Overseas Student Health Cover

Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You will need to purchase OSHC before you come to Australia to cover you from when you arrive. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires you to maintain OSHC for the duration of your time on a student visa in Australia.

You might find that your institution has an agreement with a specific OSHC provider. You can choose to take out OSHC with this provider, or with the Australian OSHC provider of your choice. There are six providers of OSHC in Australia. Visit these websites to find detailed information on what they cover and to decide which provider is right for you.

Health Insurer  & Insurers website

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AHM OSHC                                                            www.ahmoshc.com

Allianz Global Assistance (Peoplecare Health).   www.allianzassistancehealth.com.au/en/student-visa-oshc/ 

BUPA Australia                                                       www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc

CBHS International Health                                    www.cbhsinternationalhealth.com.au/overseas-students-oshc

Medibank Private                                                   www.medibank.com.au

NIB OSHC                                                               www.nib.com.au

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Your OSHC will help you pay for any medical or hospital care you may need while you’re studying in Australia, and it will contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicines, and an ambulance in an emergency.

For more information on what your OSHC insurance covers, refer to the Department of Health and Ageing’s (DOHA) Frequently Asked Questions.

OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy. If you want to be covered for these treatments you will need to buy additional private health insurance, such as:

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• Extra OSHC provided by some OSHC providers;

• International travel insurance; or

• General treatment cover with any Australian private health insurer. You can find a list of these providers and search for the one that suits you best at www.privatehealth.gov.au or www.iselect.com.au

HEALTH & DOCTOR

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OSHC provides a safety net for international students similar to that provided to Australian citizens through Medicare, Australia’s National Health Insurance System.

When visiting a doctor in Victoria, you will need to check if the medical clinic has an agreement with your Overseas Student Health Care Cover. If they do have an agreement, your payment will be considerably less.  If you need any more information regarding OSHC, please do not hesitate to ask one of our Student Support Officers.

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