Moving to Australia as an international student is an exciting adventure!
Connections to make, trips to take and a whole lot of learning to do (about yourself, the world, and at university, of course)! Moving to a new country also comes with important practicalities, like making sure you’re covered if something goes wrong with your health. This is where Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) comes in.
Designed specifically for international students, OSHC helps cover the cost of medical care you may need while living here in Australia. Having the right cover can make a big difference to your wellbeing (and your wallet).
We spoke to international Bachelor of Medical Science student, Nisal, about his experience using OSHC with Allianz Care here in Australia.
“Allianz Care was a very popular option that my agent recommended to me when I was first applying to study in Australia. At the time, I didn’t quite understand what health
insurance or OSHC was, but over my duration in Australia as an international student, I’ve learned to use it pretty well,” he shares.
Wondering when you’ll actually need your OSHC? Here are some typical scenarios international students face.
When you have a cold that just won’t go away
Sometimes, no matter how many cups of tea you drink and how much rest you get, that stubborn cold just keeps sticking around. This is when it might be a good idea to visit a general practitioner, commonly referred to in Australia as a GP. Your OSHC policy includes general practitioner (GP) visits, with benefits that allow you to claim back some or all of the consultation fee, depending on what the provider charges. Some doctors bulk bill, which means you’ll only have to pay a small amount (a gap payment), or not at all. Your OSHC provider will also have what they refer to as a direct billing network, which means they partner with medical providers to offer low to no gap fees for their policyholders.
Nisal gives some advice to any new international students who aren’t quite sure what to do if they’re feeling ill:
“I’d encourage them to visit the GP if anything arises and assure them their OSHC includes benefits to help cover the cost.” Allianz Care Australia has a very handy doctor directory, so you can find a GP close to you who bills Allianz Care for your policy benefit so you don’t need to submit a claim and only need to pay your gap fee should it apply. Easy!
When you’ve broken a bone (we hope you don’t!)
Accidents happen! Maybe you tripped on your way to class or got a bit too competitive during a weekend footy game. If you sprain or break a bone, OSHC can help cover your X-rays, specialist visits and even hospital stays. OSHC plans generally cover emergency ambulance services, which can otherwise be pretty expensive if you’re paying out of pocket.
When you need mental health support
Being far from home, adjusting to a new culture and balancing your studies with your social life can sometimes take a toll on your mental health. The good news is, OSHC doesn’t just cover your physical wellbeing! It can also include some mental health services, like counselling sessions or psychologist appointments. There is often a waiting period before you are able to use these services, so make sure to check your policy before making a claim.
If you’re with Allianz Care Australia, you’ll have access to Sonder and Telehealth Services powered by Doctors on Demand – so you can speak with a healthcare professional via live chat, video call or over the phone 24/7. Better yet, Sonder is included with Allianz Care OSHC at no extra cost* and consultations with a doctor via Doctors on Demand is gap free^.
In an emergency
If something serious happens, whether it’s a medical emergency, a car accident or a sudden illness, having OSHC gives you access to Australia’s excellent public health system. Emergency care in a hospital can be expensive without insurance, but with OSHC, you won’t have to worry.
What OSHC doesn’t cover
It’s important to note that OSHC generally doesn’t cover things like dental, optical (glasses/contact lenses) or physiotherapy unless you’ve added extras or are on a more comprehensive plan. Travel vaccinations, elective surgeries, and treatments outside Australia typically aren’t covered.
Need to submit a claim?
Always keep your OSHC membership card with you and register with your provider’s online portal or app. That way, you’ll be ready to go if you ever need to make a claim.
Making a claim with Allianz Care is straightforward.
“My process was fairly simple. I received the payment receipts and tax invoices, and after uploading them to the claim portal, the Allianz Care team would reach out to me if any more documents were needed. When I provided them, they would reimburse my expenses,” shares Nisal.
“I visit a medical clinic near me in Parramatta for any GP consultations. They accept Allianz Care OSHC without any upfront payment. This comes in very handy as it saves me from paying out of pocket and then claiming that money later on. But, I have visited other clinics where I did have to make an upfront payment. I made sure to ask the reception to send me all the relevant documents, such as the tax invoice, which I will need to submit my claim. I received my tax invoice, and along with the payment receipt, I uploaded it to the claim portal on the Allianz Care website and was able to claim it back.”
Remember, having OSHC is a visa requirement for most international students in Australia. Not only does it protect your health, but it also gives you the confidence to focus on your studies and enjoy life in a new country. For more information or to explore how Allianz Care supports international students, check out Allianz Care Australia’s OSHC options.
*Access to Sonder is available to primary Allianz Care Australia OSHC policyholders at no extra cost. Visit sonderau.com/allianzcare for eligibility and T&Cs.
^The cost of any medicines and delivery fees is payable by the member. Terms and conditions apply. For details see: allianzcare.com.au/en/doctors-on-demand/terms.html.
