Why is OSHC Crucial for International Students Studying in Australia

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2025-05-31

Wondering why OSHC is mandated for student visas? Well, an Overseas Student Health Cover in Australia (OSHC) ensures that you get to access necessary healthcare during your stay as a student in Australia. It helps by protecting international students from potentially high medical costs. Though it is a visa condition, it is meant to foresee and arrange adequate protection from unforeseen health concerns for students during their stay here, hence saving them significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Do not know how to get a cover? There are a number of registered providers like AHM OSHC, OSHC NIB, BUPA, Medibank, AIA, etc. You can choose one of these providers to get a cover.

Which Plans Can You Choose From
There are broadly two OSHC plans- basic and comprehensive. The basic plan has fixed and limited benefits, while you can customise and add-on more benefits to the comprehensive one, over the already included basic benefits. To put it more clearly, the basic plan, as the name suggests, covers basic medical emergencies. However, if you choose a comprehensive plan, you can add extras like dental, optical, physiotherapy, other therapies, and more. To choose, you will have to compare OSHC plans with regard to your requirements. For instance, you might want to check if you can get any preexisting condition covered under a comprehensive plan.

What Exactly is Covered Under a Basic Plan
Let’s take a deeper dive into the inclusions of a basic plan to understand what is covered and what isn’t.
General Practitioner (GP) Visits
Covered- The standard doctor consultation fees for general health issues are covered under the plan. Some tests, like blood tests, X-rays, etc., can be covered if referred by the GP. Typically, for GP services, 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee is covered.
Not Covered- In case your GP charges a fee more than the MBS, you will be responsible for paying the amount charged over the MBS. Additionally, non-medical consultations, like cosmetic ones, are not covered.

In-Hospital Treatment and Accommodation
Covered- Medical treatments like surgery, anesthetics, specialist care, and more are covered, along with accommodation in a public hospital’s shared ward. Day surgery and in-patient care in a public hospital might also be covered. You’ll have to check the same with your provider.
Not Covered- Any fees beyond the MBS and insurer’s schedule in a private hospital, and surgeries that are elective and not medically necessary, like cosmetic ones, are not covered.

Ambulance Services
Covered- Some basic plans do cover ambulance services in extremely urgent cases. However, that might cover transportation up to the nearest hospital only. This is something that varies greatly based on what your provider offers.
Some basic plans cover emergency ambulance services (when deemed medically necessary).
Not Covered- Transportations that are not urgent in nature, like inter-hospital transfers, are not covered. However, full ambulance coverage is available as an add-on in comprehensive plans.

Medications
Covered- Under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the basic plan covers prescription medications partially. This means that only a part of the bill is covered under the plan, and you are responsible for paying the remaining part.
Not Covered- Medications not listed on PBS, and over-the-counter medicines like painkillers and vitamins.

Emergency Medical Care
Covered- In cases like accidents, acute infections, and more, that need urgent medical attention, emergency room visits and treatment for injuries and sudden illness are covered.
Not Covered- Hospital admissions that aren't medically necessary, and follow-up treatments not included under GP/specialist care aren't covered.

Bridging Gaps With Budget Policy
Can’t make up your mind about the plan you should choose? We understand how baffling it is to have so many options right in front of you, and each looks equally promising. Don’t worry! At budget policy, we have experienced professionals to guide you. Once our registered agent gets to know your requirements, he/she will streamline the best available options for you, followed by an OSHC comparison.  You will be well-informed of every step throughout the process and will be assisted to choose the best of the best.