OHSC for Nepalese Students: All You Need to Know

If you are planning to apply to Australia, you have definitely come across the term “OSHC” while filling out your application form or while researching the Australian application process. Confused about what it actually means and why you must apply one?

Here is a detailed summary of the OSHC insurance that is sure to clear all your doubts and confusion regarding the topic.

What is OSHC?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a compulsory health insurance for international students applying to Australia, that assists students in covering the unplanned medical and hospital care required during their formal education in Australia. 

While many consider this as only a condition for obtaining their student visa, it is important to note that the medical costs in Australia are significantly higher than in Nepal and to cover these can be a serious concern for the students. Thus, the insurance helps students maintain their sound health and cover medical treatment costs without creating a burden for them.

What does OSHC cover?

The OSHC policy and products vary according to the health insurers, with some insurers offering extra benefits, while the minimum level of benefits mentioned in the Deed remains constant.

All OSHC policies are required to cover the following:

1. 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) schedule fee for professional services.

2. The 100% benefit amount for services provided by a general practitioner to non-referred, non-admitted patients.

3. The 85% benefit amount is for specialist consultations, pathology services, diagnostic imaging services, and other special procedures provided to a non-admitted patient.

4. Public hospital shared ward accommodation and private hospital shared ward accommodation for private hospitals which have an agreement with your OSHC provider.

5. Access to day surgery accommodation

6. Emergency ambulance transportation

7. Pharmacy medicines up to $50 per approved prescription medicine, with a maximum limit of $300 for single and $600 for family membership per year. 

8. Some prosthetic devices

What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is a fixed period of time an overseas student is required to serve before receiving the benefits of the service and treatment offered by OSHC (excluding medical emergencies). The general waiting period for certain conditions is given below:

● 12 months for Pre-existing conditions

● 12 months for Pregnancy-related conditions

● 2 months for Pre-existing Psychiatric conditions.

Where to purchase OSHC?

The 6 private health insurers in Australia offering OSHC are:

• ahm OSHC (offered through Medibank Private)  

• Allianz Global Assistance (Peoplecare Health) 

• Bupa Australia 

• CBHS International Health

• Medibank Private

• nib

Cost of OSHC

The cost of OSHC depends on the policy and insurer you choose. The average cost of a single cover for 1 year is $642 AUD, dual-family cover is $2,456 AUD and multi-family cover is $3,791 AUD. 

Conclusion

Overall, the OSHC helps international students prevent financial hardship in case of any health emergency or treatment. It creates a safety net for students, allowing them to reach their best potential without their health concerns getting in the way.