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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps you get medical care in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Provides general advice and assistance in 150 languages, for a range of situations including medical, home, property inquiries and more. Just call 1300 884 235 (our 24 hours student advice line) if you find yourself in a situation where you need some guidance or support.#
Within Australia
1300 884 235
A non-emergency is an illness or injury that requires treatment but isn’t immediately life-threatening.
For non-emergency health concerns, make an appointment with your nearest doctor. They will treat you and decide if you need medicine or further care.
OSHC members can also book and attend online appointments 24/7 through Blua^.
In Australia, local doctors are known as general practitioners (GPs). You’ll be able to see any GP with your OSHC membership.
But when should you see a GP, and when should you go straight to hospital? And what can you expect from both?
A specialist is a medical practitioner who is highly skilled in a specific area.
Your GP might send you to a specialist if they think specific expertise is needed to diagnose or treat your health condition. To see a specialist you’ll need a referral from your GP.
In Australia, a pharmacy is often called a ‘chemist’. This is where you go if you need medication. Some medications require you to see a doctor and get a prescription (or ‘script’), while more common medications can be bought ‘over-the-counter’.
After purchasing prescription medication, you may be able to claim some money back. Learn more in the Important Information Guide (PDF, 2.8MB).
You’ll need your Bupa membership card to access your health cover at hospitals and clinics.
If you arrive in Australia and get sick, but don’t have your membership card yet, you should still go see a doctor. You may have to pay for your treatment upfront then make a claim to be reimbursed later.
If you've got an Android or iOS smartphone, you don’t need to wait for a physical membership card. Download the myBupa app to access your digital membership card today.
Your OSHC policy helps to pay for a range of prescribed medication (within per person and yearly limits) including:
Some exclusions apply. It’s always best to get in touch with us to check whether the medication you’ve been prescribed is covered by your policy.
Get a detailed breakdown of your policy’s benefits and learn more about the Australian healthcare system.
Explore help topics and find answers to common questions from other international students.
Our overseas student support team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (AEST/AEDT).
Within Australia
1800 888 942
Outside Australia
+61 3 9937 4223
You can also send us an email or visit a Bupa store in person.
Send an email
oshc@bupa.com.au
Visit a Bupa store
Find your nearest Bupa store
An emergency is a serious illness or injury that poses an immediate risk to your life or long-term wellbeing.
In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero). They will send an ambulance to take you to hospital if required.
OSHC members are covered for unlimited emergency ambulance services.
Blua lets you book and attend online appointments with doctors across Australia, any time of day or night.
100% of fees are covered for Bupa OSHC members^.
# Members’ preferred language may not be available 24/7.
