Introduction
Health insurance is mandatory for international students coming to study in Australia. They have to choose from various options to take care of their medical expenses. In this article, we will know how much does health insurance cost for international students in Australia, whether they get free medical facilities, and medical fees, and advantages and disadvantages of health insurance, and other important information.
Do International Students Get Free Healthcare in Australia?
Most international students in Australia do not receive free healthcare. Students have the option of purchasing Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which provides them with protection against medical expenses.
What does OSHC mean?
OSHC i.e. Overseas Student Health Cover is a mandatory health insurance for students studying in Australia. The reason for taking it is that Australia’s public health service ‘Medicare’ is available only to citizens and permanent residents. International students get help through OSHC in case of any medical emergency.
How Much are Medical Fees for International Students in Australia?
Image credits: canva.com
Medical expenses in Australia can be quite high. For example, if an international student visits a doctor without insurance, he or she may have to pay a fee of around AUD 50-100 per visit. While these fees are largely covered through OSHC.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Australia?
The cost of health insurance depends on the duration of the student’s course, the insurance company, and the type of coverage. Generally, OSHC costs around AUD 500-600 for a year. Some of the major insurance companies like Bupa, Medibank, Allianz, etc. offer different types of OSHC plans.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Health Insurance
Advantages:
- Medical Emergency Cover: Students can avail of medical services in case of any emergency.
- Discount on medicines: Discount is also available on prescription medicines under the insurance.
- Psychological services: Many plans also cover mental health services.
Disadvantages:
- High premium cost: The premiums can be expensive for some students.
- Limited coverage: Certain critical illnesses or surgeries are not covered under this cover.
- Conditions and limitations: Many plans have certain conditions and limitations that prevent students from availing of every medical service.
Different Health Insurance Packages and Their Comparison
The various OSHC packages vary from company to company. Here is a comparison of OSHC packages from some of the leading insurance companies:
| Insurance Company | Coverage | cost per year | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Basic, Ambulance, Hospital Cover | AUD 550 | Mental health services |
| Medibank | Basic, discount on medicines | AUD 600 | health checkup discounts |
| Allianz | Basic, comprehensive cover | AUD 600 | Consulting services included |
Differences in Types of Health Insurance
There are variations in the types of health insurance. Some insurance only covers hospital expenses, while some comprehensive insurance plans also cover doctor visits, medications, and psychological services.
Similarities and Differences Between OSHC and Other Health Covers
Image credits: canva.com
- Similarities: All OSHC plans to cover basic hospital and ambulance services.
- Differences: Some OSHC plans also cover mental health services and prescription drug discounts, while others do not.
How to Buy OSHC in Australia?
To purchase OSHC, students can visit the website of the insurance company of their choice and purchase the insurance directly. Many universities also assist in purchasing OSHC.
Why is Health Insurance Needed in Australia?
Healthcare in Australia is very expensive, and seeking treatment without insurance in case of an emergency can create a financial crisis for the student. OSHC provides relief and protection to students.
Conclusion
Health insurance is mandatory for international students studying in Australia so that they can cope with medical expenses. OSHC is the most suitable and affordable option for them. Although it has some limitations and conditions, it is extremely important for the health and financial security of students.
FAQs
1. Does OSHC cover all types of medical services?
No, OSHC only covers basic hospital, ambulance, and doctor visits, some plans also cover mental health services.
2. Do international students get free healthcare in Australia?
No, international students do not get free healthcare, they are required to take OSHC.
3. How much does OSHC cost?
OSHC costs around AUD 500-600 annually, depending on the insurance company and coverage.
