Healthcare in Australia

A guide to medical services, insurance, and maintaining your wellbeing

Emergency Services

Call 000 for Police, Ambulance, or Fire Emergency services in Australia

This is a free call from any phone, including mobile phones.

Be prepared to state:

  • Which service you need (ambulance, police, or fire)
  • Your exact location
  • The nature of the emergency
  • Your phone number

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All international students studying in Australia on a student visa are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.

What OSHC Provides:

  • Coverage for visits to General Practitioners (GPs)
  • Coverage for hospital treatment
  • Partial or full coverage for ambulance services
  • Partial reimbursement for prescription medications

OSHC Providers Comparison

Provider Basic Coverage Additional Benefits Special Features
Medibank Standard OSHC coverage Direct billing network 24/7 Student Health App
Allianz Care Standard OSHC coverage Mental health support Multilingual support
Bupa Standard OSHC coverage Extensive hospital network Online health guides

Important: Always carry your OSHC card and check if your healthcare provider offers direct billing to avoid upfront payments.

Important: Australia does not have reciprocal health agreements with most countries. Without OSHC, you could face significant medical expenses if you require treatment.

Common OSHC Providers:

  • Medibank Private
  • Bupa Australia
  • Allianz Global Assistance
  • nib OSHC

Tip: Download your OSHC provider's app to easily make claims, find doctors, and access your membership details.

UNSW Health Services

UNSW Health Service

Location: Ground Floor, East Wing, Quadrangle Building

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Services: General medical care, vaccinations, mental health support

Booking: Online or phone (02) 9385 5425

UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Location: Level 2, East Wing, Quadrangle Building

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Services: Individual counselling, workshops, crisis support

Booking: Online or phone (02) 9385 5418

Student Tip: UNSW Health Service offers bulk billing for OSHC holders, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses for covered services.

Local Healthcare Facilities

Nearby Medical Centers

  • Randwick GP Medical Centre
    Address: 39 St Pauls Street, Randwick
    Phone: (02) 9398 8822
  • Kingsford Medical Centre
    Address: 1/473-477 Anzac Parade, Kingsford
    Phone: (02) 9663 1100

Hospitals

  • Prince of Wales Hospital (Public)
    Address: Barker Street, Randwick
    Emergency: (02) 9382 2222
  • Royal Hospital for Women
    Address: Barker Street, Randwick
    Phone: (02) 9382 6111

Important: For non-emergency situations, visiting a GP (General Practitioner) is more cost-effective than going to a hospital emergency department.

Mental Health Support

Available Services

  • UNSW CAPS: Free counselling services for students
  • Beyond Blue: 24/7 support service (1300 22 4636)
  • Headspace: Youth mental health service
  • OSHC Mental Health Support: Check your provider's coverage

Remember: Seeking help for mental health is normal and encouraged. UNSW provides confidential support services in multiple languages.

Accessing Healthcare Services

1

Finding a Doctor

  • Use OSHC provider's website to find bulk-billing doctors
  • Check if the clinic offers interpreting services if needed
  • Consider proximity to campus or your residence
  • Ask for recommendations from other students
2

Making Appointments

  • Book online or call the clinic directly
  • Mention if you need a longer appointment or interpreter
  • Have your OSHC card ready
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork
3

During Your Visit

  • Bring your OSHC card and photo ID
  • Ask questions about your treatment and medications
  • Request a medical certificate if needed for classes
  • Keep receipts for OSHC claims

Healthcare Costs and Claims

Typical Medical Costs

Service Approximate Cost OSHC Coverage Out of Pocket
GP Visit (Bulk Billing) $80-100 100% $0
Specialist Visit $150-300 85% $22-45
Prescription Medicine Varies Partial Varies
Emergency Ambulance $900+ 100% $0

Making a Claim

  1. Keep all receipts and documentation
  2. Submit claims through your OSHC provider's app or website
  3. Claims usually processed within 5-10 business days
  4. Reimbursement sent to your nominated bank account

Money-Saving Tip: Look for medical centers that offer bulk billing for OSHC holders to avoid upfront payments.

Preventive Health

Staying Healthy

  • Regular Check-ups: Schedule annual health checks
  • Vaccinations: Keep immunizations up to date
  • Exercise: Use UNSW gym facilities or join sports clubs
  • Mental Wellbeing: Participate in CAPS workshops
  • Sexual Health: Access free sexual health services

Health Tip: UNSW offers various wellness programs and workshops throughout the semester - check the UNSW Health website for details.

Useful Resources

Remember: Your health should be a priority. Don't hesitate to seek medical help when needed, and make sure you understand your OSHC coverage.