OSHC explained, how to register, find a GP and access mental health support.
As an international student in Australia, your primary health cover is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which you must hold as a visa condition. Some students from certain countries are also eligible for Medicare under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. Understanding what's covered — and what isn't — will save you significant money.
Your university enrolled you in OSHC when you paid your tuition. Check your university's student portal or the email you received from Medibank, Bupa, AHM, or another OSHC provider. Download the app for your provider.
A bulk-billing GP charges nothing to the patient — the cost is covered by Medicare or by your OSHC provider's agreement. Search 'bulk billing GP near me' or use healthdirect.gov.au. Not all GPs bulk-bill, so confirm before booking.
Students from Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK may be eligible for Medicare under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. Visit a Services Australia office with your passport to register.
OSHC covers: GP visits, specialist visits (with a referral), hospital treatment, emergency care, and some pharmaceuticals. It generally does not cover dental (except emergency extractions), physiotherapy, or elective treatment.
Your university's student counselling service is free and confidential. A GP can also refer you for up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist under a Mental Health Treatment Plan — this typically costs $0–$30 per session.
If your OSHC expires while you're still on a student visa, you are in breach of your visa conditions. Renew it before it expires — usually through your OSHC provider's website.
OSHC covers public hospital costs. If you choose a private hospital, you may face significant out-of-pocket costs. Always ask if the hospital is covered by your policy before treatment.