Insurance

Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2009 02:28 Written by Ricardo Monday, 13 April 2009 04:58

Health Insurance

From the day you step off the plane until the day you leave (or your student visa expires), you're covered for basic health services. Your mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is covered by your IFSA-Butler program fee. An OSHC card will be issued to you by your Australian university from either:

• Medibank Private (James Cook University, Southern Cross University, University of Tasmania and UTS),
• Australian Health Management Group (University of Wollongong), or
• OSHC Worldcare (all other university programs).

Your health insurance will cover 100% of a doctor's scheduled fee for a consultation and, in some cases, the entire fee at selected university health centres. Ambulance cover is provided and hospital fees are covered (providing the hospital does not charge above the scheduled fee as determined by the Australian government). See the relevant website for further information on what is and isn't covered, as well as claim procedures.

IFSA-Butler provided insurance

OSHC will be your primary source of medical coverage while in Australia and an IFSA-Butler provided plan serves as a supplement to coverage including:

• Coverage while outside the country
• Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
• Medical and travel assistance
• Palliative dental
• Emergency reunion benefits
• Unexpected reoccurrence of a pre-existing condition

You will receive a membership card prior to departure, receive access to your insurance account online as well as 24hr assistance through your IFSA-Butler provided insurance. For more information, click here.

Valuables

It is advisable to insure any valuable items such as laptops, mp3 players and your passport before leaving the US. Taking out travel insurance also covers the cost of flights and holiday bookings should you miss them for any reason. Discuss your options with your travel agent prior to departure.