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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a specific type of health insurance that international students must have before arriving in Australia. It includes insurance cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).
Who needs OSHC?
All international students must obtain OSHC that covers themselves and their accompanying dependants before arriving in Australia.
Services covered by OSHC
OSHC providers allow you to claim 100 per cent of the government set fee for a standard medical consultation.
OSHC covers:
visits to the doctor
public hospital stay
ambulance services (when hospital admission is necessary)
some prescription medicines.
OSHC does not cover:
dental treatment
optical treatment
physiotherapy.
We strongly recommend you take out additional private health cover to cover these additional services.
Most standard OSHC premiums do not cover treatment for pre-existing disability or medical conditions during the first 18 months of membership. If you have disabilities or medical conditions you may have to obtain additional health insurance or have extra funds available to cover your medical expenses.
FAQs for OSHC cover
You need to have OSHC for the duration of your student visa. It will be activated when you land in Australia.
However, it is important to note that a qualifying period may apply for some services.
If you renew your visa offshore, or take a leave of absence from your studies and have a new visa issued from abroad, you may be subject to another qualifying period for some services.
You will be entitled to a refund of any outstanding balance if you leave Australia before you originally intended, provided there is at least one month remaining before your health cover expires. You should pay the premiums for your OSHC when you accept your offer of a place at Curtin.
You must purchase OSHC from a government-approved provider. You should compare alternative OSHC providers to find one that suits your budget and needs.
Curtin can process payments for Bupa, as it is Curtin’s preferred provider. If you wish to use another OSHC provider, you need to make your own payment arrangements and show evidence of payment for your visa application. Student Exchange and Study Abroad students are responsible for arranging their own health cover directly with the OSHC provider.
For frequently asked questions and more detailed information visit the Department of Home Affairs website health information section.
If you are with Bupa, an on-campus representative can assist you with:
OSHC renewals
ordering or collecting a membership card
cash claims
claiming
holiday credits
general information.
An Bupa Global Assistance Client Services Representative is available to students in Curtin Connect, Building 102. The Client Representative is available at the times shown below. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the indicated finish time to be able to see the Client Representative.
Tuesday and Thursday 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
These times are subject to change at short notice depending on the availability of the Client Representative. If the time changes suddenly there will be notices in Curtin Connect, Building 102.
OSHC refunds can be applied through Curtin International in the below cases:
if a student does nothave a Bupa policy number
if a student has made an extra payment for OSHC
if a student has not been granted a student visa
if an international student is overseas and has withdrawn prior to commencement of their course
if a student does not hold a student visa and has made payment for OSHC.
