Overseas student health cover (OSHC) is health insurance for overseas students. It covers the cost of your medical treatment if you get sick or have an accident while studying in Australia. In this review, we'll look at Bupa's offering to see what's included.
If you are an overseas student, the Australian government requires you to have OSHC for the entire time you are in the country. This includes if you are applying for or currently hold a student visa (subclass 500) or are on a bridging visa while applying to extend your student visa.
If you are in Australia with family members such as a spouse and children under 18 years of age, they must also have adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Bupa OSHC complies with Australian government visa requirements and helps with the cost of hospital and medical treatment for singles, couples and families of students in Australia.
It also covers ambulance services and provides limited benefits for pharmaceuticals (up to $300 a year for singles and $600 for families). If you wish to have cover for extras (ancillary benefits), such as optical, dental and physiotherapy services, you can also take out Bupa’s optional Extras OSHC for an additional charge.
Treatments covered by Bupa OSHC include the following:
The following conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply to Bupa OSHC:
Bupa-friendly doctors are those who have agreements with Bupa and bill them directly so that you pay little or nothing on the day of your appointment.
If your doctor does not have an agreement with Bupa, you may have to pay for treatment and then submit your receipt to Bupa for compensation.
To find your nearest Bupa-friendly doctor, follow this link and enter your postcode in the box provided.
If you urgently need a doctor outside normal practice hours, call the National Home Doctor Service on 13 SICK (7425) and arrange for a doctor to visit you at home.
Making a claim on your Bupa OSHC is easy and members have a range of claiming options:
| Claim type | Hospital | Medical (up to 100% of MBS) |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Phone | Yes | Yes |
| In-store | Yes | Yes |
| On campus | Some campuses | Some campuses |
| HICAPS/at time of treatment with card | No | Some GPs only |
If you are claiming money back on a treatment you have paid for, your payment will be sent to your nominated bank account. If you are claiming in order to pay for a treatment, you will be sent a cheque made out to the service provider.
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