About Overseas Student
Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance that provides cover to contribute towards the costs of:

• Out of hospital medical treatment
• In hospital medical treatment
• Prescription Medicines
• Emergency ambulance assistance

Student Visa Requirement
The Australian Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires all holders of a Student Visa to maintain OSHC during their stay in Australia.

It is a visa requirement that from 1 July 2010, students must obtain OSHC for the proposed duration of their student visa. If an overseas student extends the length of their student visa, they must renew their OSHC policy.

Condition 8501
Maintaining OSHC is a mandatory condition of a Student Visa. Overseas students who do not maintain their OSHC are at risk of having their visas cancelled.

Peace of mind
Medical treatment can be expensive. Overseas students are not eligible for Medicare (the public health insurance system for Australian Residents). Without access to Medicare, overseas students may have difficulty paying for medical treatment. In most cases, hospital treatment will cost more than $1500 per day.

Overseas students are eligible for OSHC. You are an overseas student if you are:

• a person who is the holder of a Student Visa; or
• a person who:
  • is an applicant for a student visa; and
  • is the holder of a bridging visa; and
  • was, immediately before being granted the bridging visa, the holder of a student visa.

A spouse, de facto, child or step-child of an overseas student who is unmarried and has not turned 18 may be covered on a policy as long as the policy is for an appropriate family plan (including dual family and multi family policies with effect from 1 January 2012). If such a person ceases to be a Dependant for the purposes of OSHC, he or she will need to seek other health insurance options.

It is a visa requirement that from 1 July 2010, students must obtain OSHC for the proposed duration of their student visa. If an overseas student extends the length of their student visa, they must renew their OSHC policy.

Allianz Global Assistance OSHC provides a contribution towards the cost of medical treatment for overseas students in Australia, similar to that provided to Australians through Medicare. Additionally, Allianz Global Assistance OSHC also includes access to some private hospitals and day surgeries, emergency ambulance cover and benefits for prescription medicines.

* Benefits payable as per the Medicare Benefits Schedule Fee

Please refer to the Policy Document and Members Guide that applies to the OSHC cover type that you have purchased. These documents set out in more detail what is covered and what is not covered under your OSHC policy.

Services which are not covered under your policy:

1. Services provided by physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths or any other ancillary services.
2. Medications, drugs or other treatments not prescribed by a doctor or not included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule.
3. Any costs associated with dental treatment, unless the services provided meet the requirements of the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
4. Optical charges.
5. The co-payment and/or gap payment payable by you under Australian law or as a result of the provider charging in excess of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Fee.
6. Service fees charged by a doctor or hospital which are not included in the benefits covered under your policy.

General Exclusions

Benefits are not payable for:

1. services and treatment rendered as part of an assisted reproductive program, including but not limited to in-vitro fertilisation;
2. treatment rendered outside of Australia, whether or not in connection with a course of study and including treatment necessary en route to or from Australia;
3. treatment arranged in advance of an Overseas Student's or a Dependant of the Overseas Student's arrival in Australia;
4. treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition (other than a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature). This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;
5. where an application was made for a Student Visa by an onshore applicant, who previously did not hold a Student Visa, treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition (other than a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature). This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;
6. treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first two months after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature. This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that the Dependant or Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;
7. where an application was made for a Student Visa by an onshore applicant, who previously did not hold a Student Visa, treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first two months after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature. This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that the Dependant or Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;
8. treatment of secondary conditions or disabilities directly arising from the conditions or disabilities to which subclause (d) and (e) applies will be treated in accordance with the provisions of subclause (d) and (e) respectively;
9. treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pregnancy related condition. This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that the Overseas Student or the Dependant of the Overseas Student required emergency treatment in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;
10. where an application was made for a Student Visa by an onshore applicant, who previously did not hold a Student Visa, treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pregnancy related condition. This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that the Overseas Student or the Dependant of the Overseas Student required emergency treatment in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;
11. transportation of an Overseas Student or a Dependant of an Overseas Student into or out of Australia in any circumstance;
12. services and treatment which are covered by compensation or damages, entitlements or payments of any kind; and
13. elective cosmetic surgery.

