simple process of claiming OSHC, which makes the claim hassle-free in less time.

The following is a step-by-step guide to help you get through the OSHC claims process easier. Let us begin with the process.

Process of Claiming OSHC Policy

Step 1

After your purchase of OSHC, you will receive a welcome message from your OSHC provider within 24 hours, along with a certificate of cover with your name mentioned (and your spouse and dependent children in case of family cover), cover period, and policy number. Followed by a few essential instructions such as:

        .  Activate your OSHC to use it on arrival in Australia.

·         Cancel your OSHC if you received a refusal on your student visa.

·         Change your cover period.

·         Use a 24/7 helpline for customer services when in need.

Step 2

As an international student, you will require a copy of your OSHC certificate to get or extend your visa with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. If you have an IDP counselor, send them a copy of your OSHC for organizing your visa for you. 

Step 3

Although there is no requirement to activate your OSHC, however, check it with your provider and activate it before your arrival in Australia so you can begin using it immediately.

What to do if you are sick or injured?

Unless you are living in a remote area of Australia, you can easily access to medical help with many facilities and well-educated healthcare professionals. However, understanding the Australia’s healthcare system can be confusing. Now in such situation, where you are unaware of the fact that whether or not you are covered for the medical treatment you need, you can contact your OSHC provider. He will guide you for the same and provide you everything that you may require at that time.

What to do if you have a medical emergency?

Although, we do not want anyone to be in an emergency however, life is unpredictable and we all have to face its challenges one day or other. Now imagine you have a life-threatening medical emergency. What will you do? You need to immediately rush to your nearest public hospital emergency department or call on emergency services number - 000. All public hospitals in Australia have a 24-hour emergency and casualty department, therefore you will be in good hands in no time. You just need to act patiently. Also, you may call your OSHC provider in case of any queries related to emergency transport services or treatment in general.

What to do if you need to go to hospital?

Australia has public and private hospitals with different policies. Therefore, it can be hard to understand what all coverage you will get under which hospital. We suggest you contact your OSHC provider before taking any treatment.

What to do if you want to see a doctor?

Now imagine visiting a general practitioner when you feel sick or have a severe cold. If you have a specific problem, they will refer you to specialists. Your OSHC provider can help you to find a general practitioner or provide you with medical advice that fits best your situation.

What to do if you need advice about something minor?

If you just encountered something minor with your health, you may consult a pharmacist for clinical advice. They have enough knowledge to help you with minor medical problems.

What to do if you need to buy medicines?

You can simply walk into a pharmacy and buy basic medicines for cough and colds or mild painkillers. Such medicines in Australia are known as over-the-counter medicines. Not only a pharmacy but, you can get these medicines in a supermarket which has a wide range of products including alternative medicines.

Conclusion

This is how you can claim the benefits of your OSHC policy in Australia. Wherever you feel the need for assistance, you can reach your OSHC provider.

Budget Policy is working in this field for over a decade now; you can contact our team of counselors and get answers to all your health insurance policy queries.