If you’re planning on travelling to Australia for your studies, one of the most important things you must consider is your health insurance. That’s where OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) comes in. 

OSHC isn’t just essential, it’s compulsory for international students in Australia. It covers a range of medical expenses and it can protect you from unexpected costs. But there are a number of elements to navigate. So, to ensure you make the most informed decision about your health, we’re going to help you understand some of the key OSHC terms. 

What is OSHC?

OSHC is compulsory health insurance for international students in Australia. Its main purpose is to ensure you have access to important healthcare services such as ambulance cover, hospital and doctor treatment. It doesn’t matter which country you’ve moved from, health cover is a requirement to meet your student visa conditions. 

When people ask ‘what is the international student policy in Australia’, they may forget to consider the importance of insurance. OSHC protects you from steep medical costs, giving you complete peace of mind so you can focus on your studies. It offers coverage which includes doctor’s visits, surgery, prescriptions, medication and more. 

Health Care Terms to Know

Now that you know what OSHC is, let’s take a closer look at some of the key healthcare terms you should know about and how they relate to this type of insurance.

Waiting Periods

Waiting periods apply to certain benefits and they are the time you have to wait before that component of your cover comes into effect. Until this time is up, you will be unable to make a claim for those items and pay for them yourself. 

The waiting period for OSHC differs depending on the policy you choose. For example, Standard Cover has no waiting period when it comes to GP services, care or treatment for a psychiatric condition, or emergency treatment. However, there’s a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related conditions and pre-existing medical conditions. 

Pre-existing Conditions

For OSHC, pre-existing conditions are often defined as anything you’ve had treatment for prior to you applying for healthcare. This may include diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and even sleep apnea. 

There’s usually a 12-month waiting time before you can claim on these ailments. If you have any long-term pre-existing conditions, you may require a plan with a higher monthly premium to help cover the costs and coverage. 

Benefit Limits

There are some limits involved with OSHC policies. For example, you may encounter an annual limit, which refers to the maximum amount a policy will pay out during a 12-month period. If your medical costs exceed this limit, you will have to pay the difference. 

There may also be per-visit limits. Your provider may set a maximum amount of reimbursement for each doctor visit, regardless of the total fee. 

Excess or Co-payment

Like other types of insurance, OSHC may come with excess fees or co-payment requirements. Excess is usually a fixed amount you agree to pay upfront towards the cost of a claim, before the provider pays out. However, co-payment is usually a percentage of the claim that you pay every time you use a healthcare service. 

Some plans do not include excess or co-payment, so it’s worth shopping around for something that suits you best. 

Understanding OSHC Policy Inclusions and Exclusions

With any OSHC policy, there are a number of inclusions and exclusions. So, let’s delve a little deeper into what you can expect. 

Inclusions

First, let’s look at the different services and treatments covered by OSHC. 

• Doctor’s visits - Covers your GP consultations and appointments, including specialist visits, with 100% coverage of the Medicare Benefits Scheme fee. 
• Hospital stays - Covers treatment, surgery and stays for accidents and emergencies.
• Prescription medications - Usually covers partial reimbursement of costs for doctor prescribed medicine. 
• Ambulance services - Covers emergency ambulance requirements including on-the-spot care.  

Exclusions

Now, let’s look at some of the most common areas of healthcare usually not covered by your OSHC policy. 

• Dental - Routine dental checks, fillings and other dental procedures are not included. 
• Optical - Any costs relating to eye care, including eye tests and prescription glasses are not covered. 
• Elective surgery - If you choose to have surgery that is not essential, such as cosmetic surgery, this will also not be included in your cover. 
• Physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic - These treatments are not included but may be available as optional extras. 

The reasoning behind these exclusions may differ, but in many cases, they either aren’t covered by Medicare - Australia’s universal health system - or they’re not deemed to be necessary.   

How to Read and Understand Your OSHC Policy Document

When you receive your OSHC policy document, it might seem overwhelming. To read and interpret your policy properly, take your time and seek support for any sections you’re unsure on. You could also make notes and highlight sections of most importance. 

Whatever you do to simplify the process, here are some sections we’d recommend you get to grips with. 

Policy Schedule

Your policy schedule summarises important information such as your policy start date and duration. It may also indicate any waiting periods as well as annual limits and coverage limits for medications and services. Essentially, it gives a snapshot of your plan, so pay close attention and make notes. 

Coverage Details

This will list all the healthcare services and treatments covered by your OSHC. It may also outline services that aren’t included. Look out for allowances around doctor visits and hospital stays to make sure you have a good grasp on what your insurance covers. 

Terms and Conditions

As with most legal documentation, you should always read the terms and conditions that come with your OSHC policy. They outline your rights and responsibilities as well as any legal procedures related to your policy. Read this information carefully and if you’re unsure or encounter a problem, you can always speak to your provider or a lawyer for clarification. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About OSHC Policies and Terms

What Should I Do if I Need to Make a Claim?

In most cases, you can either pay for the full amount and then claim back the expenses or you can ask your policy provider to pay the medical provider directly. 

The process may differ depending on your insurance company, but more often than not, you will need to sign into your account and use an online form to submit your claim. Just remember to have your policy number to hand to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Can I Switch OSHC Providers?

Yes, you can switch OSHC providers, but be sure of your decision before making it. Switching providers may be beneficial if you find a plan that suits you better, however, you should consider implications. This could include coverage gaps, where you’re not covered during the switch, cancellation fees and another waiting period. 

How Do I Renew My OSHC Policy?

It’s important to renew your OSHC policy before it expires, so you maintain your healthcare coverage. First review your existing plan to make sure it still suits your needs. If not, you’ll need to make changes. 

Either way, the next step is to contact your provider to discuss and confirm your renewal. This may include updating your personal details if needed, adjustments to your plan and settling on your policy. Once done, you should be able to submit your application.