* The above services not covered under your policy and general exclusions are applicable to the Allianz Global Assistance OSHC Standard Cover. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC cover available through your Institution may include different benefits and premiums. Please contact your Institution if you require more information

There is a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

You cannot claim for costs arising during the waiting period if such costs arise from a pre-existing condition. The waiting period is calculated as 12 months (or, in the case of pre-existing conditions of a psychiatric nature, two months) commencing from:

• the date you or your Dependant (as the case may be) arrived in Australia; or
• the date your Student Visa was granted, whichever is the later date

A pre-existing condition is an ailment, illness or condition the signs or symptoms of which (in the opinion of a medical practitioner approved or appointed by us) existed in the period of six months ending on the later of:

• the date you or your Dependant (as the case may be) arrived in Australia; or
• the date your student visa was granted.

In forming this opinion, the medical practitioner must have regard to any information in relation to the ailment, illness or condition provided to that medical practitioner by the medical practitioner who treated the ailment, illness or condition. This includes an ailment, illness or condition that was present, but had not been diagnosed by a medical practitioner at the time of your arrival in Australia or the date your student visa was granted, whichever is the later date.

A pre-existing condition includes a secondary related condition or disability directly arising from a pre-existing condition.

* The above services not covered under your policy and general exclusions are applicable to the Allianz Global Assistance OSHC Standard Cover. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC cover available through your Institution may include different benefits and premiums. Please contact your Institution if you require more information.

For most commencing students your cover is arranged through your education institution prior to your arrival and you are covered as soon as you arrive in Australia.

For continuing students (those that have been in Australia for a while) you are covered until the expiry date shown on your membership card. Please check that you have your membership card and know your expiry date so that you maintain your cover.

The Australian Health Care System

Australia has a national health care system that provides access to health care for Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of permanent resident visas. The major part of the national health care system is called "Medicare". Medicare provides high quality health care which is both affordable and accessible to all Australians, often provided free of charge at the point of service.

Medicare covers areas of medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, but does not cover private hospital costs, dental, optical and similar services. Medicare does not provide cover for emergency ambulance assistance or for transport to hospital.

It is very important that you have a good understanding of the Australian health care system. If you understand the health care system in Australia, you will be able to access the best and most effective treatment for you.

What is a Direct Billing Medical Provider?

Allianz Global Assistance OSHC has made special arrangements for our members with many medical providers to direct bill us for the covered amount of your bill. This means that you simply show your valid OSHC membership card - so make sure you carry your valid card with you at all times.

Some medical providers may charge a 'gap' fee at the time of service, but the rest of the bill will be taken care of directly by Allianz Global Assistance OSHC. This means you do not need to make a claim.

You can find your closest Direct Billing Medical Provider here online, by logging into the Students section of this site.

General Practitioners

If you are not in a medical emergency situation, the first point of contact is a general practitioner (GP) or local health/medical centre.

You can access many services at your local health centre. Some of the services available are:

• General medicine: physical check-ups, pathology (blood tests), skin checks, nutrition advice, support in quitting smoking, blood pressure monitoring
• Assessment and treatment of health problems and injuries
• First aid services as needed
• Simple diagnostic screenings: many tests available - some include urine pregnancy test, urinalysis, blood pressure readings, blood sugar testing
• Women's health: contraceptive advice, pap smears, sexual health screening, pregnancy testing and advice, breast examination
• Men's health: sexual health screening, prostate checks
• Health counselling: including health problem counselling and personal problem counselling
• Referrals to specialist services

It is necessary for you to make an appointment to see your doctor

In order to minimise your medical expenses, it is recommended that you attend a medical centre or GP that direct bills Allianz Global Assistance OSHC. You can find your closest direct billing medical provider by logging into the Students section of the OSHC website.

You simply have to show your valid Allianz Global Assistance OSHC membership card, a valid photo ID and the bill for the covered portion of your service will be sent directly to us. If you wish to see another doctor, a list of doctors' names, locations and phone numbers can be found by searching online. You may be required to pay the bill, and submit a claim to us in order to get your benefit.

Accident and Emergency Treatment

Every public hospital has a 24-hour Emergency and Casualty department where you may seek help after hours and during weekends. If you attend an outpatient, emergency or casualty department you may need to wait a long time to see a doctor at a public hospital unless of course it is an emergency.

Patients with the most urgent and serious problems are seen and treated first. You should only use these services in an emergency situation.

People waiting in emergency are assessed and treated according to the seriousness of their medical condition. The patients with the most urgent problems are seen and treated first. If you attend the emergency department with a less serious medical condition you may be required to wait to see a doctor.

