OSHCstudents – Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory and essential requirement for all international students coming to Australia for higher education or long-term stay. OSHC ensures you have access to reasonably priced health cover throughout your visa period.
In many cases, due to a change in study course or continuing further studies, students may need to extend their student visa. This means you also need to extend your OSHC policy – when you extend your student visa, your health cover must also be extended.
Why Might You Need to Extend Your OSHC Policy?
- Visa Extension: When your student visa (subclass 500) is extended, you must extend your OSHC to meet visa requirements.
- Course Extension or Transfer: If your study duration is extended or you enroll in a new course, you will need to extend your OSHC.
- Personal Reasons: Participation in internships, research programs, or other activities requiring continued health cover.
How to Extend Your OSHC Policy
Step 1: Check Your Current OSHC Expiry Date
Find your expiry date on your OSHC membership card or provider’s website to avoid any gap in coverage.
Step 2: Determine the Required Extension Period
Calculate how long you need additional coverage based on your new visa dates. Compare benefits and choose a suitable plan.
Step 3: Contact for OSHC Renewal
You may renew directly with your OSHC provider or through Annalink to enjoy:
- Expert advice on choosing a plan aligned with your visa and needs.
- Fast and error-free processing to avoid delays.
- Direct liaison with providers to resolve any issues, saving you time.
- Proactive reminders before your OSHC expiry date, ensuring you renew on time and avoid coverage gaps.
- Continuous support throughout your coverage period, including assistance with medical claims, guidance for hospital visits, and answering all your OSHC-related questions.
Step 4: Submit Your OSHC Renewal Application
Prepare your updated visa details, proof of enrolment, and payment method. Many providers offer online renewal.
Step 5: Confirm Your Updated OSHC Policy
Verify your new OSHC Certificate and keep a copy for visa or health cover checks.
Step 6: Inform the Department of Home Affairs (If Needed)
Update your OSHC details with the Department of Home Affairs to comply with visa conditions.
Key Takeaways
Extending OSHC in Australia is straightforward when you’re well-prepared. By renewing through Annalink, you benefit from reminders, full ongoing support and complete assurance for your studies and life in Australia without worrying about medical expenses or visa breaches.
If you are international students, foreigners arriving to Australia, or Australian citizens traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact OSHCstudents Team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
