Does OSHC (Overseas student health cover) cover for Covid-19 (part2)?
OSHCglobal - Due to the spread of COVID-19 (also known as Novel Coronavirus), the Australian Government has announced that as of 1 February 2020, all travellers, including international students, arriving from any part of mainland China, regardless of nationality, will be subject to enhanced border control measures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the Australian community.
1. What are the specific treatments or healthcare services under covered for the students?
If the service has a MBS item number assigned to it and the member is covered for Outpatient services then benefits will be provided. If the member is admitted to hospital for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms then benefits would be provided in line with the product and any admission criteria.
2.In case the students feel unwell or they have signs (symptoms) of coronavirus infection, where do the need to visit to be covered if they want to test (GP or hospital)?
GP’s and outpatient pathology companies can provide testing for COVID-19, it would be advised that the member calls the practice prior to attending to ensure appropriate isolation can occur.
3. If the students test positive for Covid-19, How could the be covered? And do they need to check the waiting period?
Waiting periods would be reviewed to ensure there were no signs or symptoms prior to join, in addition to reviewing any other relevant claiming criteria or legislation.
When visiting a GP, OSHC will pay the cost of the consultation, laboratory testing that is required to confirm whether you have the coronavirus – for any specialist services, such as pathology testing as listed on the MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule). Find a GP who we have an agreement with (aka a direct billing provider) may help to reduce the amount to pay upfront for the consultation.
How to find a GP
4. Does OSHC have any limited service items or special conditions that the clients need to follow?
Most of the time, symptoms will clear without treatment, however if the condition is severe or complications present, or home is not a suitable option (e.g. you are staying in a hostel) you may be required to be admitted into hospital for observation or treatment of any symptoms. In some States, screening and treatment for communicable diseases such as the novel coronavirus will be free of charge when provided at a Public Health Organisation. Where this is not the case, your OSHC can help in the following ways by paying for eligible (terms & conditions may different for each OSHC provider):
- Emergency ambulance transport to hospital
- Accident and emergency department charges in a Public or Private hospital
- Outpatient clinic services required for follow up consultations in a Public hospital
- Private patient accommodation in a Public or Private hospital for included services*
- Doctor’s charges for in-hospital services as listed on MBS*
- Prescription only pharmaceuticals (subject to relevant policy limits, co-payments and per item benefits)
Please note that a 12 month waiting period applies to hospital admissions for pre-existing conditions (PECs). A PEC assessment will be required to be completed, with the treatment assessed by OSHC medical advisor. No benefits are payable for PECs within the 12 month PEC waiting period, however this waiting perid will be waived where the treatment is considered ’emergency treatment by the OSHC medical advisor’.
If you are looking at OSHC, you can check out the prices and purchase insurance please contact OSHCglobal Team for further information and assistance.
Email: info@oshcglobal.com
OSHCglobal Team
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