Overseas Student Health Cover

The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs requires all international students applying for a student visa to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their student visa. OSHC is offered by a number of providers, and you can obtain OSHC from the provider of your choice.

OSHC assists you as a student visa holder to meet the costs of medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia. OSHC may include ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals. When you apply for a student visa, you must show the Department of Home Affairs that you have OSHC for the duration of your visa or that SCU is arranging OSHC on your behalf as indicated on your Confirmation of Enrolment.

It's important to note that waiting periods will differ depending on which OSHC policy you have purchased. A waiting period is the time you need to wait before a benefit is available and you can make a claim. Some costs, such as medical expenses relating to a pre-existing condition, are not covered during your waiting period. Pregnancy cover may require a waiting period. You can claim for benefits available on your policy for expenses incurred after the waiting period has ended.

Purchasing your OSHC with Medibank through SCU

Southern Cross University has a ‘preferred provider’ agreement with Medibank. Medibank are one of Australia’s largest Health Insurance companies and are the longest provider of OSHC to international students. Navigating a new healthcare system in a new country can be difficult, we're here to help make it simple for you. Joining Medibank means becoming part of a trusted Australian health insurance provider with over 4 million members.

If you ordered Medibank Comprehensive OSHC with your offer to SCU a copy of your policy certificate was sent to your nominated email account from the Medibank system.

Medibank Comprehensive OSHC meets your student visa health insurance requirements (for all course types), helps towards your hospital and medical needs and provides a range of added value services above the government minimum requirements.

The benefits of the Medibank Comprehensive OSHC Policy include:

• Market leading coverage for prescription medicines, providing reduced payments for a wide range of eligible prescription medicines
• Best in market Mental Health Coverage
• Unlimited emergency ambulance: 100% of the cost towards ambulance services Australia wide (where immediate medical attention is required and your condition is such that you couldn’t be transported any other way)
• 100% back on Accident & Emergency Department facility fees (the facility fee may not include all medical services provided and out-of-pocket expenses may apply)
• Thanks to SCU’s partnership with Medibank, the waiting periods for Pregnancy and birth and associated services are waived for SCU students.

Refer to the full cover summary for further details. 

You can choose to purchase your OSHC directly through an external private health insurance provider or your agent but be sure to check the level of coverage you’ll receive under their policies and understand what is and isn’t covered.

Medibank Student Rewards Plus

Moving to Australia to study can involve a lot of new purchases. As a Medibank OSHC member, you can enjoy the perks of Medibank Student Rewards Plus, where you’ll have exclusive access to discounts and ever-changing special offers that could save you up to $1,000 a year on food, entertainment, technology and education costs.

Finding work in a new country can be hard, but with Student Rewards Plus, we make it a little easier. We provide a range of support including advice on interview preparation, resume building and help to find the right career path for you. Plus, you can access our student job board to search for casual, part-time or full-time job opportunities.

Cover for Extras

We do recommend that you have your eyes and teeth checked before you arrive in Australia as dental work and glasses are generally not covered under OSHC and are relatively expensive in Australia. You can purchase cover for these extra services at an additional cost.

Your OSHC Membership number and card

Your membership number will be shown on your policy certificate. Your certificate will be sent to you via email at the time when your policy is arranged for you. Medibank will then send you a welcome email including instructions on how to register online to create an account for your OSHC.

When you arrive in Australia you can register and order your physical membership card via the Medibank OSHC App or the Medibank website. The Medibank OSHC app, which includes your e-membership card, can be used when you need to see a doctor by showing the medical practice your e-membership card.

How to Contact Medibank

For questions about your policy, claims or the OSHC app, Medibank have a dedicated multi-lingual team who can answer any question you have;

Call: 134 148 (8am -8pm AEST) or overseas +61 3 9862 1095

Web messaging: medibankoshc.com.au/contact-us

Whatsapp: +61 3 9862 1345

Email: OSHC@medibank.com.au

Nearest Medibank store: refer to Medibank website Find a Medibank Store | Medibank

Extending your OSHC

It’s your responsibility to ensure your health cover is current for the full length of your visa. If you apply for a new student visa and need to extend your OSHC, you can contact your current health insurance provider directly, or contact our preferred provider Medibank to get a quote and easily switch your OSHC.

Medicare and Reciprocal Health Care Arrangements

If you’re in Australia on a student visa from the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Italy or New Zealand, you can also apply for Medicare under your country's Reciprocal Health Care Agreements. Students from Norway, Finland, Malta and the Republic of Ireland are not covered by the agreements with those countries.

Any Medicare coverage you are entitled to under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement will be in addition to OSHC. Having reciprocal access to Medicare does not exempt you from needing to take out OSHC.

Refunds

If you withdraw or complete your studies early, depart Australia or change visa status, contact your OSHC provider to see if you’re eligible to receive a partial refund of any fees paid in advance. If you’re now a temporary or permanent resident visa holder and therefore no longer require OSHC, you will need to provide your new visa information to the Medibank team.

Transferring from another Provider to Medibank

If you choose to transfer your cover to Medibank from any other Australian OSHC insurer, your period of membership will count towards any waiting periods you may need to serve with Medibank OSHC. 

If you transfer to Medibank OSHC, you will simply need to provide proof of your previous OSHC (transfer certificate). Any waiting periods you have already served with your previous insurer will transfer across to your Medibank OSHC. 

If your cover with your last insurer has lapsed or expired, other conditions apply. For more information, contact Medibank.

Helpline for Southern Cross University international students

A 24/7 Student Health and Support helpline is available for all SCU international students, both onshore and offshore.

Tel: 1800 887 283 (from Australia) OR +61 3 9862 1095 (from outside Australia).

You can get help with:

• Medical assistance from a registered nurse
• Counselling services
• Emergency legal advice
• Travel document assistance
• Health system guide
• Family and friends message service
• Living in Australia support
• Interpreter service