Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All international students must maintain adequate health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in Australia. The applicant and all included family members must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved health insurance provider.
The nature of health cover depends upon the number of applicants included in the visa application. For a single applicant, a single health cover is required while for a couple or family members, either couple insurance or a family health cover is needed. There are many health insurance providers who offer different types of health covers depending upon your requirements. The cost of the insurance cover varies according to the duration and nature of the health cover as well as the health insurance provider.
All of the insurance providers have their own benefits and include varied health services in their insurance. We understand that choosing the right policy at the best price is of utmost priority to our clients. Our partnerships with the most popular health insurance providers such as BUPA, Medibank, AHM, NIB and Allianz gives you the flexibility to take the health cover of your choice at a highly competitive price.
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Frequently Asked Questions about OSHC
In the context of healthcare services, a “Gap” refers to the amount of money a patient must pay on their own because it is not covered by their health insurance. This amount represents the discrepancy between the total fee charged by the healthcare provider for a service and the portion of that fee that the patient’s health insurance agrees to cover. These costs, which the patient must cover out of pocket, are commonly known as gap fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
To obtain an AHM OSHC membership card, members first need to sign up for Online Member Services. Once registered, the membership card will be dispatched within 10 working days to the member’s address in Australia. For those who prefer a physical card, there is an option to request one via mail. This can be done by logging into Online Member Services at the ahmoshc.com.au website, navigating to ‘My Account,’ and selecting ‘Order a card.’
AHM’s Online Member Service (OMS) is an easily accessible platform designed to help members efficiently manage their insurance cover. It can be accessed either through the website ahmoshc.com.au or by using the ahm OSHC mobile application, which is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The service offers a range of functionalities, including the ability to view details of your insurance cover, update your contact and banking information, access a 24/7 Student Health & Support line, locate medical providers who offer direct billing with AHM, view your digital membership card, submit insurance claims, and more.
AHM OSHC insurance policy does not provide coverage for several specific services. These include any cosmetic treatments that are elective and not medically required. Additionally, podiatric surgeries must be performed by a registered podiatric surgeon to qualify for coverage; procedures conducted by unregistered practitioners are excluded. Treatments that are not deemed medically necessary, such as health screenings required for employment purposes, are also not covered. Furthermore, surgically implanted prostheses or similar items that are not listed on the official government Prostheses List are not eligible for coverage under this policy.
AHM Health Cover provides a comprehensive range of benefits for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital treatments, along with additional services to ensure thorough healthcare coverage. For in-hospital care, it includes coverage for accommodation, accident and emergency services, care in all hospitals, as well as outpatient and postoperative care, and doctor services which are covered at 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rate.
When it comes to treatments outside the hospital, the coverage includes standard general practitioner consultations at full MBS rates, while telehealth services, specialist visits, and costs for pathology and X-rays are covered at 85% of MBS rates.
Additionally, AHM Health Cover includes other significant benefits such as emergency ambulance services, coverage for surgically implanted prostheses, and prescription medications with a per-item limit up to $50 and a maximum of $300 per person each year under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment.
The policy also specifies waiting periods for certain conditions, including a two-month waiting period for pre-existing psychiatric conditions, and a twelve-month waiting period for other pre-existing conditions and obstetric services.
Extra features of this health cover include a refund policy where limited fees apply, and support services that feature a 24-hour health and emergency support line. These benefits and features are designed to provide broad and flexible health coverage to meet a variety of healthcare needs.
Yes, AHM OSHC complies with the health insurance standards stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
AHM OSHC is available exclusively to individuals who hold or will hold one of several specific visa types in Australia. These include the Student Visa (subclass 500), along with visas tailored for various educational sectors: Independent ELICOS Sector (subclass 570), Schools Sector (subclass 571), Vocational Education and Training Sector (subclass 572), Higher Education Sector (subclass 573), Postgraduate Research Sector (subclass 574), Non Award Sector (subclass 575), and the Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector (subclass 576).
The AHM Overseas Student Health Cover provides a comprehensive range of healthcare benefits. Enrollees are covered for appointments with general practitioners and specialists, treatments administered by doctors while in hospital, and diagnostic services such as pathology tests and X-rays. The plan also covers hospital stays, prescription medications, emergency ambulance services, and offers round-the-clock access to medical advice from a registered nurse.