In Australia, there are two types of private health insurance: Hospital and Extras. As an international student, your hospital cover will be included on your Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC) policy.
Private health insurance funds typically don't offer extras policies specifically for international students. Instead, international students can take out the same extras policy as an Australian citizen.
As an international student, your visa will most likely require you to hold Overseas Student Health Insurance, or OSHC. This covers the cost of hospital treatment while you're in Australia. Extras is typically not included in this cover with OSHC. That's why if you want cover for treatments like dental, optical and physiotherapy, you'll need to take out an extras policy.
| Response | 75+ yrs | 65-74 yrs | 55-64 yrs | 45-54 yrs | 35-44 yrs | 25-34 yrs | 18-24 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | 38.64% | 38.95% | 28.57% | 27.22% | 21.08% | 19.47% | 15.29% |
| Somewhat | 36.36% | 33.72% | 37.89% | 42.01% | 44.86% | 38.42% | 37.65% |
| Yes | 25% | 27.33% | 33.54% | 30.77% | 34.05% | 42.11% | 47.06% |
To sign up for extras, you can follow one of the links in the table above. For some health funds, you'll be able to sign up completely online.
If you can't finish your signup online, you can still get extras insurance. You may need to contact the fund directly to purchase cover. Try using the chat or email feature on the fund's website. In researching this article, we called and used the chat function on the websites of multiple health funds. All of them were very helpful and able to provide us with quick responses to our questions.
Extras treatment covers a range of different treatments outside of a hospital. Here are some of the most common treatments that can be covered by private health insurance.
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture | A form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. |
| Ante-natal/Post-natal classes | Classes designed to educate expectant and new parents about pregnancy, childbirth, and early infant care. |
| Audiology | The study and treatment of hearing and balance disorders, including hearing tests, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. |
| Blood glucose monitors | Devices used to measure blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. |
| Chinese medicine | A system of traditional medicine that includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, and other therapies to promote health and treat illness. |
| Chiropractic | A form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine. |
| Dietetics | The study of nutrition and its effects on health, including the development of personalized meal plans to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. |
| Endodontic services | Dental services that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the dental pulp and root of the tooth, including root canal therapy. |
| Exercise physiology | The study of the effects of exercise on the body, including the development of personalized exercise programs to improve health and fitness. |
| Eye therapy | A range of treatments designed to improve vision and treat eye conditions, including vision therapy, eye exercises, and corrective lenses. |
| General dental | Routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions. |
| Health management | The coordination of healthcare services and resources to optimize patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. |
| Hearing aids | Devices used to amplify sound for people with hearing loss. |
| Home nursing | Nursing care provided in the patient's home, including wound care, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living. |
| Major dental | Dental services that go beyond routine care, including crowns, bridges, and dental implants. |
| Non-PBS Pharmaceuticals | Prescription medications that are not covered by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). |
| Optical | Services related to vision and eye health, including eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. |
| Orthodontics | Dental services that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws, including braces and clear aligners. |
| Orthotics | Devices designed to support and align the musculoskeletal system, including shoe inserts, braces, and prosthetics. |
| Osteopathy | A form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including joint pain, back pain, and headaches. |
| Physiotherapy | The use of physical techniques and exercises to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. |
| Podiatry | The study and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel spurs. |
| Psychology | The study of human behavior and mental processes, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. |
| Remedial massage | A form of massage therapy that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including muscle tension, soreness, and injury. |
| Speech pathology | The study and treatment of communication disorders, including speech and language disorders, stuttering, and voice disorders. |
| Vaccinations | The administration of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases, including childhood vaccines, flu shots, and travel vaccines. |
Insurance can be confusing when you first arrive in Australia but only health insurance is compulsory – others can be good to have depending on your situation.
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