{"id":134647,"date":"2021-06-23T14:59:18","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T06:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/?page_id=134647"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:10:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T06:10:25","slug":"oshc-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/international-students\/living-australia\/oshc-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin\u2019s current preferred OSHC provider is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibank.com.au\/overseas-health-insurance\/c\/oshc-comprehensive\/\">Medibank<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n    <mimas-block \n        block-name=\"articles\"\n        role=\"complementary\"\n        aria-label=\"articles content\"\n        data-segment=\"all\"\n        data-bg=\"gray\">\n\n        \n\n                    <div class=\"article\">\n                                                                \n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550-150x150.jpg\"\n                     alt=\"Who needs OSHC?\"\n                     srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550-550x370.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550-550x500.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/INT-24-OSHC-550X550.jpg 550w\"\n                     sizes=\"(min-width: 2560px) 2560px, (min-width: 1920px) 1920px, (min-width: 1440px) 1440px, (min-width: 1024px) 1024px, (min-width: 768px) 768px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\n                <article class=\"article__content\">\n                    \n                                            <h2 class=\"h3\">Who needs OSHC?<\/h2>\n                    \n                                            <p><p>The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires all international students applying for student visa (Subclass 500) to have OSHC for the entire duration of their student visa. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n                    \n                                \n                        <\/article>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/mimas-block>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Services covered by OSHC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>OSHC providers allow you to claim 100 per cent of the government set fee for a standard medical consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OSHC covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>visits to the doctor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>public hospital stay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ambulance services (when hospital admission is necessary)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>some prescription medicines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>OSHC does not cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>dental treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>optical treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>physiotherapy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We strongly recommend you take out additional private health cover to cover these additional services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs for OSHC cover<\/h2>\n\n\n<mimas-block \n        block-name=\"accordion\"\n        role=\"complementary\"\n        aria-label=\"Accordion content\"\n        data-segment=\"all\">\n\n                \n\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-How-long-do-I-need-OSHC-for?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"How-long-do-I-need-OSHC-for?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-How-long-do-I-need-OSHC-for?\">How long do I need OSHC for?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"How-long-do-I-need-OSHC-for?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p dir=\"ltr\">You need to have OSHC for the duration of your student visa. It will be activated when you land in Australia.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">However, it is important to note that a qualifying period may apply for some services.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">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.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">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.<\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-Where-can-I-purchase-OSHC?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"Where-can-I-purchase-OSHC?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-Where-can-I-purchase-OSHC?\">Where can I purchase OSHC?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"Where-can-I-purchase-OSHC?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p dir=\"ltr\">You must purchase OSHC from a government-approved provider. You should compare alternative OSHC providers to find one that suits your budget and needs.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Approved providers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Allianz Global Assistance website\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allianzcare.com.au\/en\/student-visa-oshc.html\">Allianz Global Assistance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Australian Health Management website\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ahmoshc.com\/\">Australian Health Management (AHM)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"BUPA Australia website\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bupa.com.au\/health-insurance\/oshc\">BUPA Australia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Medibank website\" href=\"https:\/\/www.medibank.com.au\/overseas-health-insurance\/c\/oshc-comprehensive\/\">Medibank<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"nib website\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nib.com.au\/home\/newtonib\/overseasstudents\/Pages\/overseasstudents.aspx\">NiB<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhsinternationalhealth.com.au\/overseas-students-oshc\">CBHS International Health<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Curtin can process payments for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibank.com.au\/overseas-health-insurance\/c\/oshc-comprehensive\/\">Medibank<\/a>, as it is Curtin\u2019s 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. This process also applies to students studying at Curtin through Study Abroad or Student Exchange programs.