Insurance
– Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides medical and hospital insurance to student visa holders.
– It is compulsory for the study length or the duration of their stay in Australia.
– A proof of a valid OSHC must be attached to the student visa application.
Overall, it gives you peace of mind because you know your health will be covered while you are in Australia. It ensures that you will have access to medical services throughout your stay, so – you can focus on your studies and everything else that Australia has to offer.
Overseas students are not eligible for Medicare, which is the Australian public health system. Without access to Medicare, any medical treatment in Australia can be very expensive. Therefore, the Australian Government has made it mandatory for all international students to have a continuous OSHC for their entire stay in the country.
When you purchase OSHC, you’ll need to pay your policy premium upfront. Thus, you will be covered for the length of the student visa you’re applying for. If you decide to extend your study, you can always renew your OSHC policy.
*Also note: if you hold a secondary student visa, you must be insured under the same policy as the primary student visa holder. You are only eligible to hold a single OSHC policy if you are the primary visa holder.
You can save time and money through LinAs. Our network of providers makes it easier for you to make claims after visiting a doctor or specialist in Australia. All you need to do is to show your valid OSHC membership card or e-membership card on the day of your appointment. In this case, the medical provider will bill us directly for the covered amount of your bill.
With direct billing, the doctor makes a claim on your behalf, so you have to make sure that you select a doctor who specifies that they accept direct billing or bulk billing. Don’t forget to confirm prices before your appointment. You should always check with your doctor or hospital and ask if there are any costs you may have to pay. Keep in mind that some medical providers may charge above the MBS ( Medicare Benefits Schedule) fee, leaving you with more out-of-pocket expenses.
