Why do overseas students need health insurance?
International visitors, including international students, to Australia are generally not eligible for funding from Australia’s national health care system.
Like most countries in the world, health care costs in Australia can be expensive. Even a few days in hospital for a routine operation can cost thousands of dollars in hospital charges and doctors’ fees.
Overseas Student Health Cover is designed to help reduce the costs of hospital and medical needs while you’re in Australia. The benefits available to you will depend on your level of cover, however you can expect to receive benefits across doctor visits (also known as a GP), hospital treatments and and out of hospital treatments, such as x-rays, blood tests and prescription medicines.
More information about studying and living in Australia
What you need to know about the Australian healthcare system
We’ve put together a guide to the Australian healthcare system, so you’ll know how to get help should you or your family need it while you’re here.
Should you go to the doctor, or the hospital emergency department?
There's a lot of confusion about when you should visit a doctor (GP), or call an ambulance to take you to the hospital emergency department.
Working in Australia as an international student
Finding a part-time or casual job is a great way to make some extra cash and support yourself during your overseas study adventure.
Overseas student health cover with Medibank
Find health cover to match your needs while you're in Australia, plus take out Overseas Student Health Cover with Medibank and receive your visa health insurance certificate as soon as you purchase online.
Important Australian numbers and websites
A list of national and state numbers in case of an emergency.
Staying in Australia after your course ends
Your course is over, so now what? If you’re eligible for a 485 visa, you could enjoy Australia for a bit longer. Here are our tips on what to do after you finish studying.
What health insurance do I need for my Australian visa?
Are you planning on visiting Australia for work, study or travel? If the answer is yes, you will need to apply for a visa.
Preparing for your appointment with a specialist
Make sure you know when and how to make a specialist appointment, as well as what questions to ask along the way.
Why choose Medibank's Overseas Student Health Cover?
Visa compliant cover
Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover meet the requirements set out by the Australian Government and are 100% compliant for applying for or renewing, a Student visa.
24/7 Student Health and Support Line
Access a range of health support like a registered nurse, counselling services, emergency legal advice, travel document assistance, interpreter and more.
Receive your insurance certificate online
Receive your insurance certificate to include in your visa application as soon as you purchase online.
Protect against the unexpected
No matter which Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover you choose, your cover includes unlimited emergency ambulance Australia-wide+
More benefits from your cover
If you hold Medibank’s OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), you have access to a 24/7 Student Health and Support Line for:
24/7 Medibank Nurse
Emergency legal advice
Travel document assistance
Counselling services
Interpreter service
Health system guide
Living in Australia support
Family and friends message service
Planning to work in Australia after your graduation?
We can help take the hassle out of moving from OSHC to Overseas Workers Health Cover. Our team will talk you through your options and if needed can also provide your visa health insurance certificate. You can simply join online or contact Medibank how it suits you.
Information about healthcare terms
Your guide to navigating Australian healthcare
Most visitors to Australia have no access to Medicare. Like most countries in the world, health care costs in Australia can be expensive.
Need some help?
We’re here to help you choose the health cover that matches your needs while you’re in Australia.
Contact Medibank how it suits you; messaging, WeChat, in-store or by phone.
Visitor, working and working holiday (OVHC)
Speak to one of our friendly staff for sales and policy enquiries.
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+ For ambulance attendance and transportation to a hospital where immediate professional attention is required and your medical condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way.
* Offer for existing Medibank and ahm members on Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) who join any of the following eligible Overseas Workers products: Overseas Workers Base Hospital, Overseas Workers Standard Hospital and Medical, Overseas Workers Advanced Hospital and Medical, or Overseas Workers Premium Hospital, Medical and Extras. Must quote promo code ‘WORKERS1’ upon time of join. Must maintain direct debit and hold eligible product for 3 continuous months from the policy start date to get the fourth month free. Excludes all other Hospital and Extras covers, Corporate Covers, and Overseas Health Covers. Not available with any other offer.
Things you should know
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).