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">For frequently asked questions and more detailed information visit the\u00a0<a title=\"Australian Government Health website\" href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/help-support\/meeting-our-requirements\/health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Home Affairs<\/a>\u00a0website health information section.<\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-What-are-the-benefits-with-Medibank-Comprehensive-OSHC-policy?-\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"What-are-the-benefits-with-Medibank-Comprehensive-OSHC-policy?-\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-What-are-the-benefits-with-Medibank-Comprehensive-OSHC-policy?-\">What are the benefits with Medibank Comprehensive OSHC policy? <\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"What-are-the-benefits-with-Medibank-Comprehensive-OSHC-policy?-\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibank.com.au\/overseas-health-insurance\/c\/oshc-comprehensive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medibank<\/a> has waived the waiting periods for Mental Health services (including those that are in hospital and\/or pre-existing conditions) and Pregnancy and birth services. We also waive the wait period for students with pre-existing conditions to access out of hospital medical services e.g. GP services and Prescription Medication.<\/p>\n<p>There are also no waiting periods for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ambulance services Australia wide.<\/li>\n<li>Treatment for conditions requiring hospitalisation that are not\u202fdeemed pre-existing conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Emergency Treatment including for pre-existing conditions, when the treating medical practitioner certifies, and Medibank agrees, that the student required emergency treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>24\/7 Student Health and Support Line 1800 887 283.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Medibank have extended their helpline services to\u202fall Curtin international students to support for your health or medical concerns, even if you are not a Medibank OSHC-holder.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibankoshc.com.au\/oshc-support\/health-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Support Line<\/a> will triage the your needs and provide health system navigation and support to help find a doctor, psychologist and hospitals nearby, and more, so you can get the right support when you need it.<\/p>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:1800 887 283\">1800 887 283<\/a> any time of day or night to access a range of support services on offer in around 160 languages.<\/p>\n<p>Medibank Comprehensive OSHC is only available through education providers and provides a range of added value services above Medibank Essentials OSHC. For more information please visit the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibank.com.au\/overseas-health-insurance\/c\/oshc-comprehensive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medibank website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Medibank Comprehensive OSHC provides benefits towards Hospital, Medical, Ambulance and Prescription Medicines. To find out more about your cover and how to make the most of it, please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibankoshc.com.au\/content\/dam\/b2c\/docs\/mpl\/Comprehensive_OSHC_Cover_Summary.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cover summary information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can also visit the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medibank.com.au\/overseas-health-insurance\/c\/oshc-comprehensive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medibank website<\/a>\u202ffor the full details of your cover, or call\u202f<a href=\"tel:134148\">134 148<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-Where-can-I-find-OSHC-support-on-campus?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"Where-can-I-find-OSHC-support-on-campus?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-Where-can-I-find-OSHC-support-on-campus?\">Where can I find OSHC support on campus?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"Where-can-I-find-OSHC-support-on-campus?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>If you are with Medibank, an on-campus representative can assist you with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>OSHC renewals<\/li>\n<li>ordering or collecting a membership card<\/li>\n<li>claiming<\/li>\n<li>general information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A Medibank representative is available to students in Curtin Connect, Building 102 at the times shown below. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the indicated finish time.<\/p>\n<p>Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm (excluding public holidays and University shutdown periods).<\/p>\n<p>These times are subject to change at short notice depending on the availability of the representative. If the time changes suddenly there will be notices in Curtin Connect, Building 102.<\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-Can-I-get-a-refund-for-my-OSHC?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"Can-I-get-a-refund-for-my-OSHC?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-Can-I-get-a-refund-for-my-OSHC?\">Can I get a refund for my OSHC?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"Can-I-get-a-refund-for-my-OSHC?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>OSHC refunds can be applied through Global Curtin in the below cases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>if a student does\u00a0<strong>not<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>have a Medibank policy number<\/li>\n<li>if a student has made an extra payment for OSHC<\/li>\n<li>if a student has not been granted a student visa<\/li>\n<li>if an international student is overseas and has withdrawn prior to commencement of their course<\/li>\n<li>if a student does not hold a student visa and has made payment for OSHC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        \n<\/mimas-block>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a specific type of health insurance that international students [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":0,"parent":134629,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-134647","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=134647"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":182915,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134647\/revisions\/182915"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=134647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}