CBHS International Overseas Student Health Cover

If you're an international student studying in Australia, having Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a visa requirement. CBHS International Health offers OSHC policies designed to help international students access essential medical services while studying in Australia. In this guide, we'll break down what CBHS International OSHC covers, its benefits, and how it compares to other providers.

What is CBHS International Health OSHC?

CBHS International Health is a trusted provider of health insurance for overseas students in Australia. Their OSHC policies are tailored to meet the visa requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, ensuring international students have access to necessary healthcare services during their stay.

CBHS International Health is part of the CBHS Group, a health fund with over 70 years of experience in the Australian health insurance industry. The CBHS International stands for Commonwealth Bank Health Society - the group was started by the bank back in 1951.

What does CBHS International OSHC cover?

CBHS International OSHC provides coverage for a range of medical services, including:

• Hospital treatments: Coverage for in-patient treatments, surgeries, accommodation in public hospitals and private agreement hospitals.
• Medical services: Visits to GPs, specialists, and diagnostic tests like X-rays and blood tests.
• Emergency ambulance services: Coverage for emergency ambulance transport.
• Limited pharmaceuticals: Coverage for medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
• Pregnancy and birth-related services: Coverage for medically necessary services related to pregnancy and childbirth.

It's important to note that CBHS International OSHC, like other OSHC policies, does not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, dental care, optical services, or physiotherapy unless specified in an additional policy.

Benefits of CBHS International coverage

1. Easy claims process: CBHS International offers a straightforward online claims process, making it simple for students to submit and track their claims.
2. 24/7 customer support: International students can access support anytime, ensuring help is available when needed.
3. Flexible policy options: CBHS International offers single, dual-family, and multi-family policies to suit different student needs.
4. Extensive provider network: CBHS International has a wide network of healthcare providers, making it easy for students to access medical services.

How to apply for CBHS International OSHC

Applying for CBHS International OSHC is simple and can be done online through their website. You'll need to provide details such as your visa type, study duration, and personal information. Once your application is approved, you'll receive your membership details and can start using your cover.

How does CBHS International OSHC compare to other providers?

CBHS International OSHC is a competitive option for international students, offering comprehensive coverage and a focus on customer service. While it may not have the same brand recognition as larger providers like Bupa or Medibank, OSHC policies are mostly standardised across the board, as their minimum requirements are set by legislation. You're going to find a lot of OSHC providers offering fairly similar products for fairly similar prices. That's not a bad thing to be honest - it means you know you'll get a decent product.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is CBHS International OSHC accepted for student visa applications?

  Yes, CBHS International OSHC meets the health insurance requirements for international student visas in Australia.

• Can I extend my policy if my studies are extended?

  Yes, CBHS International allows you to extend your OSHC policy if your course duration is extended. You can do this easily through their online portal or by contacting their customer service team.

• Does CBHS International cover pre-existing conditions on OSHC?

  Yes, CBHS International OSHC covers pre-existing conditions - this goes for all OSHC providers. However, a 12 month waiting periods will apply for any pre-existing condition before you can claim. The only exception to this is for pre-existing conditions of a psychiatric nature, which has a 2-month waiting period.

• Does CBHS International cover child birth?

  You're covered for pregnancy related services with CBHS International OSHC Essentials, however, there is a 12-month waiting period before you can claim. You'll need to tell CBHS International as soon as you become pregnant so you understand what services are available and to upgrade your cover to add the baby from birth.

Written by

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

A seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience in news, politics and finance reporting, Tim has previously held roles at the ABC, SBS and Fairfax Media. Tim’s expert insights have been quoted in The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. He regularly appears on TV and radio, and has been interviewed on 7 News, Sunrise, SBS News, ABC Local, 3AW and 5AA. Tim is passionate about simplifying complex insurance topics for Australian consumers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from Macquarie University and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). If you’re interested in a media interview with Tim, please reach out to our PR team at aupr@finder.com. See full bio

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