Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing OSHC for Your Student Visa

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2025-01-31

People moving to Australia on student visas or visitor visas often think that oh! It is just a health cover, we will choose a cheap one. But, the reality is opposite. You must not take health cover lightly as it not only fulfills your visa requirement but covers you medically during unforeseen situations. Especially in a place like Australia, where medical bills are skyrocketing. 

There are certain things to look at while buying Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia or even while extending or renewing it. Only then will you be able to find the best OSHC for you and your family. To help you find the best OSHC for yourself for an Australian student visa (subclass 500), following are top 10 mistakes that you must avoid.

Top 10 Mistakes to Look Out For When Buying OSHC

1. Not Understanding Visa Requirements

As an international student, you are required to maintain an adequate level of OSHC for the duration of your student visa. However, many students fail to do so and eventually face the consequences.

Tip: Make sure your OSHC plan starts before you enter Australia and ends right after your course completes.

2. Overlooking Coverage Details

Note that not all OSHC plans provide the same level of coverage meaning, different plans have different offerings such as a basic level of cover will provide you coverage for doctor visits, emergency ambulance, prescribed medicines, and hospital stays. Whereas, an upper level of cover will provide some extras depending on your provider and health needs. This is where many students overlook the important things and buy a cover that does not even fit their needs.

Tip: always compare first before buying an OSHC plan to ensure it fits well with your health needs and budget. 

3. Choosing Based Solely on Price

It seems very pleasing to have a cheap health cover but it might not cover you for certain things that otherwise would have been important for you. 

Tip: Create a balance between affordable and comprehensive health coverage.

4. Ignoring Provider Reputation

Providers with poor reputation often end up providing bad customer services and claims process. Now, the claim process is another very important factor to look out for. So, make sure the provider you are buying OSHCfrom has a good reputation.

Tip: Choose from trusted providers like Nib, Medibank, Bupa, Allianz Care, or AHM.

5. Failing to Compare OSHC Providers

Many students find comparing OSHC providers a waste of time but to their surprise, it is the most important thing that you must do before finalizing an OSHC plan. This will help you find the best OSHC plan according to your needs.

Tip: You can use OSHC comparison tools such as Budget Policy to know different providers and their offerings.

6. Misunderstanding Policy Exclusions

There is a common misunderstanding or let us say, a myth that OSHC covers you for everything. The type of coverage you get through OSHC entirely depends on the level of cover you buy. Basic cover will provide limited coverage whereas a premium one will provide you more medical benefits.

Tip: you must read the policy inclusions and exclusions carefully beforehand to know what you are paying for.

7. Waiting Until the Last Minute

Not buying OSHC in time is another common mistake many students make. This usually happens when they don’t consider buying OSHC important. Make sure you buy your OSHC in time and adhere to your visa requirements.

Tip: you should buy OSHC right after you get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the duration of your course.

8. Not Renewing Coverage on Time

For some reason if your course extends or you plan to stay longer, make sure you renew your OSHC accordingly. This will also help you stay within your visa rules.

Tip: You can set reminders for renewing your policy to avoid deadlines or expiration dates.

9. Forgetting to Link OSHC to Visa Application

Some students forget to link their OSHC plan with their visa application when applying. This will result in delay and unnecessary waste of time. 

Tip: The moment you buy your OSHC, keep it handy and upload it with other documents for visa application.

10. Not Seeking Advice from Experts

Lastly, yet important, not seeking professional advice or help is another big mistake students make. Always listen to experts, they know better.

Tip: Look for experts who can guide you for top providers, their offerings, different plans, etc. all at once.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right OSHC plan in Australia is important to ensure you get the right health coverage in the time of uncertainties. Although, you can look for yourself for providers and health covers, it is best to seek guidance from experts.

Budget Policy is a go-to place for comparing and choosing best OSHC plans from top providers in Australia. You can pick the one that fits well with your needs and budget. Contact us today or visit our website - www.budgetpolicy.com