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.
Need help or advice?
- Visit the Bupa student website, which includes a dedicated International Community page full of advice, shared experiences and information.
- For personalised help, contact the Bupa Student Team on 1800 888 942 or email [email protected]. Deakin’s dedicated OSHC consultant Zelda is also available on 0437 097 172 or [email protected]. Zelda will be back on campus during T2 for face-to-face consultations.
- Find out what on-campus and telehealth services are available at Deakin’s Health and Wellbeing Centres, including GP consultations and confidential counselling sessions. Your OSHC means you generally won’t have to pay anything.
- Get a quick snapshot of your overall health with a free on-campus international student health check.