🇦🇺 Healthcare in Australia
How Australia's health system works for international students, what OSHC covers, how to find a GP, and the emergency numbers you need to know.
🚨 Emergency numbers
Australia has a well-developed public health system, but as an international student you sit largely outside Medicare — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is your gateway to affordable care.
The healthcare system
Australia's public scheme is Medicare, funded by the government for citizens and permanent residents. International students are generally not eligible for Medicare (except students from countries with reciprocal agreements: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK). For everyone else, the mandatory alternative is OSHC — a private health insurance product your institution requires you to hold for the duration of your visa. Your university may arrange it on your behalf when you enrol; if not, choose from approved providers such as Bupa, Medibank, AHM, or CBHS.
Read your OSHC policy carefully: most cover GP visits, specialist consultations, public hospital accommodation, some prescribed medicines, and limited ambulance. Co-payments and out-of-pocket gaps can apply, especially for specialists.
Finding & registering with a doctor
GPs (General Practitioners) are the first port of call for almost everything. You do not need to permanently register with one practice, but finding a regular GP makes continuity of care much easier.
- Search for GPs near your campus on healthdirect.gov.au or ask your university health service for a referral list.
- Look for a bulk-billing GP if your OSHC provider has a direct-billing arrangement — this means the clinic bills OSHC directly and you pay nothing (or a small gap).
- Many universities operate an on-campus health centre — often the most convenient and affordable first stop.
- Specialists require a GP referral; without one, OSHC may not cover the visit.
Tip: Register with a GP in your first few weeks, before you need one urgently. Telehealth appointments are widely available and often covered by OSHC.
Pharmacies & prescriptions
Pharmacies (Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Terry White Chemmart, and many independents) are found in every suburb and shopping centre. Prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are subsidised for Medicare card holders; as an international student on OSHC, you pay the full private price unless your policy includes a medicines benefit. Over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol and antihistamines are available without a prescription. Bring a supply of any regular prescription medication and a letter from your doctor at home describing your treatment.
Emergencies & urgent care
| Situation | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening (chest pain, unconsciousness, severe bleeding) | Call 000 / Emergency Department (ED) |
| Urgent but not life-threatening (high fever, minor fractures) | Urgent care clinic or after-hours GP service |
| Routine illness or injury | GP or campus health centre |
| Advice by phone | healthdirect nurse helpline: 1800 022 222 (free, 24/7) |
Public hospital EDs are free for genuine emergencies even without Medicare, but OSHC covers your private hospital costs. Ambulance fees can be expensive and are not always fully covered — check your policy.
Mental health support
University life can be stressful and culturally isolating. Most Australian universities offer free counselling services for enrolled students — use them; waiting lists fill quickly, so book early in semester. Nationally, Lifeline (13 11 14) is available 24/7 for crisis support and suicide prevention, and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) covers anxiety and depression. The headspace network provides youth mental health services in most cities. Your OSHC typically includes some psychology sessions — check the extras/ancillary table in your policy document.