OSHCstudents – OSHC is not only about health coverage—it is directly tied to your Student Visa. The Department of Home Affairs mandates that all international students and their dependants must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. Failure to do so can result in the cancellation of the Student Visa.
Exceptions to OSHC Requirements
While OSHC is mandatory for most international students, there are specific exceptions:
- Norwegian students: Covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
- Swedish students: Covered by Kammarkollegiet.
- Belgian students: Covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.
However, it’s important to note that these arrangements typically don’t cover ‘general treatments’ or ‘extras’ like dental or optical care. Students from these countries may wish to obtain separate coverage for these services.
When Should You Purchase OSHC?
International students must purchase OSHC before arriving in Australia, and it must align with the duration of their intended Student Visa period. OSHC is required as evidence when applying for a Student Visa, and students (and their dependants) are not allowed to enter Australia until their OSHC policy is active.
If you decide to switch OSHC providers while in Australia, you can do so without losing the benefits of served waiting periods, as these will carry over to your new provider. However, make sure there is no gap in coverage, as overseas students must maintain continuous OSHC throughout their stay.
By staying informed and maintaining continuous coverage, you can focus on your studies with peace of mind, knowing that you have the necessary health support in place.
If you are international student, a foreigner arriving in Australia, or Australian citizen traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact Annalink team at email info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
