Overseas Health Cover
When you receive an offer of a place at UWS you will usually be asked to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This is a compulsory Health Insurance that is required for the issuing of a Student Visa. International students who are classified as AusAID sponsored, and certain categories of IDP sponsored students, are eligible for this cover free of charge.
Students from Belgium and Norway, and some students from Sweden are not required to purchase OSHC as part of their visa requirements. Students from these countries should check with their sponsors or their agent in Beglium, Norway or Sweden. For more information visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website (opens in a new window). OSHC is compulsory for all other students.
The preferred provider of OSHC for all UWS students is Allianz Global Assistance (opens in a new window) which has policies for singles, for couples and for families.
It is important that you think carefully about your expected health needs and consider the best level of cover for you.
More detailed information about OSHC will be sent to you with your Offer Package. Please read this information carefully.
Please note: under OSHC policies, OSHC insurers may impose waiting periods for the treatment during the first 12 months of membership for pre-existing medical conditions, disabilities and pregnancy-related services; and treatment during the first 2 months of membership for pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Waiting periods start from the day of arrival in Australia on a student visa. The cost of medical treatment is very high in Australia, and these expenses must be met by you.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
Overseas student health cover (OSHC) is insurance that provides cover on the costs for medical and hospital care which international students may need while in Australia. OSHC will also pay for most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport.
If you are an international student studying in Australia and have a student visa, you must purchase an approved OSHC policy from a registered health insurance company - commonly referred to as health funds. You will need to buy OSHC before you come to Australia, to cover you from the day you arrive. Certain scholarship holders are eligible for this cover free of charge. Please check with UWS International Admissions if you are eligible for free cover. It is a student visa condition that all students maintain OSHC throughout their stay in Australia.
Be aware that while OSHC represents excellent value in health insurance, it does not cover every medical circumstance or cost. You should note the exclusions given in the policy document and benefits. (opens in a new window)
What are the OSHC arrangements at UWS?
As a student visa holder you will need to have a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your student visa. This is a requirement of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), for more information visit Student Visa Conditions. (opens in a new window)
UWS uses Allianz Global Assistance (opens in a new window) as its preferred provider.
Commencing students
You will need to purchase the standard OSHC single, dual family or multi family (for spouse or dependants) cover through UWS at the time of your acceptance to the course.
You will be guaranteed health cover from the time of your arrival in Australia on a student visa. Please refer to your offer letter for the OSHC.
Continuing students
When your cover expires you should immediately renew it as having a current OSHC is a condition of your student visa. You are required to renew it for the remaining period of your visa as it remains a requirement for the duration of your visa.
Please contact Allianz Global Assistance (opens in a new window) for renewal and other services online or telephone 13OSHC (13 6742); or visit OSHC representative at Parramatta International Office (Tuesdays) or Bankstown (Thursday afternoons).
All continuing and commencing students should note that upgrades are available. Upgrade options (dental care, travel insurance etc) are available by purchasing the upgrade directly from Allianz Global Assistance. A brochure outlining the policy will be sent to you with your letter of offer. Allianz Global Assistance also provides 24 hour Emergency Helpline on 1800 814 781.
What if I'm from Belgium, Norway or Sweden?
• Belgian students
As a result of an agreement between the Australian and Belgian governments, all Belgian students are considered to have met 'adequate insurance' requirements on the basis of the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and Belgium. If you are a Belgian student, you will not have to take out OSHC to meet your visa requirements. For further information about your visa requirements please see the Department of Immigration & Citizenship website (opens in a new window).
• Norwegian Students
As a result of an agreement between the Australian and Norwegian governments, all Norwegian students are provided with adequate health insurance by the Norwegian government and are waived the compulsory OSHC visa requirement
• Swedish Students (Restrictions may apply)
Swedish students may be waived the compulsory OSHC visa requirements. Swedish students whose insurance is provided by CSN International (the Swedish National Board of Student Aid) will not need to take out OSHC. If you are a Swedish student who is not covered by CSN, you will need to take out OSHC
How do I order my OSHC card?
Ordering an OSHC from Allianz Global Assitance is easy! Once you've paid your tuition fees including OSHC, AND you have a permanent address in Sydney, you should be able to order your card over the internet. You'll need:
- your full name
- your date of birth, and
- your student ID number
Just go to Allianz Global Assistance, (opens in a new window) and apply now. In a week or so, your card will arrive at the address you have supplied. You can even order the card before you arrive in Australia - just make sure that your address is at least long term and that you have entered it correctly.
How can I get help with my OSHC policy?
You can go to Allianz Global Assistance (opens in a new window) and check out the policy. The site includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) so most questions will be answered there. If you still need advice, please call 13 14 84 during business hours. For any enquiry regarding claims on your policy, please call 1800 651 349, and for 24 hour emergency assistance, please call 1800 814 781.
