Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The Australian Government requires all international students studying on a student visa to be covered for medical and health care with an approved OSHC provider during their stay in Australia.

What is OSHC?
Do I need OSHC?
How much does OSHC cost and who offers this cover?
How and when do I pay?
How often do I pay?
How do I receive my OSHC card?
Can I get medical treatment before I receive my OSHC card?
More Information

What is OSHC?

OSHC helps pay for student medical and hospital care whilst studying in Australia. Additionally it will contribute toward the cost of most prescription pharmaceuticals and emergency ambulance transport. A card will be provided after you have paid for your OSHC. Please bear in mind OSHC may not cover:

• Dental
• Physiotherapy
• Optical (glasses and contact lenses)
• Treatment required when travelling to and from Australia
• Treatment for pre-existing illness or disability until the student has been in Australia for 18 months
• Specialists (if not referred by a doctor)
• Pregnancy related services if the length of stay is 3 months or less
• Treatment for any of the student’s children over 18 years of age
• Treatment not considered medically necessary e.g. cosmetic surgery
• Pharmaceuticals under the vale of $20 per item.

After arriving in Australia, students may wish to be covered by the above extra expenses by paying for ‘Extras’ insurance.

Membership of a health insurance scheme in your home country does not exempt you from paying OSHC.

www.medibank.com.au

Do I need OSHC?

Students must pay for at least one year’s cover if the length of their program is one year or longer. If their program will be completed in less than one year students will pay less. The OSHC must be paid upon a student accepting an offer. Students will not be eligible for a student visa until they pay the OSHC. Dependents of students will also require OSHC.

How much does OSHC cost and who offers this cover?

Medibank Private fees for students commencing study in 2008

RMIT International recommends and will arrange your initial cover with Medibank Private.

How and when do I pay?

The cost of your first 12 months of health cover is included in the fees stated on your letter of offer.

RMIT will forward the OSHC fees from your first fees payment to Medibank Private. After this initial payment, you are responsible for paying annual renewals direct to Medibank Private or to RMIT International.

How often do I pay?

OSHC is paid every 12 months for the length of your program. If your program will be completed in less than 12 months you pay less. You can also pay your OSHC for the full period of your visa.

How do I receive my OSHC card?

Your OSHC card may be collected at your nearest RMIT Hub centre unless you are:

• An English language student: you will be given your card when you begin your program at RMIT English Worldwide (REW).
• A Study Abroad or Student Exchange student: the Education Abroad office will give you your card.

Once you have started your program, you must inform Medibank whenever you change address to ensure that you receive your renewed OSHC card each year.

Can I get medical treatment before I receive my OSHC card?

Yes, you will be required to pay the full medical fee at that time. After you receive your OSHC card take your receipt to Medibank Private and you will receive a refund for part of the fees.

More Information

• Australian Government student health cover information website (www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-privatehealth-consumers-oshc.htm)
• Australian Government student health cover website
• Student visa information