Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs requires all international students applying for a student visa to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their student visa. OSHC is offered by a number of providers, and you can obtain OSHC from the provider of your choice.
OSHC assists you as a student visa holder to meet the costs of medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia. OSHC may include ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals. When you apply for a student visa, you must show the Department of Home Affairs that you have OSHC for the duration of your visa or that ACU is arranging OSHC on your behalf as indicated on your Confirmation of Enrolment.
It's important to note that waiting periods will differ depending on which OSHC policy you have purchased. A waiting period is the time you need to wait before a benefit is available and you can make a claim. Some costs, such as medical expenses relating to a pre-existing condition, are not covered during your waiting period. Pregnancy cover may require a waiting period. You can claim for benefits available on your policy for expenses incurred after the waiting period has ended.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you and any dependants who come to Australia with you are covered by OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
Preferred OSHC Provider
We've partnered with Medibank, one of Australia's leading health funds with over 4 million members, to give our international students access to health cover backed by extensive experience supporting students studying in Australia.
Medibank Comprehensive OSHC is a exclusive cover for university international students. It offers a range of added value services above the Australian government's minimum requirements.
You can apply for the Medibank OSHC via the following link:
Medibank Comprehensive OSHC
If you ordered Medibank Comprehensive OSHC with your offer to ACU (via the link) a copy of your policy certificate was sent to your nominated email account from the Medibank system.
Why choose Medibank Comprehensive OSHC?
1. Student Health and Support Line
Accessible for all ACU international students, you can receive telehealth advice from a registered nurse, counselling services and more. The Student Health and Support Line can help you find a doctor, psychologist or hospital nearby depending on your needs so you get the right support for your situation.
Tel: 1800 887 283 (from Australia) OR +61 3 9862 1095 (from outside Australia).
2. Unlimited emergency ambulance
You may be eligible for 100% coverage of the cost of unlimited emergency ambulance services, Australia-wide.5
3. Market leading mental health coverage2
No waiting periods for in-hospital psychiatric services even if it's treatment for a pre-existing condition. No annual limits or maximum number of sessions under a GP Mental Health Management Plan.
4. Reduce the upfront cost of visits to the Doctor
Thanks to Medibank's direct billing network for OSHC members, there are over 2,500 health practitioners that bill Medibank directly for medical services and can reduce the amount you need to pay.3
Students studying at ACU's Melbourne and Brisbane campuses can also access on-campus medical services, providing a convenient option for healthcare while on campus.
5. Market leading coverage for prescription medicines2
Medibank Comprehensive OSHC has the highest annual limits, highest benefits and widest range of prescription medicines covered.
6. Access to OSHC Online Doctor
With Online Doctor, you can have an online consultation 24/7 with a qualified medical doctor with no out-of-pocket costs for the consultation.1
• Direct access 24/7 via the Medibank OSHC App
• See a doctor for prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals, imaging and pathology
• Audio & video consultations are billed directly to Medibank.
7. Save, earn and learn with Student Rewards Plus
With Medibank Student Rewards Plus you can access discounts, special offers and support to find work and enhance your skills and knowledge while studying in Australia. Depending on their spend, Medibank OSHC members could get over $650 in value in their first three months to help with the cost of student life and arriving in Australia.4
Note: Savings estimate is based on $2,471 of expenditure over three months relating to a range of accommodation, technology, entertainment and other costs an international student may incur as of July 2025.
8. Pregnancy-related services
Thanks to the ACU partnership with Medibank, the waiting periods for Pregnancy and birth and associated services are waived for ACU students with Medibank Comprehensive OSHC.
Access the Medibank website for an outline of the Comprehensive OSHC policy inclusions.
1. Medibank may pay benefits towards video/audio doctor consultations. Waiting times may vary depending on doctor availability. Online Doctor is offered on a trial basis and may be discontinued at any time. Online Doctor is provided through the Medibank OSHC app, which is currently not available to dependants (partners and children) on a policy; appointments for dependants on a policy must be booked by the primary policyholder, who will need to obtain consent to make the booking. Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.
2. Based on Medibank's assessment of mental health coverage in OSHC products as at 1 July 2025.
3. Direct billing health practitioners (e.g., general practitioners, pathology & radiology providers) are providers that have an agreement with Medibank OSHC to send the bill directly to Medibank. Out-of-pocket expenses may apply depending on whether your doctor charges more than the benefit payable under Medibank OSHC. Network current as of 2025 and subject to change.
4. Access to offers and discounts may vary from time to time and subject to change at any time. For Medibank OSHC members only. T&Cs apply. Access via the Medibank OSHC app to find out more.
5. For ambulance attendance or transportation to a hospital where immediate medical attention is required and your condition is such that you couldn't be transported any other way.
You can choose to purchase your OSHC directly through an external private health insurance provider or your agent, but be sure to check the level of coverage you'll receive under their policies, and understand what is and isn't covered.
Medibank information videos
Understand the Australian Health System - YouTube
Why Medibank OSHC? - YouTube
Medibank OSHC FAQs - YouTube
The Medibank OSHC - YouTube
