Current Students

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Everything you should know about OSHC, including Medibank Comprehensive OSHC for UNSW students

Activating your OSHC
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❗ OSHC is a requirement for international and exchange students.

All international students on a student visa must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full length of their visa. You will need to arrange OSHC before applying for your visa and extend it if you apply for a new one.

UNSW’s preferred OSHC provider is Medibank. This page includes detailed information about Medibank Comprehensive OSHC, a tailored policy for UNSW international students.

What does Medibank OSHC cover?

Medibank Comprehensive OSHC meets all student visa health insurance requirements.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required to help you cover essential medical and hospital costs while you study in Australia.

Medibank Comprehensive OSHC offers all standard OSHC benefits, plus additional support designed for UNSW students.

Medibank Comprehensive OSHC includes:

The following is a summary only. For full details of what is included, limits and exclusions, please refer to Medibank.

  • Fast delivery of your OSHC policy certificate to include with your visa application

  • Contributions towards mental health consultations with recognised providers, including counsellors, mental health social workers and psychologists

  • Unlimited emergency ambulance cover (when medically necessary and no other transport is safe or appropriate)

  • Cover for 100% of accident and emergency department facility fees you pay at any hospital

  • Thousands of hospital services

  • Access to a 24/7 Student Health and Support line (1800 887 283) where you can speak with a registered nurse and access counselling and interpreter services by phone

  • Benefits for eligible prescription medicines

  • Health and wellbeing programs

  • Face-to-face support at Medibank’s on-site store at UNSW Sydney, located at the Blockhouse, Lower Campus

  • COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Already signed up for Overseas Student Health Cover? Learn how to activate it.
Activate your OSHC

Extras cover

Standard OSHC policies do not cover dental treatment, optometry or glasses, physiotherapy, or other allied health services.

To access these, you can add an optional extras cover plan for an additional monthly fee.
Learn about Medibank Extra

Visitors cover

If your family members or friends are visiting from overseas, it's best for them to have their own health cover while in Australia.

Visitors cover will help pay for any essential or emergency treatment needed during their stay.
See Medibank Visitors Cover
ℹ️ On this page:
  1. Medibank OSHC
  2. Activate your OSHC
  3. Other OSHC providers

See also

Activate your OSHC

You will need your OSHC card (virtual or physical) to visit a doctor or hospital in Australia.

How to access your OSHC card

Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you can activate your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy and card.

If you are with Medibank, there are two ways to access your card:

Find the right support for your health & wellbeing

🚨 Need help right now?

Call the Medibank 24/7 Student Health and Support Line on 1800 887 283 if you need:

  • Health system guidance
  • Emergency legal advice
  • Interpreter services
  • Someone to speak to about stress or anxiety
  • Support with a concern or issue you're facing.

Please note: If you need urgent medical attention on campus, the best first step is to contact UNSW Protective Services through Safezone. If you're off campus, call emergency services directly on 000.

The Medibank 24/7 Student Health and Support Line is completely confidential and will not affect your visa or enrolment. If you feel more comfortable speaking in a language other than English, you can request to speak with someone in your preferred language.
Call 1800 887 283

🩺 Looking for a new GP?

If you're looking for a regular doctor to visit throughout your studies here, we recommend registering with our on-campus medical practice, UNSW Health Service.

You can book appointments for:

  • General check-ups
  • Minor injuries and wound treatment
  • Vaccinations
  • Sexual health check-ups and testing
  • Mental health care
  • Chronic condition management
  • Much more!
Visit the Health Service

Other approved OSHC providers

You can choose a different Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider as long as it meets visa requirements.

Check out our list of other approved OSHC issuers below.
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ahm
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Allianz
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BUPA
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CBHS International Health
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NIB

Need more support? We’re here to help.

Whether you're feeling unwell, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, support is always available at UNSW.
UNSW Health Service
Access on-campus medical care, including GP appointments, vaccinations, sexual health services and more.

Mental Health Connect
Find the right mental health support with guidance from trained professionals. Fast, free and confidential.

Gendered Violence Support
Free, confidential help for students affected by gendered violence, harassment or abuse.

  • If you or someone else are in immediate danger or need urgent medical or psychological help, please seek emergency support right away.

    This includes contacting emergency services (000), attending your nearest hospital or using after-hours crisis lines.

    If you require emergency support while you're on campus, access our 24/7 services below.
    Emergency support