The world is currently dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a very challenging situation health-wise. If you are an international student and trapped in Australia because of the crisis, you might feel concerned about how your OSHC provider reacts to this situation. Or, once the borders are opened, and you will be able to travel to Australia, will your OSHC cover you for COVID-19?
Are you covered?
Whether you are feeling unwell or not, first and most importantly, you will be pleased to know that the COVID-19 situation does not change any of the benefits already given by OSHC providers. It means you will continue to enjoy benefits on hospital and medical services including GP visits, PBS prescription medicines, pathological tests and emergency treatments.
According to government data, all OSHC providers have confirmed to cover COVID-19 related illnesses, mainly for 'lung and chest', 'kidney', 'dialysis for chronic kidney failure' or clinical illnesses. However, if the illness falls under 'pre-existing conditions' (hyperlink), a waiting period will apply. The waiting period will get waived in case of emergency treatments.
GetMyPolicy is continuously monitoring the evolving situation, and we strive to provide you with the relevant information on what measures are being taken by your insurer in response to the current scenario.
Before delving deep into specific coverage offered by leading insurance providers, you need to follow the basic guidelines if you contract any illness or COVID symptoms. You are advised to stay at home, call your GP or any healthcare service and seek telephonic advice at first.
Allianz Global Assistance
Both face-to-face and telephonic consultations are available. Pathology and radiology, including Specialists and COVID-19 tests, are covered by Allianz Global Assistance.
The cover is available to OSHC policyholders for hospital and out-of-hospital medical care, including PBS prescription drugs, care for emergencies. Here you can find details about Allianz OSHC Coverage during COVID-19.
In case you need any help, you can reach them at;
OSHC general information (within Australia)- 13 67 42
OSHC general information (from overseas)- +61 7 3305 8841
Bupa
Bupa has taken several initiatives during the ongoing situation for its customers. It ensures that all clients who have a hospital policy are covered for lung, chest conditions.
Bupa OSHC has also expanded its Extras benefit and includes a claim for psychology, speech pathology, physiotherapy etc. Video and phone consultations for selected extras services are also available.
It has announced $50m financial hardship relief, and in case you are facing any financial stress for COVID-19, you can directly reach them. More information is available here.
In case you need any help, you can reach them at;
OSHC enquiries (within Australia) – 1800 888 942
OSHC enquiries (outside Australia) – +61 3 9937 4223
Ahm and Medibank
Ahm OSHC and Medibank is covering 85% of the MBS fee for the cost of COVID-19 pathological testing, 100% of MBS fee for face to face GP consultation, 85% of the MBS fee for GP telepath consultation and so on. Full details are available on their website.
If you are facing any trouble or have any query, you can reach them;
OSHC helpline no- 134 148
Medibank has also introduced COVID-19 health assist. Eligible members with hospital cover may access free of cost personalised support and care at home from healthcare professionals. It has designed several programs to support those who are affected by the pandemic. Starting from 'at home monitoring' to 'mental and physical health-support to recover' from the disease, Medibank is offering a range of solutions.
Nib
In line with product design and subject to regular waiting periods and pre-existing assessment requirements, Nib benefits are payable. Nib covers 100 per cent of MBS for GP appointments, 85 per cent of outpatient services such as pathology's Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) cost, up to $50 on PBS prescription drugs (with a cap) and hospital coverage can differ depending on your policy.
To know what you are explicitly covered for, you should read the OSHC policy fact sheet. Tap here to find out more about COVID-19 and your policies.
You can contact your Nib provider if you have further queries;
OSHC helpline no- 1800 775 204
If you still feel overwhelmed, you can also reach out to the customer support executives of GetMyPolicy for any queries regarding your OSHC policy. Also, you can seek help from GetMyPolicy Live Support, anytime, for any guidance regarding the purchased policy.
In the meantime, if you are looking to buy any Overseas Student Health Cover, visit getmypolicy.online for instant comparison of a wide range of plans from the leading insurers of Australia. Purchase the best health cover to safeguard you and your family at this difficult time.