Medicare and OSHC Health Cover Explained for International Students

What is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia's public health system that provides free or subsidised medical care to Australian citizens and permanent residents. It covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and some prescription medicines.

As an international student, you generally cannot access Medicare unless your country has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia. These agreements allow citizens of certain countries to use Medicare on the same basis as Australian residents.

Countries with Reciprocal Health Agreements

If you're a citizen of one of these countries, you may be eligible for Medicare:

• Belgium
• Canada
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

If your country is on this list, you'll need to register with Medicare when you arrive in Australia. You'll need your passport and proof of your Australian address.

What is OSHC?

OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover. It's private health insurance designed specifically for international students. Most international students on a student visa (subclass 500) must have OSHC as a condition of their visa.

OSHC covers:

• Doctor visits (GP consultations)
• Specialist appointments
• Hospital accommodation and treatment
• Prescription medicines
• Some dental and optical services (depending on your plan)
• Mental health services
• Ambulance services

OSHC Does Not Cover

It's important to know what OSHC doesn't cover:

• Cosmetic procedures
• Fertility treatment
• Some alternative therapies
• Overseas medical treatment
• Treatment related to pre-existing conditions (in some cases)

Do You Need OSHC?

You must have OSHC if you're:

• On a student visa (subclass 500)
• Studying at an Australian education provider
• Not eligible for Medicare through a reciprocal health agreement

Your education provider will usually require proof of OSHC before you can enrol. Some providers arrange OSHC for you automatically, while others require you to purchase it yourself.

OSHC Providers in Australia

There are four main OSHC providers:

• Allianz Global Students: One of the largest providers with comprehensive cover options
• BUPA: Offers multiple cover levels and additional benefits
• Medibank: Provides various OSHC plans with different price points
• nib: Offers competitive pricing and flexible cover options

Each provider offers different levels of cover (basic, standard, and comprehensive) at different prices. Basic cover is cheaper but covers fewer services. Comprehensive cover costs more but includes more benefits like dental and optical.

How Much Does OSHC Cost?

OSHC costs vary depending on:

• Your age
• The provider you choose
• The level of cover (basic, standard, or comprehensive)
• How long you need cover for
• Whether you're covering dependants

As a rough guide, basic OSHC for a single student might cost between $300–$600 per year, while comprehensive cover could be $600–$1,200 per year. Prices change regularly, so check current rates with providers.

How to Arrange OSHC

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm whether you need OSHC or if you're eligible for Medicare through a reciprocal health agreement.

Step 2: Choose a Provider and Plan

Compare the four main providers and decide which level of cover suits your needs and budget. Consider:

• What services you're likely to use
• Whether you need dental or optical cover
• The total cost over your study period
• Customer reviews and claims processes

Step 3: Purchase Before You Arrive

Arrange OSHC before you arrive in Australia. Most providers allow you to purchase online. You'll need:

• Your passport details
• Your Australian address (or your education provider's address)
• Your course start date
• Payment details (credit card)

Step 4: Keep Your Documentation

Once you've purchased OSHC, you'll receive a membership card and policy documents. Keep these safe and bring them with you to Australia. You may need them to access services.

Step 5: Register with a Doctor

When you arrive in Australia, find a local GP and register with them. Bring your OSHC card and passport. You'll need a GP for referrals to specialists and ongoing care.

Using Your OSHC

Visiting a Doctor

When you visit a doctor:

1. Tell the reception staff you have OSHC
2. Provide your OSHC membership card
3. The doctor's office will usually bill OSHC directly
4. You may need to pay a gap fee (the difference between what the doctor charges and what OSHC covers)

Hospital Treatment

If you need hospital treatment:

1. Tell the hospital you have OSHC
2. Provide your membership card
3. OSHC will cover your accommodation and treatment
4. You may need to pay for some services not covered by your plan

Prescription Medicines

OSHC covers prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). You'll pay a co-payment (usually around $40–$50 per item) and OSHC covers the rest.

Important Warnings and Tips

Don't Delay Getting OSHC

Arrange OSHC before you arrive. If you arrive without cover, you'll have to pay full price for any medical treatment, which can be very expensive.

Understand Your Cover Level

Read your policy carefully to understand what's covered and what's not. Basic cover might not include services you need, like dental or optical care.

Keep Your Membership Card Safe

You'll need your OSHC card every time you visit a doctor or hospital. Keep it in a safe place and bring it with you to appointments.

Notify Your Provider of Changes

If your address, course dates, or personal details change, tell your OSHC provider. This ensures your cover remains valid.

Check Waiting Periods

Some OSHC plans have waiting periods for certain services (like dental or optical). Check your policy to understand these limits.

If You're From a Reciprocal Health Agreement Country

If you're eligible for Medicare, you still have options:

• Use Medicare alone: You can rely on Medicare for basic healthcare, but you won't have cover for private hospital treatment or some services
• Use Medicare plus private insurance: Some students combine Medicare with private health insurance for extra cover
• Use OSHC: You can still purchase OSHC if you prefer, though it's not compulsory

If you choose to use Medicare, register with the Department of Human Services when you arrive in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change OSHC providers during my course?

Yes, you can change providers, but there may be waiting periods for some services with a new provider. Check the terms before switching.

What happens to my OSHC if I extend my course?

You'll need to extend your OSHC cover to match your new course end date. Contact your provider to arrange this.

Does OSHC cover mental health services?

Yes, OSHC covers mental health services including counselling and psychology appointments. You may need a referral from your GP.

What if I need emergency treatment?

OSHC covers emergency treatment in public hospitals. If you need emergency care, go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Bring your OSHC card if possible.

Can I use OSHC if I travel overseas during my studies?

OSHC generally only covers treatment in Australia. If you travel overseas, you may need separate travel insurance. Check with your provider about overseas cover options.

Official Resources

• Services Australia – Medicare Information
• Study Australia – Official Government Information
• Department of Home Affairs – Student Visa Requirements
• Allianz Global Students
• BUPA OSHC
• Medibank OSHC
• nib OSHC
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Important: This article provides general information only. For specific advice about your health cover, contact your OSHC provider, your education provider, or the Department of Home Affairs. Confirm all important decisions with official sources or qualified professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need OSHC if I'm an international student in Australia?

Yes, OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is compulsory for most international students on a student visa. You must arrange and pay for this cover before arriving in Australia.

Can I use Medicare as an international student?

Generally no, unless your country has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia. Countries like Canada, Belgium, France, and Germany have these agreements, allowing their citizens to access Medicare.

What does OSHC cover?

OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and some prescription medicines. Different providers offer different levels of cover at varying prices, so it's worth comparing options.

When should I arrange my OSHC?

You must arrange OSHC before you arrive in Australia, as it's a requirement of your student visa. Make sure to set this up as part of your pre-arrival preparations.