Health Insurance for International Students in Australia 2024-25

Health insurance for international students in Australia is a crucial requirement to be a part of Australian universities. Australia is one of the popular study abroad countries where students are mandated to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to cover their essential medical services during their stay in the country. Medical insurance for international students in Australia generally covers Doctor's visits, Hospitalisation, Surgery, Emergencies, Consultations, and more such unforeseen situations.

This Story also Contains

1. Introduction to Health Insurance in Australia
2. Do international students have health insurance in Australia?
3. Do international students need health insurance in Australia?
4. What is OSHC?
5. What does OSHC cover?
6. OSHC Australia cost for international students 2024
7. Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in Australia
8. Where Can I Buy OSHC?
9. How to Cancel Health Insurance for Foreigners in Australia?

There is only one type of health insurance for international students in Australia i.e., Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Australia offers a public health insurance system funded by taxes, however, international students are not eligible for the public medicare system in Australia. One must note that there are several cheapest health insurance for international students in Australia; students can explore these options and choose what fits the best as per their requirements. As per the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, all overseas students with an Australia student visa must maintain OSHC (Health Insurance for international students in Australia) for the full duration of their stay in the country.

Overseas health insurance for international students in Australia is designed to help university students cover the costs of medical and hospital care while living in the country. On average, OSHC Australia cost for international students 2024 can range from AUD 478 per year for a single student. However, one must note that Health insurance cost for international students in Australia can vary depending on the services, coverage, and features of the plan chosen. There are few registered providers of health insurance for foreigners in Australia. These include Ahm OSHC, Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare), BUPA Australia, CBHS International Health, Medibank Private, and NIB OSHC. Read the complete article to learn more about health insurance for international students in Australia, coverage, cost, and more.

Introduction to Health Insurance in Australia

For international students, health Insurance in Australia is a mandatory requirement as per Australian immigration. The primary and major medical insurance for international students in Australia is known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The health insurance cost for international students in Australia varies as per the provider, plan, coverage, and features. Read the following points for more information on Health Insurance for International Students in Australia:

• Mandatory Requirements: It is one of the important requirements for international students to obtain and maintain OSHC (healthcare plan) during their stay in the country.

• OSHC: Health insurance for international students in Australia is majorly and primarly known as Overseas Student Health Cover.

• Coverage: It depends on the plan chosen; generally, OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital treatments, and emergency ambulance services.

• Visa Documents: A proof of OSHC is one of the important documents for applying for a student visa in Australia.

Do international students have health insurance in Australia?

Yes, international students with an Australia student visa holder status can get health insurance in Australia. The health insurance for international students in Australia is called OSHC. Students can purchase their required OSHC plans from their education provider or directly from the OSHC insurers before leaving their home country.

Do international students need health insurance in Australia?

Yes, international students in Australia must have health insurance. As per the Australian Government, all student visa holders and dependants must buy medical insurance for international students in Australia to access necessary medical services without prohibitive costs. They are required to obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which covers basic medical services. This is a mandatory part of their visa requirements. However, additional services of dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more is not generally available in the healthcare plans.

What is OSHC?

The full form of OSHC is Overseas Student Health Cover. It is health insurance for international students in Australia designed to cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, and other healthcare services during their stay in Australia.

What does OSHC cover?

An OSHC mainly covers the cost of hospital and medical treatment including ambulance services for emergencies. OSHC can also cover dependents, such as a spouse or children, accompanying the students. The coverage may vary depending on the plan you purchase. The compulsory minimum OSHC plan will usually cover:

• Visits to the doctor (GP)

• Some hospital treatments

• Ambulance

• Limited pharmaceuticals (medicines)

However, OSHC does not cover treatments such as dental, optical, or physiotherapy. Students can purchase Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider to cover these treatments. Contact each of the 5 OSHC providers to collect information about waiting periods, exclusions, and other limitations on the plan.

OSHC Australia cost for international students 2024

The health insurance cost for international students in Australia varies depending on the type of coverage students buy. Students can buy their OSHC cover from their educational institution or purchase it online through the OSHC provider’s website before they depart from their home country. The usual OSHC Australia cost for international students is around AUD 478 for a single student visa holder. The health insurance cost for international students in Australia is mentioned below:

Health Insurance for International Students in Australia Cost

Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in Australia

Students can find cheap health insurance for international students in Australia 2024 by comparing the prices of OSHC plans from different providers. Students are advised to get quotes from all 5 OSHC providers to make a proper comparison of their prices. Many top universities in Australia for Indian students offer partnerships with OSHC insurers which can offer significant discounts for international students. However, students who wish to purchase extra OSHC covers might required to pay comparatively high amounts to cover their needs.

Generally, one of the cheapest Overseas Student Health Cover for international students is CBHS International Health. The cost of a healthcare plan in Australia offered by this provider is approximately AUD 592.97 per year for a single.

Medical insurance for international students in Australia: Processing Time

Once the payment is received by Cohort Go, the insurance policy certificate will be sent by email to students. In case of any extension or change of your policy, it might take up to 24 - 48 business hours to receive the updated policy certificate.

Where Can I Buy OSHC?

Students can purchase their overseas health insurance for international students in Australia from 5 registered health insurers. However, students can switch their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider while studying in Australia. Students can compare plans and prices of different insurers by visiting their official websites mentioned below.

OSHC Insurers

How to Cancel Health Insurance for Foreigners in Australia?

Candidates who wish to cancel their overseas health insurance for international students in Australia can directly contact their insurer. Students can send an email to support@oshcAustralia.com.au, along with their visa refusal letter, cancelled COE, or a visa withdrawal letter to apply for health insurance for international students in Australia.

Conditions to cancel your OSHC:

• If the students did not take up studies in Australia.

• If the extension of authorised stay is not granted by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

• If the candidate ceases studies and leaves Australia before the end of a period of approved stay.

• In case the student is granted permanent residence in Australia or another Australian visa.

• You can prove to the insurer that you were not resident in Australia for a continuous period of 3 months or more;

• You can provide proof of OSHC provided by another insurer which includes the period covered by your insurer.

• You made a mistake by inputting your name incorrectly;

• Your student visa has been refused