International students in Australia on a student visa are required, as a condition of their visa, to maintain valid health insurance. In most cases this means maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
The OSHC covers emergency medical attention through the public health system. It does not include physiotherapy, optical or dental care, the cost of admission to a private hospital, or non-emergency ambulance service. Extra insurance is available to cover these possible additional expenses.
For further information on OSHC refer to the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) website.
UTS can help commencing students arrange OSHC through the health insurance provider Medibank Private.
Commencing students at the time of accepting an offer to study at UTS, must either:
- pay the initial Medibank Private OSHC premium, or
- provide evidence that they have current valid OSHC, or alternate health insurance.
Current students it is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain your OSHC throughout your stay in Australia - Do not let your OSHC expire.
Medibank Private OSHC
UTS has an arrangement with Medibank Private (opens an external site) to organise OSHC on behalf of commencing international students, for an annual premium cost.
In 2008 the annual premiums for Medibank Private OSHC are:
- single student cover - A$348
- family cover - A$696.
The premium is subject to change.
Medibank Private membership card
If you have arranged Medibank Private OSHC through UTS, you will need to organise for the delivery of your Medibank Private membership card.
After you have arrived in Sydney and have a confirmed address, you can logon to the Medibank Private web site (opens an external site) to indicate where you would like your membership card posted.
Medibank Private OSHC renewal
You must renew your Medibank Private OSHC every year.
To renew your Medibank Private OSHC you will need your:
- Medibank Private membership card
- passport, and
- a copy of your eCoE which confirms that you are continuing your studies.
You can pay your Medibank Private OSHC annual premium at any Medibank Private Retail Centre (opens an external site) , or you can pay online (opens an external site).
