Australian Immigration Daily News

For students and other visitors from overseas, having a child in Australia can be confusing and expensive. Although the country’s health care system is among the best in the world, it can be complicated to understand.

Migration agents can smooth the way for intended parents, helping them comprehend the costs involved, what is covered by health insurance and what options are available to them.

In this article, we’ll go over all these aspects so you can provide clear advice to your clients, helping them to move ahead confidently when planning to have a baby.

Costs associated with pregnancy and birth

Without a health insurance policy or Medicare coverage, the medical costs associated with having a baby generally include the following (guideline only):

• Prenatal doctor visit and care - $80-$150
• Prenatal ultrasound - $70-$300
• Hospital birth - $7,000
• Hospital C-section birth - $14,000
• Home birth with midwife attending - $3,000-$5,000

Cover through the public health system

Australia’s government-funded public health system Medicare subsidises health care for Australian citizens and some overseas visitors from certain countries. However, not all overseas visitors will be eligible for Medicare.

OSHC and OVHC from Allianz Global Assistance

Visitors to Australia who are not eligible for Medicare must pay the full cost of any medical treatment they receive. Alternatively, they can purchase Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) designed specifically for overseas visitors and students. For some visa types, health insurance is a compulsory requirement.

Cover for singles and families

Allianz Global Assistance offers three different types of OVHC and OSHC:

• Single – Covers only the overseas visitor or student.
• Dual Family – Covers the overseas visitor or student plus either one adult spouse or recognised de facto partner OR one or more unmarried children or stepchildren under 18 years.
• Multi Family – Covers the overseas visitor or student and more than one dependant, which can only include one adult spouse or recognised de facto partner AND one or more unmarried children or stepchildren under 18 years.

Waiting period applies

A customer must have held their OVHC or OSHC Standard policy for at least 12 months before falling pregnant to be able to claim for pregnancy-related services. For the baby to be covered, the customer must upgrade to a dual family or multi family policy within 60 days of its birth.

Gap fees explained

In Australia’s medical system, doctors and other medical providers can charge more than the benefit that a patient is entitled to under their cover. This is called a ‘gap fee’ and must be paid by the patient. It’s important that you advise clients of this responsibility and advise them to always enquire about costs and gap fees before choosing providers.

Saving money on medical costs

The best way for visitors and students to minimise their out-of-pocket costs for medical care relating to pregnancy and birth is to discuss the options with their doctor. The doctor can explain all the available choices and the costs involved with each choice, to help them make the best decision for their needs.

With an OVHC or OSHC policy behind them, pregnant mums and their families will face a significantly lower financial burden around the arrival of their new baby.

View more information on Allianz Global Assistance pregnancy care: OVHC and OSHC.

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