Health insurance and services
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As an international student, you’re responsible for any healthcare costs you incur in Australia. That’s why it’s a visa requirement to hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout your studies.
OSHC helps cover medical expenses if you get sick or injured, and your provider can guide you through Australia’s healthcare system and offer resources to support your wellbeing.
Do I need OSHC?
Yes. Holding OSHC is a condition of your student visa. It ensures you can access hospital and medical care while studying in Australia.
Does OSHC cover everything?
OSHC covers most basic medical costs, but you may need to pay out-of-pocket for things like vaccinations, pathology tests, physiotherapy, psychology, or podiatry. Check with your OSHC provider for details on what’s included.
Purchasing Overseas Student Health Cover
La Trobe University's preferred OSHC provider is Medibank. We can arrange your cover through Medibank for convenience, or you're welcome to choose another eligible provider.
Medibank OSHC includes:
- Full coverage for ambulance callouts and emergency hospital transport.
- 24/7 student health support line.
- Access to online doctor consultations.
If you prefer to explore other providers, you can visit the Australian Government website to compare approved OSHC options.
What level of OSHC do I need?
Your OSHC should cover essential services such as public hospital care, medical treatment, prescription medicines, and ambulance transport. Depending on your policy, you may need to pay a patient contribution, excess, or co-payment for some treatments.
When comparing providers, check for:
- Waiting periods (time before coverage starts).
- Exclusions (services not covered).
- Always ask your provider for a full breakdown of what’s included.
How long should my OSHC last?
You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa. If your cover lapses, your visa may be automatically cancelled by the Department of Home Affairs.
Providing evidence of OSHC
Some visas require proof of OSHC before approval. You may need to submit a copy of your current policy from an Australian-registered health insurer, including coverage for any dependents.
Activating your OSHC in Australia
Once you have arrived in Australia, you will need to activate your OSHC. You can contact your OSHC provider if you need assistance.
Exceptions to OSHC requirements
You don't need to get OSHC if you are:
- a Norwegian student covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme
- a Swedish student covered by CSN International or Kammarkollegiet
- a Belgian student covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.
If you’re here on a visa other than a student visa, you aren’t eligible for OSHC and need to arrange your own health insurance.
Eligibility for reciprocal healthcare agreements
If your country has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Australia, you’ll be eligible to get a reciprocal healthcare card. To get your card, visit a Services Australia branch with your passport and visa. Please note visitors from reciprocal countries may be entitled to limited subsidised health services only.
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.
Check if your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia.
Accessing medical services in Australia
In Australia, the local doctor is called a general practitioner, or a GP. You should contact a GP for minor medical issues such as stomach aches, coughs or fevers.
Some medical clinics in Australia are 'bulk-billed', this means you won't need to pay any fees for your appointment. If a clinic doesn’t offer bulk billing, you may need to pay a small upfront fee (known as a ‘gap’ fee).
Some La Trobe campuses have medical centres that offer bulk billing to international students, such as the La Trobe Medical Centre at the Melbourne Campus.
To access their services, please provide your OSHC card or policy, and your student ID card.
To learn more about health and wellbeing support, visit the Study Australia website.