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male and female international students

23 July 2021

Need medical care in Australia? How your Overseas Student Health Cover works

As an international student, you may find dealing with medical situations while you’re in Australia a little confusing or overwhelming. The healthcare system can be complicated at times, and you may not be sure where to go or how things work.

We want to help you understand your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) so that you stay happy and healthy while you’re at Deakin, and can access medical help any time you need it.

How OSHC works

You must hold valid OSHC for the entire time you’re in Australia on a student visa. This cover gives you access to healthcare services, so if you need to see a doctor or attend hospital your OSHC provider will cover some or all of the cost. It also includes ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals.

OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy. If you require cover for these treatments, you may take Extras OSHC provided by an OSHC provider or general treatment cover with any Australian private health insurer. You can also choose to supplement OSHC with other insurance such as international travel insurance.

Your cover made easy

Deakin has partnered with global insurance company Bupa to offer international students pre-arranged OSHC. If you pay your OSHC fee with your tuition fees, you’ll automatically be covered by Bupa’s OSHC for the whole time you’re enrolled at Deakin.

Watch this video for a handy overview of Bupa’s OSHC:
For more information, you can review Bupa’s OSHC page to check whether this policy is right for you or choose another provider.

Your Bupa policy becomes active from the date you arrive in Australia. For information about how COVID-19 may affect your OSHC cover, please visit the Bupa website.

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