Starting your studies abroad feels exciting, but it also comes with a list of things you need to sort out before you settle in. One of the most important tasks is making sure you’ve got the right health cover in place. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps you deal with medical costs while you’re away from home. In this article, you will learn how to choose the right OSHC for your studies.
What OSHC Actually Covers
OSHC is a health insurance that is used to help pay for visits to the doctor or emergency ambulance rides; in many cases, it also helps with prescription medicines. Because possessing oshc is a condition of your student visa, there’s no way around it. But beyond ticking a box, the right cover will give you peace of mind that if you do need medical assistance, it won’t be your wallet you are stressing about.
Just be sure it matches your visa
Always remember that for student visas, the duration of OSHC must cover the full time you spend studying. So if your course goes for two years, that’s how long you’ll also need to have OSHC for. Picking a plan that falls within your visa dates will spare you the prospect of running around later to extend it. If your insurance coverage expires before your visa does, it may even have implications for your visa status.
Compare Different Providers Before Choosing
Not all OSHC plans are created equal, so comparing your options is the best way to find one suitable for you. Examine what is covered by each plan, such as hospital cover, out-of-hospital services, and extras. While some insurance plans are less expensive, they may omit services you’d otherwise utilise. So rather than looking at the price, make sure to compare what you are getting for your money.
Understand What’s Included and What Isn’t
Every policy comes with limits. The majority of OSHC plans also include standard medical services such as seeing a doctor or hospitalisation. But extras such as dental or eye care tend not to be included and require complementary coverage. Some also have conditions, such as waiting periods for care related to pregnancy. The more you know beforehand, the easier it is to choose a plan that actually suits you.
Match the Plan to Your Health Needs
If you’re in good health and don’t get sick much, you may only need a basic plan. But if you have an ongoing condition or know you’ll need specialist care, then a fuller plan is worth the additional cost. Consider how you are going to want doctors if you need glasses or if you’re doing regular treatments. By having a cover that’s a good fit, you ensure you’re not leaving them where you end up needing them.
Weigh the Costs and Payment Options
Health cover is vital, but OSHC costs are different per provider and cover level. Some providers require full payment for the duration of your visa up front, and others allow you to pay annually. Payment in advance is less expensive, and you won’t have to remember deadlines down the line. When comparing prices, get a sense of the total cost; don’t consider the monthly or yearly cost so you’re not surprised.
Look Out for Extra Benefits
Some OSHC providers try to make their plans more attractive by offering add-ons. Those might include 24/7 health advice lines, the provision of mental health services or discounts for fitness memberships. While these bells and whistles aren’t necessary, they can make your time a lot easier. For instance, you might benefit from having a mental health hotline available if you’re settling into a new situation.
Understand How Waiting Periods Work
There are also waiting periods to be aware of, which means some services may not be available to you immediately. For instance, complications from pre-existing conditions or pregnancy care are subject to a waiting period. If you’re aware that you might need these services, it’s best to sign up early so you can. Overlook this one small fact and you could be without coverage at the most crucial time for help.
Finding a Cover That Suits You
Finding the right OSHC is about your health and enabling you to have help if the unexpected happens while you are studying overseas. Find out what OSHC is, check your visa requirements and compare providers. Consider your health, your budget and how long you’ll be studying. By spending a little time to carefully compare your options, you rest safe in the knowledge that you have the right cover in place.