Hospital Treatment

If you have been referred to hospital to undergo treatment, you must contact Allianz Global Assistance OSHC immediately on 1800 651 349. You will need to provide us with the details of your treatment and hospital stay. We will then be able to confirm your cover and assist you with making arrangements for payment to the hospital.

Public Hospital

Generally, Allianz Global Assistance OSHC covers the cost of your stay and treatment as an inpatient in a shared ward of a public hospital. As a public patient, your doctors will be nominated by the hospital. After you are discharged from hospital, your care will be carried out in either the out-patient clinic, one of the hospital specialist's private rooms or you will be referred to your local general practitioner.

Private Hospital

You may choose to be treated in a private hospital. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC will contribute benefits towards treatment and shared ward accommodation. If you are a private patient, OSHC will cover 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for services provided by doctors (including surgeon’s and anaesthetists), pathologists or radiologists while in hospital. In a private hospital, you may have a large medical gap fee that is not covered by your OSHC policy.

Specialists and Private Health Services

After your initial consultation with your doctor, if you require more specialist care or treatment, your doctor will refer you to a specialist doctor.

If you do incur medical costs in Australia, there are two ways to submit a claim:

Online

1. Follow the step by step instructions to submit a claim
2. Record the claim reference number at the submission of the online claim, and write it on the back of all your original invoices and/or receipts
3. Send the original invoices and/or receipts to
   Allianz Global Assistance OSHC
   Locked Bag 3001
   Toowong QLD 4066

By Post

1. Collect a claim form from:
     - your institution
     - download from www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au
2. Complete the claim form and attach your original invoices and/or receipts
3. Send the claim form and original invoices and/or receipts to
   Allianz Global Assistance OSHC
   Locked Bag 3001
   Toowong QLD 4066

On-Campus claims

On-campus claims are available at most major Education Institutions. See your local Client Service Representative to process most claims under $105 and provide you with vouchers redeemable for cash at Australia Post outlets.

It is important to keep a copy of all your invoices and receipts and your claim reference number.

To make a successful claim you must submit:

• All original receipts and/or invoices and
• Any other relevant documents

Pre-paid, pre-addressed envelopes are available to make it easy to send all documents to Allianz Global Assistance OSHC. Envelopes are available at most Education Institutions or can be requested by contacting us on 13 OSHC (13 6742).

Client service representatives
Allianz Global Assistance OSHC has Client Service Representatives which are present at some Student Self Service Areas and institutions at various times during the week. They can assist you with any enquiries you may have and can provide you with a cash claim of up to $105. Check with your International Office or go to our website to find the times and locations for your closest Client Service Representative.

Self service areas

Some institutions have an OSHC Self Service Area, where members have access:

• helpful OSHC information including claim forms and pre-paid envelopes.

By Phone

You can access all of the same information on this website, or call 13 OSHC (13 6742) for friendly and helpful advice.

If your OSHC expires before the end of your student visa, it is your responsibility to ensure that you renew your OSHC.

You can renew your policy:

• Online at www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au using your credit card
• On-campus
  Some institutions are able to collect your OSHC premium on our behalf. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC also provides on-campus EFTPOS machines at some institutions. Once you renew your OSHC, your new membership card will be sent to you automatically.
• By Post
  Sending a money order or cheque by post, accompanied by a renewal form.

If you need to apply for an extension or new Student Visa, you will need to prove to the Department of Immigration that you have OSHC.

You are responsible for making sure your OSHC is always valid.

If you allow your policy to lapse whilst on a student visa, and you wish to renew your OSHC during the duration of your student visa, you must pay the premiums for the lapsed period and no benefits are payable for claims paid during the lapsed period of your OSHC.

You can apply in writing for a pro-rata refund of premium for the unexpired portion of your policy if:

• You paid your premium and did not come to Australia
• You paid your premium on the basis of an extended stay but the extension of authorised stay was not granted by DIAC
• You are obliged to cease studies and leave Australia before the end of a period of approved stay for reasons beyond your control
• You have been granted permanent residence in Australia
• You were not resident in Australia for a continuous period of 3 months or more but whilst holding a valid Student Visa
• You can provide proof of OSHC provided by another organisation which includes the period covered by the organisation

Please note:

• Refunds are calculated on a monthly pro-rata basis, with a minimum refund of one month
• A minimum cover period of 3 months is payable if cover is cancelled whilst in Australia
• Any amount that we retain on these grounds is treated as a fee for processing your refund.
• There is no minimum cover period payable if cover is cancelled prior to arrival in Australia