When you are planning to pursue your education in Australia, getting the Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) becomes mandatory. Now, how would you know which OSHC policy is better? How do you compare different OSHC providers in Australia? Worry no more, we have you covered.

First things first, you must know that having OSHC is a compulsory requirement for international students in Australia. You might wonder if there is no health issue with you then, why even you should consider buying it.

Having this cover ensures you are covered for any health scenarios during your study course. It could be anything from minor health issues – cold, fever, or a small injury to major problems like getting infected or bad injuries. After all, nobody has seen tomorrow which makes life unpredictable.

So, without compromising with our health, the government of Australia has made it mandatory to buy an OSHC policy along with your visa. But, with many providers available, how do you compare them to settle for the best?

In light of this, we have useful information for you to help you find the most suitable cover provider.

How to compare different OSHC providers in Australia?
You have several factors to see when comparing different OSHC providers. So, let us unpack them one by one, shall we?
•    Consider your Cover's Cost: The cost of your OSHC cover will be different among all the providers as well as the type of cover you choose. So, the cover’s cost is the first thing that your eyes should grab attention of.
•    Check what is covered: Speaking in the context of the previous point, not all covers are the same. Therefore, be sure to understand what all the covers include and exclude before making the final call.
•    Look at the Waiting Periods: How long will you have to wait before you can claim on your cover must be your next question. Waiting periods make a huge difference, especially in emergencies so; ensure you are aware of the time it takes you to make the claim.
•    Check the Provider's Reputation: Is your health cover provider even worth your time and money? Dig in the internet to find the answers because your one wrong call can end you up with non-beneficial health cover.
•    Assess Their Claim Process: Lastly, ensure how easy or hard is it to make a claim with the provider you are planning to join hands. The simpler and easier the process, the better.

The Dos and Don'ts of OSHC Comparison
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) comparison can be tricky but it needs a right move to make the right decision. Allow us to guide you through the process:

The DOs of OSHC comparison:
•    Do thorough research - Understand your medical needs before looking for a health cover. Compare your needs with what is being offered to you and then, make a final decision.
•    Do consider policy exclusions – Every cover has different inclusions and exclusions. Some cover certain health issues and others may cover all or just a few. Be aware of them prior.
•    Do compare prices – Yes, we agree that price is important, however, it should not be your priority. Your aim should be to look for the coverage and then, compare prices accordingly.
•    Do check the waiting period – Different health covers have different time restrictions for making claim therefore, knowing your waiting period is important.

The DON’Ts of OSHC comparison:
•    Do not rush - Take your time to check all options for your health cover. Fast decisions can lead to regret.
•    Do not ignore reviews - Customer reviews can give you a better understanding of your provider. Always consider them.
•    Do not settle for less - If you feel that, the policy is not up to your expectations. Keep Searching. Never compromise with your health.

Make an informed OSHC comparison decision with the Budget Policy

Moving overseas to study can be both exciting and challenging. Among all the necessities to be done, securing health insurance should be your priority. Speaking of which, it is important to do OSHC comparison.

Budget Policy assures you the right health cover that not only ensures your well-being but also offers value for your money. So, stop looking here and there and get in touch with our experts today!