Overseas Student Health Cover
Most student visa holders and their dependents need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia. OSHC covers the cost for out of hospital and some hospital medical treatment, pharmaceuticals and emergency ambulance assistance. Detailed information about OSHC is available from the Australian government Department of Health and Aging (DoHA).
How do I obtain OSHC?
To arrange OSHC the following options are available to you:
- The University of Melbourne arranges course-length OSHC with OSHC Worldcare, the University’s preferred health insurance provider. You can pay the health cover premium when accepting your offer of place. The University will inform DIAC that OSHC is in place for you (and your family members) and indicates this on your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE);
or - You purchase OSHC insurance from an approved Australian health insurance provider. When you accept your unconditional offer of place, you will need to indicate that you have purchased OSHC for the duration of your course.
OSHC Worldcare
The University has entered into an agreement with OSHC Worldcare as the preferred provider of OSHC to international students. OSHC Worldcare also offers 24 hour assistance via its emergency helpline (1800 814 781) and has an on-campus representative to assist students.
Membership cards
If you have OSHC arranged through the University with OSHC Worldcare, you will be covered from the date of your arrival in Australia. Your membership card will be available for collection when you enrol (or shortly thereafter). If you do not have your OSHC membership card yet and you need to access a medical service you can print a temporary certificate from the OSHC Worldcare portal for students.
Renewal
It is a condition of your student visa to maintain OSHC while you are studying in Australia. If your OSHC expires before your student visa expires, it is your responsibility to renew your membership. You can renew your OSHC Worldcare membership online, on campus or by post.
Claims
Hospital bills are normally sent direct to the health insurance provider for payment. In general, you will need to pay for other medical treatment and medicines, and seek reimbursement (for a percentage of the total cost) from OSHC Worldcare. You can submit a claim online or by post.
Further assistance
A OSHC Worldcare Self Service Area is located at the University's Heath Services. A Client Service Representative is available at various times during the week to assist you.
OSHC Worldcare Student Self Service Area
Student Health Services
138 - 146 Cardigan Street
Opening Hours: 8:45am – 5pm, Monday - Friday
Alternatively you can call OSHC Worldcare or visit their website:
OSHC WorldCare
T: 13 OSHC (13 6742)
T: 1800 814 781 (24 hours emeregncy helpline – free call)
T: 1800 651 349 (Claims – free call)
W: www.oshcworldcare.com.au