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Health

Maintaining good health is obviously important.

Australia has one of the world's best health systems in the world. Modern, well-equipped hospitals, medical centres and doctors' offices are located all over Sydney and NSW.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Health insurance, called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), is compulsory for international students studying in Australia. It covers you for certain medical costs if you need to visit a doctor or go to hospital.

You should check the OSHC policy carefully, including the details of what is covered. Extra cover is available for an additional fee.

Serious medical problems should be treated before you come to Australia, because standard OSHC generally does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.

How do I arrange OHSC?

TAFE NSW International will arrange standard OSHC cover for you with the medical fund insurer, Medibank Private. We will invoice you for the insurance payment with your tuition fees.

Health cover cards will either be posted to your Australian postal address directly from Medibank Private or via TAFE NSW International. This process may take a few weeks. If you need medical attention before you receive your membership card, you should pay for the service and keep all receipts. You can then claim a refund from Medibank Private when you have your card.

Benefits of the Medibank OSHC 

TAFE NSW can arrange your OSHC for you, which gives you extra benefits. If you would like TAFE NSW to organise cover for you, it will be purchased through Medibank, our preferred supplier. Medibank exclusively offers Comprehensive OSHC to their education partners. It meets the student visa requirements for all course types and provides a range of added value services above government minimum requirements. 

For more information, please visit the Medibank Comprehensive OSHC page.

Ordering a Membership Card

In order to start using your Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover when visiting a doctor, seeking treatment in a hospital or visiting a Medibank store, you will need a valid membership card.

To order your Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover membership card, just go to the Medibank Student Registration page and enter and confirm your personal details, including your Australian mailing address.

Once you have completed registration, your OSHC membership card and welcome pack will be sent to you. Print and save your confirmation letter, as proof of cover until you receive your membership card.

If you are unable to register online, call 132 331 or visit a Medibank store.

Where can I find out more about OSHC Fees?

For more information visit the Medibank Private website.

Other health information

If you need to bring any special medication from your home country into Australia, bring your medical records and prescriptions with a letter from your doctor. For more information, visit the Travellers section of the Department of Health - Therapeutic Goods Administration website.

More information about topics related to managing your health in Australia can be found on the Study in Australia website. Some of these topics include:

  • nutrition
  • counselling and mental health
  • access to health services (e.g. doctors, emergencies)
  • prescription medication
  • dentists

You can also visit the NSW Health Department website and the Better Health section of the Medibank Private website.

 

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