Overseas Health Insurance for Study Abroad Aspirants

Discover various options that will help you take care of your health without breaking the bank.
Why is Health Insurance vital for your study abroad experience?

Health insurance is an essential requirement for a worry-free experience while studying abroad.

International Medical Coverage: Health insurance provides you with the peace of mind to receive medical care anywhere in the world, ensuring you won't face overwhelming expenses.

Visa and Enrollment Support:Having health insurance can make obtaining a student visa and enrollment easier. This reduces the chances of your applications being delayed or rejected.

Financial Protection: In the event of an unexpected incident, having health insurance ensures that your medical expenses are covered. It safeguards you from potential financial stress.

Legal Compliance: Many countries create specific health insurance for international students. Securing this insurance not only safeguards your well-being but also shields you from potential legal complications and the risk of deportation. Protect yourself and ensure a smooth study experience abroad.

Comprehensive Care: Health insurance covers expenses related to hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health support, and much more.

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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:
Is OVHC/OSHC mandatory for Indians students planning to study abroad?

Yes. Health cover such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for Australia or the relevant OVHC for other countries is a mandatory visa requirement for Indian students. It must be purchased before applying for a student visa and should cover the entire duration of the course.

OVHC/OSHC typically covers medical expenses such as hospitalization, surgeries, doctor consultations, prescription medicines, and emergency ambulance services. It helps protect international students from the high cost of healthcare abroad.

Yes. PFEC India coordinates with top insurance providers to help students select and arrange the best OVHC/OSHC suitable for their needs and destination country. They also guide on comparing plans and understanding policy benefits.

To choose the right plan, assess your healthcare needs, compare policies from different providers, consider the benefits and exclusions, and check the claim settlement ratios. Consulting an education/insurance advisor like PFEC can help in making an informed decision.

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. 
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need health insurance while studying abroad?

Some countries require students to pay for health insurance in advance, which covers basic medical needs. In Australia, the UK, and the USA, the medical costs for citizens are borne by the government through insurance. To ensure adequate medical care for international students, these countries also require that international students purchase health insurance.

Health insurance is mandatory for indian students moving to specific countries. Australia requires the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and the UK requires the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for its students.

PFEC Global will select the most suitable health insurance provider based on your visa status, student budget, and country of residence. PFEC will provide a list of insurance providers to assist you throughout the entire process.

A typical student health care plan includes:

  • General medical treatments
  • Prescription medications
  • Surgeries and hospitalization
  • Specialized treatments
  • Pre-existing condition treatments, etc.

Student health insurance services can only be purchased through private providers. You can search the providers and select the best plans. The certificate will be needed during the visa process.

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