Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Everything you should know about OSHC, including Medibank Comprehensive OSHC for UNSW students
❗ 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.
Bulk billing for international students are changing from 1 October 2026
Recently, the Australian Government introduced a bulk bill incentive to support access to affordable general practice (GP) care. Some insurers have chosen to absorb the costs, and some have not.
From 1 October 2026, you will need to pay an out-of-pocket cost of $22.40 for GP appointments at UNSW if your OSHC is with Bupa, CBHS or ahm.
The fee for General Practice (GP) consultations at the UNSW Health Service are 100% bulk-billed if your OSHC is with Medibank, Allianz or nib, or if you have a Medicare card. This means there will not be any out-of-pocket costs*.
*Fees may still apply for certain treatments, procedures or vaccinations.
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
- No out-of-pocket costs for GP appointments at the UNSW Health Service
- 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.
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:
Download the Medibank OSHC app to activate your card and access it on your phone anytime
Activate your cover online and request a physical card.
Switching to Medibank?
- Read about the Medibank Comprehensive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and ensure the cover suits your needs.
- Apply for the cover as an existing student or a new student.
- Email your new Medibank OSHC certificate to your current provider and ask for a refund of unused months.
- Send the clearance certificate from your current provider to Medibank at oshc@medibank.com.au.
Find the right support for your health & wellbeing
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.
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!
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.
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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.