Studying in Australia is a dream for many international students. The country offers world-class education, a vibrant multicultural environment, and stunning landscapes. If you plan to study or do an internship in Australia, you will not be covered by your insurance from home. It is, therefore, necessary to take out health insurance abroad covering you for the entire period of your studies, your internship or your language course. This article provides a comprehensive guide on international student insurance in Australia.
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Why do you need Health Insurance as a Student?
When you leave the European Union, you are no longer covered by your system of Social Security. Depending on your country, you will have to pay all the medical costs upfront . Then you will need to submit a request for reimbursement which will be lump sum and you only get a certain part refunded.
Regardless of the country where you will study or do an internship, medical care in case of health problem or accidents can quickly reach enormous amounts. Therefore, it is important to go with a health cover that will financially protect you.
Study within the European Union
Before departure, make an application to obtain the European health insurance card (EHIC). This one certifies your rights to health insurance. This way you will receive medical care in the country of your stay *. The application of the EHIC must be made to your Health Insurance Fund.
For UK citizens, when you travel to an EU country or Switzerland you should have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This card replaces the EHIC and lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
* The law varies depending on the country, check before you leave.
If you are going to a country outside the European Union
It is essential you subscribe to an insurance to cover your medical expenses in case of an accident or illness. These insurances complete your home coverage. In some countries, such as Australia, you will need to take out additional health insurance to obtain your student visa. In this case, you can choose to join a private insurance provider.
Why is Health Insurance important?
Australia has a robust healthcare system, but medical treatments can be expensive. International students are not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health system, unless they come from a country with a reciprocal health care agreement. Therefore, having health insurance is essential to avoid high medical costs and ensure access to necessary healthcare services.
Mandatory health insurance in Australia (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a specific type of health insurance designed to meet the needs of international students in Australia. It is a mandatory requirement for student visa holders. It is essential if you want to obtain your student visa. You should know that an OSCH insurance covers at least the rates agreed by Medicare, the Australian health system. This means that this type of insurance does not cover all health costs. As in your home country, the cover has its limits.
Coverage
OSHC typically covers:
- Doctor visits: General Practitioner (GP) consultations.
- Hospital treatment: Public and private hospital services.
- Ambulance services: Emergency transportation.
- Prescription medicines: Limited coverage for medications prescribed by a doctor.
Providers
Several insurers offer OSHC, including:
- Medibank Private
- Bupa Australia
- Allianz Global Assistance
- nib OSHC
- ahm OSHC
Each provider offers different levels of coverage and additional services, so it’s essential to compare policies to find the one that best suits your needs.
Getting a travel insurance for your studies and internship abroad
It is fundamental to have an appropriate insurance policy to protect you in the most serious situations and not subject you to very expensive payments. Chapka Insurance has created an insurance specifically for European students who go abroad for an internship or for further studies.
Cap Student Insurance
Cap Student Insurance offers comprehensive insurance coverage and assistance to cover you for the duration of your stay abroad as part of your studies, an internship and including tourism. From 25 € per month (without discount), you can benefit from a full insurance coverage!
This insurance is recognized by leading universities around the world, including Canada, the USA, but also by the institutions in China or Australia for example.
All the readers of Australia – Backpackers Guide can enjoy a 5% discount on Cap Student!
Benefits of Cap Student
- Medical fees (consultations, exams, treatments) are covered from the 1st Euro and unlimited.
- If you are being hospitalized, the insurance will pay for a member of your family to be at your bedside.
- Repatriation is covered at 100% of the real cost
- You are covered at your destination of studies, but also if you leave on holiday in other countries (90 days max).
Conditions to subscribe
- Studying abroad and can justify this with a confirmation of enrolment (school certificate or an internship agreement).
- You must be between 12 and 40 years old.
- Resident of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, the Principality of Monaco, DROM, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
- You must subscribe before your departure. You can get this insurance if you are already abroad but under conditions.
How to choose the right OSHC
Compare policies and prices
Use comparison websites or check each insurer’s website to compare coverage options and costs. Ensure the policy meets the minimum requirements set by the Australian government.
Understand the coverage
Look at what each policy covers, including any exclusions or limits on coverage. Some policies offer extras like dental, optical, or physiotherapy services at an additional cost.
Consider your Health needs
Assess your health needs and choose a policy that provides adequate coverage. If you have specific medical requirements, ensure they are covered under the policy.
Look for Extras
Some OSHC providers offer additional benefits like 24/7 helplines, health and wellness programs, or discounts on health services. These can add value to your policy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, having insurance is mandatory to obtain a student visa in Australia. The minimum requirement is to subscribe to OSHC, but it is highly recommended to have additional private insurance.
It’s very easy to get health insurance for Australia. For OSHC, you can directly contact the school or university where you plan to study, and they will guide you. As for private insurance, it’s even simpler – you can subscribe online directly from the chosen insurer’s website.
The coverage duration depends on the health insurance policy, but generally, it lasts until the end of your study period in Australia.
When you leave the European Union, you are no longer covered by Social Security. If you don’t have private health insurance, then in case of health issues, the costs will be on you. Note that OSHC will cover a portion of the expenses, but it’s minimal. That’s why it’s advisable to get health insurance on top to study in Australia.
Chapka’s Cap Student insurance covers emergency dental and optical expenses. Check the offered benefits and limits before subscribing.
Medicare is the public health insurance system in Australia, accessible to Australian citizens and permanent residents. International students are generally not eligible for Medicare – unless your country has an agreement with Australia. Private student insurance offers an alternative for international students by providing tailored medical coverage.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only. The list of coverage is not exhaustive. We advise you to refer to the general terms and definitions provided by the insurer, which are the only authoritative documents at the time of subscription.
