Difference Between Overseas Student Health Cover and Overseas Visitor Health Cover

When traveling or planning to study in Australia, it’s important to know how health coverage works. Many people often ask about the difference between Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Both types of insurance serve different purposes and are designed for specific groups of people.

OSHC is required for international students, helping them access essential healthcare while they study. On the other hand, OVHC is aimed at tourists and temporary visitors, providing necessary health services during their stay. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right coverage for your needs and ensure you are protected in case of unexpected health issues. By knowing whether you are in need of OSHC or OVHC, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your time in Australia with less worry about your health expenses.

Understanding Healthcare System in Australia

In Australia, health cover is important for everyone, especially for those from overseas. We will look at how the healthcare system works and what types of health insurance are necessary for visitors.

Overview of Healthcare System

Australia has a mixed healthcare system that combines public and private care. The public health system is known as Medicare. It covers citizens and permanent residents for many medical services.

For  visitors and overseas students in Australia, specific health covers like Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) are used. These covers help access medical services while staying in Australia.

Mandatory Health Insurance for Visitors

When visiting Australia, it is vital to have health insurance. Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is specifically designed for temporary visitors. It covers essential health services, such as doctor visits and hospital care.

It is also necessary to understand that not having health insurance can lead to significant medical expenses.

Similarly, for international students in Australia, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required. It ensures you are covered for medical expenses while studying. Both OSHC and OVHC have different levels of coverage, which should be considered based on your needs and situation.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is designed mainly for international students in Australia. This is mainly for students holding Student Visa (Subclass 500). The following description will cover the purpose of OSHC, its key benefits and features, and the eligibility criteria for obtaining this health cover in short. To learn about OSHC in depth, we recommend you to check our blog titled – Health Insurance for International Students in Australia. 

Purpose of OSHC

The main purpose of OSHC is to provide financial support for overseas students in Australia. This cover ensures students can access necessary medical services without bearing high costs. It covers various health services, including hospital visits, doctor consultations, and prescription medications.

OSHC also meets the Australian government’s requirement for students to have health insurance while studying in the country. This helps international students feel secure regarding their health needs, allowing them to focus on their studies.

Key Benefits and Features

Having an OSHC ensures that overseas students in Australia can access medical services and support during their studies. This also means you need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and keep your policy up to date whilst you are holding a student visa in Australia.

Another important feature is the affordable premiums, which make it accessible for students. These are accessible with the OSHC providers you choose to sign up with. 

Here are additional features of OSHC:

• Hospital cover: Direct access to hospital treatment.
• Emergency services: Coverage for urgent medical needs.
• 24/7 assistance: Support for medical advice any time of day.

This range of services ensures you can receive adequate care during your stay.

Eligibility Criteria

To obtain OSHC, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Firstly, you need to be enrolled in an approved course registered with the Australian government. This often includes higher education, vocational training, or English language courses. You must apply for OSHC before arriving in Australia or soon after arrival to ensure coverage begins right away.

In addition, you need to provide proof of your student status and relevant identification to finalize the cover. This process ensures you have the appropriate health insurance during our studies.

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a type of insurance that covers medical and hospital costs for people visiting Australia who don’t have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. It’s essential for visitors who need healthcare while in the country. Sometimes, having OVHC is a requirement for certain visas, for example, if you are Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) or Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). 

Purpose of OVHC

The main purpose of OVHC is to provide health insurance for international visitors in Australia. This includes tourists, business travellers, and individuals visiting family. Unlike Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is aimed specifically at students, OVHC covers a broader range of visitors.

By having OVHC, you can ensure that unexpected medical costs, like doctor visits or hospital stays are covered. This helps to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses during your stay in Australia. It also meets Australia visa requirements for some temporary visa holders.

Key Benefits and Features

OVHC offers several important benefits and features for visitors. Key aspects include:

• Hospital Treatment: Receive coverage for hospital stays, including accommodation and medical services.
• Medical Services: Visits to general practitioners, specialists and other necessary treatments.
• Emergency Ambulance: Access to emergency ambulance services, which can be crucial in serious situations.
• Prescription Medications: Some policies cover a portion of the cost of prescription medications, reducing our overall expenses.

Different OVHC policies may vary in terms of coverage and limits. Thus, careful  consideration must be done while reading the details to understand what is included and excluded.

Eligibility Criteria

For the eligibility for OVHC, there are specific requirements you must meet. These are the few:

• Temporary Visa Holders: OVHC is designed mainly for those on temporary visas, not citizens or permanent residents.
• Non-Residents: You must be living outside Australia at the time of applying for coverage.
• Age Limits: Some providers may impose age limits on policies.

It is necessary to provide accurate information while applying. If you are unsure about our eligibility or the best plan for our needs, consulting with StudyCo migration and education counselors can help clarify options.

Comparing OSHC and OVHC

When comparing Overseas Student Health Cover and Overseas Visitor Health Cover, you will find significant differences in coverage, cost and provider options. Each type of health cover serves different needs depending on your circumstances, whether you are studying or visiting.

Coverage Comparison

OSHC mainly supports international students studying in Australia. It covers essential medical treatments, including hospital fees, visits to specialists and medication. You can also find that it includes ambulance services and in some plans, limited dental care.

OVHC, on the other hand, is designed for temporary visitors. This includes tourists and people on business trips. It typically covers hospital stays and medical services but may not include as much as OSHC. Some OVHC plans from the providers may include extra services which may not be found in OSHC.

Cost and Payment Considerations

One of the key differences between OSHC and OVHC is the payment timings. While OSHC is typically paid in full for the duration of your student visa, OVHC offers more flexibility with monthly payments. This can be beneficial for those on shorter-term visas or who prefer to manage their expenses more gradually.

OVHC plans can tend to be more affordable than OSHC. They cover a wider range of visas, including those for short-term stays, making them a suitable option for many visitors. However, it’s essential to compare different OSHC and OVHC plans to find one that offers the necessary coverage without exceeding your budget.

Choice of Providers and Flexibility

When we look at providers, OSHC is typically limited to specific networks and hospitals. This can restrict your options for healthcare providers. Finding a suitable doctor or specialist may take some effort.

OVHC often offers more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. You can visit a broader range of doctors and hospitals. This flexibility allows you to select the best healthcare options available during our stay in Australia.