When migrating to Australia or planning to study in Australia, it’s essential to have adequate health insurance coverage. Overseas Health Cover (OHC), also known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students, is mandatory for many visa holders and provides critical medical and hospital coverage during your stay in Australia.
Why is Overseas Health Cover Important?
Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare, provides free or subsidized health services to Australian residents. However, international visitors and migrants are not eligible for Medicare, making Overseas Health Cover a crucial necessity. It ensures you have access to healthcare services, covering medical visits, hospital stays, prescription medicines, and emergency treatments.
Key Benefits of Overseas Health Cover:
- Medical and hospital coverage: Access to doctors, specialists, and hospital treatments.
- Ambulance services: Coverage for emergency transportation in case of accidents or health crises.
- Prescription medications: Discounts or coverage for necessary medications.
- Peace of mind: Avoid costly medical bills and ensure you’re protected against unexpected health issues.
For international students, OSHC is a requirement for obtaining a student visa (subclass 500). Many private providers offer different levels of coverage, so it’s important to choose a plan that suits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re in Australia to study, work, or live, securing Overseas Health Cover is an essential step to ensure your health and wellbeing are protected during your stay.
10 Common Mistakes in Purchasing Overseas Health Cover – Be Aware
Common Mistakes in purchasing Overseas Health Cover often stem from a lack of thorough research and understanding of policy details. Many individuals rush into buying health insurance without assessing their specific needs, leading to inadequate coverage or opting for basic plans that may not fully protect them in emergencies. Ignoring exclusions, concealing medical history, and
- Published in Overseas Health Cover