Getting into your dream university in Australia, where you have dreamt of pursuing your higher education is a surreal feeling. You have received Confirmation of Enrolment so you can apply for your student visa.

From now on, you will be preparing your visa application i.e. gathering important documents, proving your English proficiency, providing evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in the country, etc. However, have you bought a health cover too?
Now, you may wonder that you are just going to study in Australia so why would you need a health cover. Won’t your funds pay off your medical bills, if needed? The following blog will talk about significance of OSHC for Australian student visa holders.

OSHC: Meaning
The purpose of OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover, an Australian health cover, is to assist international students in meeting their medical and hospital expenses when needed during their stay in the country.
As an international student, you get coverage for:
•    Medical treatment provided outside of a hospital.
•    Emergency ambulance services.
•    All in-patient services including surgery or prolonged care for an illness, is covered at 100% of the MBS charge.
•    Hospital accommodations, both public and private however, private hospitals for accommodation is restricted to the ones connected with your OSHC provider.
•    Prescription medicines for as long the treatment is going on.

The costs of medical treatment such as, dental, optical, and physiotherapy, are also covered under Overseas Student Health Cover, but will depend on the type and level of the coverage you purchase.
Other medical treatment are covered too however, you will have to go through a waiting period for certain medical treatments for example – pregnancy, childbirth, and mental health issues.
Waiting period is the gap between the day you bought your health cover till the time to claim its benefits.

OSHC: Why is it Necessary?
International students in Australia are not qualified for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system offering wide coverage free or at lower costs. It is solely for Australian citizens. Overseas Student Health Cover or OSHC came into existence to provide health coverage to only international students. It covers you for various things from general medical health care to specific treatments.
It is a mandatory student visa requirement. In case, you overlook this requirement, the chances of having your visa denied or delayed may increase. Now, coming to the main question that you are wandering upon – Why OSHC is necessary for student visa holders in Australia, let us find out:
1. Visa Requirement: The Australian government has made it a mandatory visa requirement for all international students to have suitable health cover for the time of their stay in Australia.
2. Access to Healthcare: With OSHC, you get complete access to Australian healthcare – visit to general practitioner, emergency ambulance services, hospital accommodation, prescription medicines, and more. The health cover ensures peace of mind while studying in Australia. The coverage help students manage expensive medical expenses that may incur during need.
3. Healthcare Costs: Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but it is also one of the most expensive. Therefore, OSHC helps you from falling for those expensive medical bills by lifting the financial burden off your shoulders.
4. Peace of Mind: Accidents and illness can come to anyone and at any time. OSHC assures you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered for necessary medical care for the time you are in the country.
5. Compliance with Visa Conditions: Having adequate OSHC coverage is mandatory for applying for a student visa in Australia. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation, delay, or refusal. In turn, it will adversely affect your stay and studies in Australia.

Conclusion
In general, Overseas Student Health Cover is a necessity for Australian students traveling on student visas so that they get the most of the Australian healthcare when in need. For more information on adequate OSHC plans, Budget Policy can help you.
Budget Policy is a leading platform providing comparisons among top providers from the country. You can also save up to 47% on your OSHC, with more exciting offers. Contact our experts to know more.

Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly, here are four FAQs regarding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for student visa holders in Australia:
What is OSHC, and why is it important for student visa holders in Australia?
OSHC is a health cover specially curated for international students to cover their medical and hospital expenses. It is also one of the key student visa requirements.

What does OSHC cover?
OSHC covers you for visits to general practitioners, emergency ambulance services, hospital accommodation, prescription medicines, and more.

Can I choose my OSHC provider, and how do I purchase it?
Yes, international students are allowed to choose their own OSHC provider by comparing their features. Get in touch with Budget Policy to know the best option for you and purchasing process.

How long do I need to maintain OSHC coverage?
You need to maintain your OSHC policy for as long as you are in the country. If you have to renew it, get it done to avoid any visa problems.