Australia's health care is one of the best in the world. Without health insurance, medical costs can be quite expensive. Oh, for example, a general practitioner (what we usually call "GP"), charges a minimum of about 37 Australian dollars. The specialist doctor's consultation fee can reach hundreds of Australian dollars at a time.
Therefore, while studying abroad, it is necessary for students to buy international student health insurance (Oversea Student Health Cover, OSHC). Students who have purchased OSHC's overseas health insurance can save a lot of money, such as general practitioners' fees, blood tests, X-rays, hospital treatment, and so on. At the same time, the Australian Immigration Service and Monash University have also stipulated that international students purchase OSHC overseas health insurance: the Australian Immigration Service requires international students to take out OSHC overseas health insurance and while studying abroad, If the medical insurance is not purchased, the student visa may be cancelled. If the student visa is extended or renewed, students will need to renew the OSHC policy accordingly. At the same time, all universities require students to buy OSHC insurance covering the length of the course.
What is OSHC?
OSHC is a health insurance designed specifically for international students to help students pay for possible basic medical and hospital care costs while studying in Australia.
International students must buy OSHC (except for students from Belgium, Norway and Sweden) and require insurance that covers the length of time spent studying in Australia.
From whom do you buy OSHC insurance?
There are different companies in Australia that provide OSHC insurance, you can choose, you can also contact UniLink international education, we will recommend to you.
What medical services does OSHC cover?
As a medical health umbrella for international students, OSHC provides services similar to those of Australian residents, such as general practitioners, hospitalization, ambulances, and so on.
But other services are: pre-insurance illnesses, private hospitals, dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists, etc.
Get your OSHC medical insurance card.
When you arrive in Australia, please receive your OSHC medical insurance card as soon as possible. You can apply online for mailing the card to your Australian residence address, and be sure to bring it with you every time you see a doctor.
Download OSHC Application
Students who use Apple or Android phones can also download My OSHC Assistant's app, to view or use Medicare at any time.
The benefits of downloading app include registering your e-membership card on your mobile phone, looking for a nearby doctor, looking for a translation of medical terms, understanding the application function, and so on.
How can I see a doctor when my classmates are ill?
- Pharmacist: if you have a slight discomfort, such as a mild headache and cold, pharmacists in white coats in the pharmacy can give you some practical advice directly, including prescribing over-the-counter drugs and how to use them, and students will only have to pay for the medicine. If the pharmacist suggests that when you see a doctor, you must make an appointment with the general practitioner.
- If there is no emergency for general practitioner (GP):, students can visit the general practitioner (GP), for 15 to 20 minutes near the medical center. If it takes 30 minutes for long out-patient service, you can ask the front desk when you make an appointment. General practitioners will prescribe appropriate physical examinations, such as blood extraction, tests, X-rays, B-mode ultrasound, prescription drugs, and so on. Students will also be instructed to come back within the corresponding time, do not ignore the follow-up Oh; if not diagnosed, the general practitioner will issue a letter of recommendation to the specialist to ensure that the students receive further treatment;
- Emergency: there are 24-hour emergency departments in public hospitals. In case of emergency, students should go to the nearest emergency department in time for treatment and detail the emergency situation. Public hospitals are generally treated on an emergency basis, with priority given to the most serious patients. In case of emergency, you can call: 000, if there is an emergency on campus, you can dial 333. Everyone is uncomfortable at night, in addition to going to the emergency, you can also call 127 425 national family doctor service, so that the family doctor will go to your home to see you.
