Healthcare in Australia for international students is generally accessible and reliable, but it does come with costs that you should be aware of when planning your studies.

1. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

- Mandatory Requirement: All international students (and their dependents) must have OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in Australia as part of their student visa requirement.
- Cost: The cost of OSHC varies depending on the provider and the length of your course. As a guide:
- Single student: Approximately AUD 500–700 per year
- Couple: Around AUD 2,600–3,100 per year
- Family: Around AUD 4,200–5,500 per year
- Major Providers: Bupa, Medibank, Allianz, NIB, and ahm.

2. What does OSHC cover?

- Visits to the doctor (GP)
- Hospital treatment (public hospitals, shared wards)
- Limited prescription medicines
- Ambulance services (in emergencies)
- Partial coverage for some specialist and allied health services (limits apply)

3. What is not covered?

- Dental care, physiotherapy, optometry (unless you buy extra cover)
- Pre-existing conditions (waiting periods may apply)
- Cosmetic surgery

4. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

- Consultation Fees: GP visits may be fully or partially covered; you may have to pay a gap fee (AUD 10–30 per visit).
- Prescriptions: OSHC covers only part of prescription costs; you may pay AUD 30–50 per prescription.
- Specialist Care: You may have to pay a portion of costs if you see a specialist, especially if not fully covered by your OSHC.

5. Emergency Services

- Ambulance services in emergencies are generally covered by OSHC, but always check your policy.

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Summary:
Healthcare in Australia is relatively affordable for international students due to OSHC, but it is important to budget for possible out-of-pocket expenses and consider extra cover for dental, optical, or physiotherapy if needed.

Need help choosing the right OSHC or want more detailed cost breakdowns?
Pollster Education can guide you through your health insurance options as part of your Australia study application process. Feel free to contact us at +919324480791 or info@pollstereducation.com, or visit our Mumbai office for personalized advice!