Overseas Health Insurance for Study Abroad Aspirants

Discover various options that will help you take care of your health without breaking the bank.
What Is Overseas Student Health Insurance?

If you are contemplating studying abroad, you should be aware that some countries may insist on student health insurance coverage. Even if they don’t, considering the exorbitant medical costs in foreign countries, having student health cover is prudent to avoid financial burdens while studying abroad. These health insurance plans typically cover pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, prescription medicines, and the cost of surgeries.

Students who purchase health plans from foreign countries while studying abroad will pay heavy premiums. Getting coverage under the best health insurance plans in India can be more economical.

So, students studying abroad or planning to study abroad should have a student health cover to avoid additional financial burdens.

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Types of Health Insurance Plans
Funding medical emergencies can be a huge financial burden while studying abroad. To be worry-free, knowing that your health and well-being are taken care of, you should purchase health insurance plans while studying abroad. There are two types of health plans, and they are:

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover is a health insurance plan designed for international students studying abroad. It is a complete coverage for expenses incurred comprising pre and post-hospitalisation coverage, and prescription medicines. This student health cover ensures that the students have access to quality healthcare services in their host country. It offers peace of mind and financial security against any unexpected medical costs that may arise. This is a mandatory requirement by some universities and visa regulations. It reassures the students and their families that their health needs are taken care of while they focus on their education.

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)

Overseas Visitor Health Cover is designed especially for visitors to Australia who cannot access the Australian public Medicare System for any hospital or medical costs. The eligibility criteria, premiums, and benefits for various health insurance plans under OVHC differ. Most plans, however, cover hospital expenses and a portion of the doctor’s fees. To avail of the services of dentists, physiotherapists, and optometrists, you can purchase a General Treatment Cover in addition to OVHC.

Benefits of Overseas Student Health Cover
OVHC is mandatory to comply with visa regulations. Apart from that, several other benefits make it a requirement for students studying abroad. They are:
What are the key documents required for a student visa?
Entry requirements vary by course and university but typically include academic qualifications and English proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL).
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during holidays.
Tuition fees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, depending on the course and university. Living costs vary by city.
Graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), allowing 2-6 years of post-study work in Australia.
Why Do You Need a Student Health Cover?
The student health cover is needed for various reasons:

The primary reason is that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires that anyone residing in Australia on a student visa are required to have an Overseas Health Cover.

Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC) covers medical expenses such as hospitalisation, surgeries, doctor's fees, and prescription medicines, reducing the financial burden and ensuring access to quality healthcare abroad.

Regular medical checkups are necessary to maintain robust health. OSHC covers the costs incurred for regular doctor visits, lab tests, and any medical emergencies that may arise. You can seek medical help without hesitation if you have student health cover. 

If you have an existing medical issue which needs regular intervention, having the best health insurance plan will help. Some student health insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period, and you can get constant medical attention.

Treating accident injuries results in substantial medical bills. OSHC provides coverage for accidental injuries, whether minor or major, so that you get healthcare promptly. 

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan?
Buying the best health insurance plan you should not forget before you fly abroad for studies. Choosing the best plan from the host of policies under the OSHC can be overwhelming. But considering the following can help you shortlist the plans.

University and Country Requirements

Each country and university may have different requirements concerning the OSHC. Check and ask about it before you decide to purchase a plan. Most countries insist on OSHC before commencing the course. The requirements may also vary depending on the type of visa issued.

Compare Different Plans

After you are clear about the insurance specifications, you research and compare the plans available. You should consider the coverage offered as well as the exclusions. Also, consider the amount that goes into the benefits. Most plans offer coverage for pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, doctor’s visits, medical checkups, evacuation, repatriation, prescription medicines, etc. Seek the advice of any insurance agent if necessary.

Read The Fine Print

Read between the lines to avoid surprises. Look for what is excluded, waiting period, hidden limits, etc., that are normally mentioned in the terms and conditions.

How to Buy an Online Health Insurance Plan?

You can buy a health insurance plan online by accessing the health insurance provider’s official website within a few minutes. However, for more clarity about the best insurance providers in your host country, you can take the assistance of PFEC.

PFEC coordinates with the best insurance providers across the globe. Whichever country you choose to study abroad, PFEC will help you get the best insurance providers who offer:

Exclusive benefits

Quick turnaround

Value for money

The team will help you compare policies and get the most relevant and affordable student health coverage for you. 
Health Insurance Plan Eligibility Criteria
As per the visa regulations and specific university/country requirements, students going to foreign countries for studies should have a student health cover. This will take care of their healthcare expenses and provide access to quality treatments during their stay abroad. They have to comply with the following eligibility criteria to purchase the health insurance plan.

Should have a student visa for the duration of their stay in the foreign country.

They should have an admission letter for a full-time course study from an approved University.

The student health cover should be for the entire duration of their stay in the country.

The age criteria vary with the insurance provider. The student should meet the age criteria specified by the respective insurance company.

If any family member is accompanying the student, insurance coverage will be required for the partner as well.

Our team will help you get the most relevant and affordable student health coverage for you. 
Documents Required to Buy Health Insurance Plan
The documents required to buy a health insurance plan are:
1
Proof of enrollment like college admission letter
1
Copies of Visa and Passport
1
Travel Itinerary
1
Health Declaration
1
Personal Identification documents like passport
1
Academic documents
1
Financial proof
The team will help you compare policies and get the most relevant and affordable student health coverage for you. 
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose A Health Insurance?
When selecting a health insurance plan, review the specific student health cover requirements of your chosen country and university. Compare plans based on benefits, coverage amounts, and exclusions. Carefully read terms for details like waiting periods and exclusions to make an informed decision on the most suitable plan for your needs.
The terms mediclaim and health insurance are often used interchangeably. But they are not similar. Health insurance provides cover for pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, daycare and OPD expenses, ambulance service, daily hospital cash, etc. Mediclaim provides coverage only for hospitalisation.
The right time to buy a health insurance plan is when you are in the best of health and have no family responsibilities. Mid-twenties and thirties are the right time.

To buy the best insurance plan,

  • Evaluate your needs.
  • Compare various health insurance plans from different insurance companies.
  • Check the benefits and the amount that goes into the benefits, and consider exclusions.
  • Read customer reviews and check the claim settlement ratio that reflects the insurer’s reputation.

If necessary consult an insurance advisor for an informed decision.

Our experts are waiting to help you take the next steps towards your dream.
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