Before you start your studies in Australia, you’ll need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires you to maintain OSHC for the full duration of your student visa.
Once you arrive, your OSHC helps you access healthcare when you need it. Keep your OSHC card or digital membership details with you, as you will need them when visiting a doctor, going to hospital or calling an ambulance.
OSHC is offered by several Australian Government-approved providers, and you can choose the provider that best suits your needs.
Curtin’s preferred provider is Medibank. Your offer letter will include the cost of Medibank Comprehensive OSHC based on your course and visa duration. If you accept your offer and pay your deposit and OSHC fee, Curtin will arrange your Medibank cover for you.
If you’ve purchased Medibank Comprehensive OSHC through Curtin, your policy certificate will be sent to your student email once your cover is arranged. Your membership number will be included on the certificate.
After arriving in Australia, you can register for a Medibank account using the Medibank OSHC app or website to access your digital membership details and request a physical membership card if needed.
OSHC providers allow you to claim 100 per cent of the government set fee for a standard medical consultation.
Most Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policies include waiting periods for pre-existing conditions (PECs), typically 12 months before treatment is covered.
If you’re feeling unwell, your OSHC can help cover the cost of healthcare while you’re studying in Australia. Here’s what to do if you need medical support.
If you develop a fever, sore throat, headache, cold or other common illness while studying in Australia, follow these steps:
You should go to a hospital for urgent or serious medical issues, or emergencies. This includes severe injury, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or situations where you need immediate medical care.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Remember to take your OSHC card or membership details with you if possible. Hospital and ambulance services may be covered by your OSHC, depending on your policy.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, homesick or struggling, OSHC can help cover mental health support.
If you’re unsure where to start, call the 24/7 Student Health and Support Line on 1800 887 283 to get help finding the right support.
If you’re with Medibank, you can speak with an on-campus representative for help with your OSHC. They can support you with renewals, ordering or collecting a membership card, making claims, and general OSHC questions.
When: Monday to Thursday, 9.30am – 2.30pm (excluding public holidays and university shutdown periods)
Where: Curtin Connect (Building 102)
You can also contact the Medibank OSHC Student Customer Service team on 134 148 or email oshc@medibank.com.au.
