If you’re an international student looking to study in Australia, then health insurance is a must. In fact, it’s a condition of most visas, including the student visa, that you have health insurance prior to entering the country.
But what exactly does this insurance cover and how do you get it? Let’s look at health insurance and why it’s an absolute non-negotiable if you’re studying English in Australia.
Australia’s health system
Australia has one of the best health systems in the world, with plenty of hospitals, world class medical professionals and free or low cost healthcare available to all Australian citizens.
However, for non Australian citizens, accessing medical care can be expensive. That’s why health insurance is a mandatory requirement for most Australian visas. And even if it’s not a compulsory visa requirement, it is strongly recommended.
Health insurance requirements
The type of health insurance you require depends on the visa you have.
Student Visa holders require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
However, visitors who are undertaking shorter periods of English study on visas such as the Working Holiday Visa require Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
What the insurance covers
Regardless of what type of insurance you are required to have, coverage generally includes:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospitalisation and surgery
- Medical tests, such as x-rays and blood tests
- Ambulance and emergency treatment
- Some medicines
This basic insurance doesn’t cover some other important health related services, however. If you’re looking to have dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments, you may need to purchase extras that can be added onto your policy, or take out private health insurance.
Where to buy insurance
A range of different insurers offer Overseas Visitor Health Cover and Overseas Student Health Cover, and you can search and compare their policies and pricing online.
It’s important to note different visas may require different levels of coverage, so check the conditions of your visa prior to taking out insurance and read the policy carefully to ensure it provides the coverage you need.
Meanwhile, it’s imperative that your insurance remains current throughout your time in Australia. Otherwise you may be in breach of your visa conditions.
Ready to start your study journey?
Ready to embark on a study adventure in Australia? You can learn more about the English courses that are available here, or start narrowing down your options using our handy search tool.