Overseas Student Health Cover in Australia - Research Paper Example

Australia has more than 1200 universities, colleges and schools that offer more than 25000 courses. In the year 2007 itself, there were more than 45000 enrolments for universities in Australia from approximately 200 countries; around 5000 of these had received scholarships from the Australian government. In addition to those who travel to Australia to study, there are several who take courses at offshore campuses or by correspondence and occasionally travel to the country for a brief period during their course.

As part of their travel to Australia, students have to meet several requirements. One such requirement is obtaining overseas student health coverage (OSHC) for the duration of their travel to cover medical expenses that they may incur while in the country. In this essay, we will review all elements associated with the OSHC and understand issues faced by students.

THE AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Australia is known to provide a very high quality of health care services. The Australian healthcare system is a mix of both public and private sector providers. Both sectors deliver high-quality services. The national healthcare funding system in Australia aims to allow all people in the country access to healthcare services while allowing individuals to be able to make their own choices. This is achieved by allowing substantial involvement of private players in the delivery and financing of health services.

‘Medicare’ comprises the major portion of the Australian healthcare system. Because of the presence of Medicare, all Australians receive health care services of very high quality. These services are both affordable and accessible across all strata of people. More often than not, these services are received at no cost at all at the point of care. Medicare receives its funding mainly from general taxation revenue. The tax paid by individuals includes a Medicare levy based on their taxable income. When compared to most other developed countries, the cost of healthcare is lower and of high quality in Australia. It is mandatory for international students coming to

Australia to study to procure health insurance known as Overseas Student Health Cover, which is deemed to be of a ‘very low cost’.

OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER: AN INTRODUCTION

Australia has introduced a special and exclusive health cover for foreign students known as the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The aim of the introduction of OSHC in March 1989 was to provide self-financed medical and hospital cover to foreign students and their dependents.