Unveiling Medibank OSHC: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2023-08-10

OSHC, or Overseas Student Health Cover, is a specialized health insurance plan tailored specifically to meet the needs of international students studying in Australia. It serves as a vital requirement for your student visa and provides extensive coverage for medical treatment in case of illness or accidents during your time in Australia.

With OSHC, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will receive the necessary support and financial assistance to address any healthcare issues that may arise while pursuing your education abroad.

Whom OSHC is for?

It is a mandatory requirement by the Australian Government that all international students studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500) must have adequate hospital and medical cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay. This requirement is applicable regardless of whether you are currently applying for a student visa, already possess one, or are on a bridging visa while waiting to extend your student visa.

Moreover, any family members accompanying you in Australia, including your spouse and children under 18 years old, must also have sufficient health cover during their time here. It is important to understand that overseas student health cover is distinct from overseas visitors' health cover, which falls under a broader category. For those interested, Medibank offers various OVHC policies as well.

Length of Overseas Student Health Cover

You and your dependents must hold OSHC for the full duration of your student visa grant. Your OSHC commences from the date you arrive in Australia and a minimum of two weeks before your course start date. You must not arrive in Australia before your health insurance start date as per your OSHC certificate.

Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Budget Policy is associated with Medibank Private, Australia's leading provider of overseas student health cover, to offer our students the best coverage available. Our preferred policy is the Medibank Comprehensive OSHC, which provides three types of cover for students:

•    Single policy: This covers only the valid student visa holder.
•    Couple policy: This covers one valid student visa holder and either one adult spouse or recognized de facto partner.
•    Family policy: This covers one student visa holder, along with one adult spouse or recognized de facto partner, and one or more dependent children aged under 18.

By choosing Medibank OSHC, international students can be confident that their healthcare needs will be well taken care of for their duration in Australia.

Requirements for Applying to Medibank OSHC

To apply for Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia, the following requirements must be met:
•    You must be an international student studying in Australia on a student visa.
•    You should not be eligible for Medicare (Australia's public health insurance system). Most international students studying on a student visa are not eligible for Medicare.
•    You must be enrolled in a registered course of study with a minimum duration of 12 weeks.
•    If you are under 18 years old, you must have appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, support, and general welfare.
•    You must provide evidence of your intention to study in Australia as an international student, such as a confirmation of enrolment from your education provider.
•    You must provide accurate personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and contact details.

Advantages Offered by Medibank OSHC

•    Medibank offers 24/7 support services to its members through the Medibank Nurse telephone support service. Our team of nurses is available around the clock to address any healthcare-related queries that you may have.
•    Furthermore, Medibank has established strong connections with numerous private hospitals and day surgeries throughout Australia, providing our members with access to a prominent Members' Choice Hospital Network. By choosing these facilities, you can enjoy enhanced benefits and greater value.
•    With 40 years of experience in caring for the health and well-being of countless individuals across Australia, Medibank has emerged as the top health insurer in the country. When you choose Medibank, rest assured that your health is in safe hands.

Conclusion

At Budget Policy, we are dedicated to assisting you in selecting the appropriate health coverage that meets your requirements during your stay in Australia. Our team experts are available to assist you with Medibank providers and further guide you through the entire process of purchasing a healthcare insurance policy i.e., OSHC for Australia.
Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you with your OSHC needs.