Using Your OSHC and Health Cover After You Arrive in Australia or NZ

Australia and New Zealand handle student health cover differently

Australia and New Zealand have separate systems, so do not assume one set of rules covers both. In Australia, most international students on a student visa are generally required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay, arranged through a registered health insurer. Because this is tied to your visa conditions, confirm the current requirement on the official Department of Home Affairs source rather than relying on a third party.

New Zealand does not use OSHC. International students there are generally required to have appropriate health and travel insurance that meets the standards set out in the education code of practice. The exact requirements differ, so always confirm what applies to you with your provider and on the official government source for your country. This is general information, not immigration advice.

Activating your OSHC in Australia

If your university arranged OSHC as part of your fees, your policy usually starts from a set date — but you still need to activate your membership with the insurer to get your member number and card. Visit your insurer's website or app, register with your policy details, and download your digital membership card.

Keep your member number handy: you will need it when you see a doctor, visit a hospital, or make a claim. If you arrived before your cover started, or your dates do not match your visa, contact your insurer or university promptly to fix the gap.

• Register on your OSHC insurer's website or app to get your member number
• Download your digital membership card
• Check your cover start and end dates match your visa and study period
• Note your insurer's 24/7 helpline for urgent questions

Finding a doctor (GP) and what a visit costs

In both countries, your first stop for non-emergency illness is a general practitioner (GP) at a local medical centre or clinic. Search for one near your accommodation or campus — many universities run an on-campus health service for students. Book an appointment by phone or online; walk-in clinics also exist for urgent but non-emergency needs.

You usually pay the clinic at the time of your visit and then claim part of the cost back from your insurer, though some clinics bill OSHC insurers directly. Costs vary by clinic and service, so ask about the fee when booking and check what your policy covers before your appointment.

Making a claim and using pharmacies

To claim, keep the receipt and any referral or invoice from your GP, specialist or hospital. Most insurers let you submit claims through their app or website by uploading a photo of the receipt; reimbursement goes to your nominated bank account. Read your policy's product disclosure statement so you know what is included, what has a waiting period, and what is excluded.

For medicines, take your GP's prescription to a pharmacy (chemist). Some prescription medicines may be partly covered; many over-the-counter items are not. Pharmacists can also advise on minor ailments. Always check your policy details rather than assuming a medicine or service is covered.

Emergencies and when cover may not be enough

For a medical emergency, call 000 in Australia or 111 in New Zealand, or go to a hospital emergency department. Treat genuine emergencies as the priority — sort out paperwork and claims afterwards.

Student health cover does not pay for everything. Dental, optical, physiotherapy and some other services are often limited or excluded under basic policies, and extras cover may cost more. Some pre-existing conditions can have waiting periods. Review your policy early so there are no surprises, and contact your insurer or university health service if you are unsure what you are covered for.