If you’re currently an international student in Australia, you’re probably wondering how your OSHC provider is covering you during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions regarding your cover, the best thing to do is contact your provider directly.
Private health insurance may cover hospital treatment or some out of hospital allied health treatments. In the case of hospital treatment, doctors and hospitals determine who receives treatment, the treatment they receive, and the timing of the treatment. It is not determined by the government or insurers. The private health insurance status of a patient who is affected by coronavirus will not determine their treatment.
Here is an outline of the information Australia’s OSHC providers have released in regards to COVID-19.
ahm OSHC
ahm has created a useful FAQ document detailing important information on COVID-19 and ahm OSHC. It covers exactly what is covered under an ahm OSHC policy.
Does ahm OSHC provide cover for COVID-19?
“Please be assured that Medibank and ahm OSHC will pay benefits towards eligible services whether you are treated at a public or private hospital.”
(Source: Medibank)
For more information, you can also contact ahm directly:
- Call from within Australia – 134 148
- Call from outside of Australia – +61 3 9862 1095
- Email – oshc@ahm.com.au
Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance has issued an extensive COVID-19 information sheet for international students who have Allianz Global Assistance cover – it is available here. This includes detailed information on what to do if you need to change the dates of your OSHC.
Does Allianz Global Assistance provide cover for COVID-19?
“Cover is available to AGA OSHC policyholders for medical services provided in hospital and out of hospital, including PBS prescription medicines and emergency treatment*.
*Limits, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Please note that waiting periods may apply for treatment for pre-existing conditions. Students can contact us to discuss their individual case or read the OSHC policy wording for further details.”
(Source: Allianz Global Assistance)
Contact:
- General enquiries within Australia – 13 67 42
- Claims – 1800 651 349
- Email – oshc@allianz-assistance.com.au
- Phone (from overseas) – +61 7 3305 8841
Bupa Australia
Bupa Australia has released some information regarding its cover and answers a few general COVID-19 FAQs here. For more information, international students are advised to contact Bupa Australia directly.
Does Bupa Australia provide cover for COVID-19?
“Overseas students and visitors are covered for medical services provided in hospital and out of hospital, including GP visits and tests (e.g. pathology) as well as prescription medicines. This applies if the service is recognised by Medicare and it has an MBS item number attached, and is not an excluded service.”
(Source: Bupa Australia)
Contact:
- General Enquiries – 13 41 35
- Overseas student enquiries (within Australia) – 1800 888 942
- Overseas student enquiries (outside Australia) – +61 3 9937 4223
- 24-hour International Student Advice Line in over 180 languages – 1300 884 235
CBHS International Health
CBHS International Health has a dedicated webpage with important information for international students who have taken out CBHS International Health OSHC – it can be viewed here. This includes detailed information on what to do if you need to change the dates of your OSHC and whether you will incur out-of-pocket expenses if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Does CBHS International Health provide cover for COVID-19?
“If you think you have symptoms for COVID-19 a doctor will determine if you should be tested. If it is confirmed that you have COVID-19 it is important that you follow the doctor’s advice. If the doctor recommends hospitalisation you will be covered for the admission and treatment as per your policy.”
(Source: CBHS International Health)
Contact:
- Overseas Student Health Cover enquiries (within Australia) – 1300 174 538
- Overseas Student Health Cover enquiries (outside Australia) – +61 2 8604 3537
- Email – oshc@cbhscorp.com.au
Medibank
Medibank has created a useful FAQ document detailing important information on COVID-19 and Medibank OSHC. It covers exactly what is covered under a Medibank OSHC policy.
Does Medibank provide cover for COVID-19?
“Please be assured that Medibank and ahm OSHC will pay benefits towards eligible services whether you are treated at a public or private hospital.”
(Source: Medibank)
For more information, you can also contact Medibank directly:
- Student Health and Support Line – 1800 887 283
- General enquiries (within Australia) – 134 148
- General enquiries (outside Australia) – +613 9862 1095
- Email – oshc@medibank.com.au
nib OSHC
nib has a dedicated webpage with important information for international students who have taken out nib OSHC – it can be viewed here. This includes detailed information on how to cancel your cover if you are unable to enter Australia and whether you will be covered if you have to go to hospital.
Contact:
- Overseas Student Health Cover enquiries – 1800 775 204
- Email – niboshc@nib.com.au
Study in Australia is the Australian Government’s official resource for international students. Study in Australia partners are here to support the Australian international education community. Whether you’re in Australia or abroad, visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au or follow the Study In Australia social media channels for up-to-date COVID-19 information for international students.
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