In Australia, there are two main types of insurance that medical students need to consider:
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- This is mandatory for all international students on a student visa.
- It covers basic medical and hospital expenses, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and some ambulance services.
- There are a range of different OSHC providers to choose from, and the cost of cover will vary depending on the provider and the level of cover you choose.
Medical Indemnity Insurance
- This is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for all medical students, both domestic and international.
- It protects you from financial liability if you are sued for negligence or malpractice while providing medical care.
- There are a number of different medical indemnity insurance providers to choose from, and the cost of cover will vary depending on the provider and the level of cover you choose.
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Here are some things to consider when choosing medical indemnity insurance:
- The level of cover you need. This will depend on the stage of your studies and the type of medical practice you are pursuing.
- The excess you are willing to pay. The excess is the amount you will need to pay towards any claim before the insurance kicks in.
- The reputation of the insurance provider. Make sure you choose a reputable provider with a good track record of paying out claims.
It is important to compare different policies from different providers before you make a decision. You can also talk to your university or a medical student association for advice.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
- The Australian Government Department of Health website: https://oshcaustralia.com.au/aboutoshc
- The Medical Indemnity Group of Australia website: https://www.miga.com.au/
- The Australian Medical Students’ Association website:
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