You will need to purchase your OSHC cover before you apply for your student visa. You'll be required to give your policy number as part of the visa application.
All international students studying on a student visa must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
OSHC is insurance that helps cover the cost of medical care you may need in Australia. It covers basic medical and hospital care, and provides limited cover for pharmaceuticals and ambulance services.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you and any dependants who come to Australia with you are covered by OHSC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
OSHC won't cover all your medical expenses in Australia. Check your policy for full details of what is and isn't covered. You will need to pay any expenses that aren't covered. You will also need additional travel insurance to be covered while you're travelling to and from Australia.
If you're from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, you may also be able to apply for Medicare, which may cover some additional medical expenses. You may still need to have OSHC.
If you arrange your OSHC through Charles Sturt University, we will organise cover with our preferred provider, Allianz Care Australia.
When you accept your offer to study at Charles Sturt University, you will need to pay your OSHC premiums. You will then receive the required OSHC details for your visa application, including the start and end dates of your OSHC, in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
A copy of your Confirmation of Insurance from Allianz Care Australia will be sent to your nominated email address.
Allianz Care Australia's OSHC provides additional benefits above the minimum required by the Australian Government. This cover includes:
If you don't want to use Allianz Care Australia, you can organise your OSHC through any other government-approved provider.
If you do choose to arrange your own OSHC, make sure to compare what other providers offer – for example, some do not offer cover for pre-existing conditions.
Visit the provider websites to find out more about the cover they offer.
If you use one of these providers, you must contact them directly to organise and pay for your cover. You can't pay through Charles Sturt University.
When you accept your Charles Sturt University offer, you'll need to provide evidence of your OSHC to us before we can send you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
To see a doctor for non-emergency medical treatment, you need to make an appointment with a general practitioner (GP). A GP is a medical doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients. GPs can also prescribe medicines.
To see a specialist doctor and for pathology or x-rays you will have to see a GP first for a referral.
Check your OSHC provider's website for direct billing GP's. You can also find a doctor through Allianz Care Australia.
Unless you see a GP who will bill your OSHC provider directly, you will be required to pay the entire bill at the time of service. Check with your OSHC provider for doctors who bill directly. Also, check with your GP about payment when you make an appointment.
If you pay at the time of service you will then need to claim reimbursement from your OSHC provider. Submit the paid invoice and claim form to your OSHC provider. Usually, only part of the amount you paid will be reimbursed to you. See your OSHC policy information for what is covered and how much can be paid back for each type of medical service.
Allianz Care Australia developed Australia's first direct billing network to provide you with an 'instant' claiming option involving minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Allianz Care Australia has direct billing agreements with a growing network of more than 950 medical providers nationally. At these centres, you are able to present your membership card and valid photo ID to have your claim submitted directly to Allianz Care Australia for payment.
In many cases, this means you have no out-of-pocket medical expenses and no claim form to fill in.
Where a medical provider charges more than the Medicare Benefit Scheme rate, you will receive an invoice for this non-claimable amount only. This is referred to as the co-payment or gap fee, which is not covered under OSHC.
Find a full list of direct billing providers
To contact our dedicated OSHC members team head to:
Email: oshc@allianzcare.com.au
Phone: 13 6742
Postal: Allianz Partners Australia, Locked Bag 3001, Toowong, QLD, 4066
It is a condition of your student visa that your OSHC remains valid for your whole course. If there are changes in your visa duration (e.g., visa extension) or your family joins you in Australia, you will need to extend your coverage. It is up to you to look after and modify your OHSC coverage as it relates to your circumstances.
If your OSHC coverage expires and you do not renew it your visa can be cancelled. Also, if your coverage expires and you need medical treatment you could also be left with large bills to pay.
To renew your cover through our preferred insurer, Allianz Care Australia you will need to use their mobile/tablet app.
If you choose to use an OSHC provider other than Allianz Care Australia, you will need to pay your provider directly to renew.
OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy. If you want coverage for these types of treatments you will need to purchase additional cover. Check with your OSHC provider to see if they provide extras coverage or you can search for general treatment cover with any Australian health insurer (see iselect.com.au).