The health care system in Australia initially may appear quite complex. As an overseas student, you are required by the DHA to have health insurance at all times while on a student visa. This insurance is called Overseas Students Health Cover, known as OSHC. The facilities and services you have access to will depend on the health insurance provider you choose for your OSHC.
OSHC covers you for certain medical costs if you need to visit a doctor or go to hospital whilst you are studying in Australia. Or you may like to visit OSHC Australia where you can compare quotes for your OSHC in one place, which can be helpful when making a decision for coverage to suit your circumstances. Or you may go directly to a number of providers including:
If you visit a doctor, although you have private health insurance, you may not be refunded the full fee. Some doctors charge more than the basic scheduled fee recommended by the Government. Normally you will get back 85% of this fee from the health fund. Always ask before making an appointment whether that medical practice charges the scheduled fee or bulk bills i.e. bills your medical fund direct. Doctors and medical practices, locations and telephone numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages Online.
Each public hospital has a 24-hour Emergency Department where you can seek help after hours and during weekends. Expect to wait a long time to see a doctor at a public hospital except in the case of an emergency. Your health insurance covers the total cost of your stay and treatment in a shared ward at a public hospital. Private hospitals are very expensive for treatment and accommodation. Your health insurance will cover some of the cost of a private hospital, but you will have to pay the difference. Hospital names, locations and telephone numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages Online.
The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman deals with complaints from the private health sector—if you have a problem or wish to make a complete, visit their website or call 1800 640 695.
