What is Prescription Medicine Coverage in OSHC?

Prescription medicine coverage in OSHC is designed to help international students manage the cost of prescribed drugs while studying in Australia. When you visit a doctor and receive a prescription for treatment, OSHC policies contribute to part of the cost.

However, unlike the doctor consultation fees or hospital expenses, the benefits for medicines are capped. This means you will usually need to pay some amount out-of-pocket.

Why Prescription Medicine Coverage Matters?

Medicines in Australia can be expensive if you don’t have cover. While many common medications are subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), international students may still face substantial costs.

For example, antibiotics, inhalers for asthma, or long-term medication for chronic conditions can quickly add up. With Overseas Student Health Cover medicine benefits, you can get reimbursed for part of your prescription cost, helping you stay healthy without straining your budget.

OSHC Policy Inclusions for Medicines

Each provider structures benefits differently, but here are the common inclusions across OSHC policies:

How to Claim Prescription Medicine Costs?

To access your OSHC prescription medicine coverage, you’ll need to:

1. Visit a doctor (GP or specialist) and get a valid prescription.
2. Fill the prescription at a registered pharmacy in Australia.
3. Pay the cost upfront.
4. Submit your claim online or via the OSHC provider’s mobile app, attaching the pharmacy receipt and prescription details.
5. Receive reimbursement (up to the allowable per-item and annual limit).

Practical Example: How It Works

Let’s say your doctor prescribes you antibiotics costing $80. Under your OSHC policy:

• Per prescription benefit limit: $50
• Your out-of-pocket cost: $30 (because OSHC will only reimburse up to $50)
• If you’ve already reached your annual medicine limit, you’ll pay the full $80 yourself.

This demonstrates why understanding the caps in your OSHC policy inclusions is critical.

Key Things International Students Should Know

1. Keep All Receipts: Always ask the pharmacist for an itemized receipt, as it’s required for claims.
2. Check Your Annual Limit: If you rely on long-term medications, calculate whether the yearly cap will be enough for your needs.
3. Know the Gap Payments: Even with OSHC, you will likely pay a portion of medicine costs. Budget for this in advance.
4. Different Providers, Different Rules: While all OSHC providers must meet government requirements, the exact benefits can vary. Always review your policy booklet to compare inclusions.
5. Chronic Conditions and Specialist Medicines: If you need ongoing treatment, ask your OSHC provider whether there are additional supports or higher limits available.

OSHC Providers and Prescription Medicine Coverage

Some of the major OSHC providers in Australia include:

• Bupa: Offers prescription medicine cover with annual caps and per-item limits.
• Medibank: Covers part of PBS and non-PBS prescription costs with a set maximum per year.
• Ahm: Provides per-prescription reimbursement for eligible medicines.
• Allianz Care Australia: Includes standard prescription medicine cover with OSHC policy inclusions.
• Nib: Similar coverage structure, with defined limits for medicine benefits.

When comparing OSHC providers, always check the details around Overseas Student Health Cover medicine benefits to ensure they meet your needs.

Common Misunderstandings About Prescription Medicine in OSHC