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 Norway and Sweden may not be required to take out OSHC if covered by their own scheme. Students from these countries should check with their sponsors or their agent in Norway or Sweden. OSHC is compulsory for all other students.

The preferred provider of OSHC for all UWS students is OSHC Worldcare (opens in a new window) which has policies for singles, for couples and for families, and at two plan levels, Silver and Gold. The Silver Plan is the most popular cover, but you may choose a much higher level of cover, the Gold Plan. All of these options are outlined on the website above.

It is important that you think carefully about your expected health needs and consider the best level of cover for you.

A brochure containing more detailed information about OSHC will be sent to you with your Offer Package. Please read this information carefully.

Please note: OSHC does not cover any pre-existing conditions (such as pregnancy or prior illness). The cost of medical treatment is very high in Australia, and these expenses must be met by you. Overseas Student Health Cover

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 OSHC Worldcare as its preferred provider.

Commencing students: you will need to purchase the standard OSHC Worldcare single or family (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 OSHC Worldcare (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 OSHC Worldcare. A brochure outlining the policy will be sent to you with your letter of offer. OSHC Worldcare also provides 24 hour Emergency Helpline on 1800 814 781.

What if I'm from Norway or Sweden?

• 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
  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 a OSHC Worldcare card 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 OSHC Worldcare, (opens in a new window) enter quick  quotes  data 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 OSHC Worldcare (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.