Health services
Victoria has an excellent public health system. If you need emergency treatment you need to show your Overseas Student Health Cover insurance card.
Health insurance
Australia has a system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students must purchase this insurance before they leave their home country and maintain their insurance policy for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.
What insurance covers
OSHC covers most medical expenses and the cost of hospital care in Victoria, as well as most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport, although it doesn’t usually cover pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancy. Dental, optical and physiotherapy are not covered.
Arranging OSHC cover
Your education institution may have an agreement with a specific OSHC provider, but you are also free to choose an Australian OSHC provider of your choice.
There are five providers of OSHC in Australia. Visit the websites below to find information to help decide which provider is right for you.
Please note that if you fail some subjects and therefore require an extension of your OSHC, it will be your responsibility to organise this directly with your OSHC provider. Again, it is recommended that you contact your institution to confirm arrangements.
If your course of study is for less than three months or you are travelling to Australia under a visa other than a student visa, you will not be eligible for OSHC. Travel insurance is recommended in this case.
Students are responsible for their own accident and property insurance while living in Victoria. It’s also wise to arrange travel insurance before leaving your country.
Find more information on about applying for Overseas Student Health Cover at Study in Australia.
Exceptions
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care advise that students from Sweden and Norway do not require OSHC as these countries have national health schemes which provide adequate health cover with Australia.
Doctors
Doctors who offer everyday medical care are known as General Practitioners or 'GP's in Australia. When visiting a GP in Victoria, you will need to check if the medical clinic has an agreement with your Overseas Student Health Care Cover. If they do have an agreement, your payment is likely to be less.
Some education institutions run low cost medical clinics for students. You may need to be enrolled at that campus to use the services. These clinics usually offer sexual health, family planning, travel health, women’s health, sports medicine, psychological care and counselling.
Melbourne has a number of 24 hour medical clinics. Locate your closest medical centre which has an OSHC agreement before a health problem arises.
You can find a doctor in the Yellow Pages phone directory under 'Medical Practitioners'. The Yellow Pages lists doctors by suburb.
Hospitals
See the Victorian Government Health Information Website for a complete list of public and private hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne.
Outside of Melbourne, see the government's list of hospitals in regional Victoria.
Emergencies
In an emergency, phone triple zero '000' or '112' from a mobile. An automated message will ask you to select 'fire', 'police' or 'ambulance'. You will be connected to a person who will ask you questions including your location and the phone number you are calling from.
Interpreter service
In an emergency, regardless of your level of English, you should phone triple zero '000', or '112' from a mobile phone. An interpreter service is available. It will help the call-taker if you can state in English, which language you need.
Nurse on Call
If you are not sure whether you need emergency treatment, phone Ph 1300 60 60 24 to speak to the Victorian Government’s Nurse on Call service. This free service is staffed by trained nurses who can advise you on the best course of action to take.
Mother and child
The Maternal and Child Health Service is a free national service available to families with children from ages 0 to 5. Your local council will be able to tell you where your nearest centre is. Services include immunisation, and assessment and advice on feeding, development, eyesight and hearing.
For the cost of a local phone call, you can also contact the Maternal and Child Health line on Ph 13 22 29, a 24 hour phone service staffed by maternal and child health nurses.
Most daycare centres, kindergartens and schools will require your child to be vaccinated against diseases. Check with your local GP or council. Most councils offer free child vaccinations.
Dental health
To find a dentist, check the Yellow Pages under Dentists, or visit the Australian Dental Association (ADA) website.
For dental health emergencies, call the Royal Dental Hospital in Carlton on Ph 1300 360 054. They may refer you to a clinic closer to where you live, and they also have details of private dentists working on public holidays.
Some student organisations and institutions offer low-cost dental treatment. Again, ask your institution.
Mental health
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, don’t keep it to yourself or feel you have to battle with your problems alone. Confidential, often free expert help is available.
Talking to someone can offer not just relief, but also practical advice.
Some educational institutions and student unions offer low-cost student counselling. Many schools have their own psychologist. Some overseas student organisations also offer counselling.
If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, do not ignore it or dismiss it as attention-seeking. Encourage them to talk to someone, and seek help. With the right help, many mental health problems can be overcome.
To find out what mental health services are available in your area call Lifeline's 'Just Ask' information line on Ph 1300 131 114 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian eastern standard time) or contact one of the organisations listed here.
- Beyondblue information line (National Depression Initiative) Ph 1300 224 636
- Lifeline Ph 131 114
- Suicide Helpline Victoria Ph 1300 651 251
- Kids Help Line (free call) Ph 1800 551 800
- Mensline Ph 1300 789 978
You can also check the front section of the White Pages for organisations giving help and advice on a range of health issues.
Medicines
You may need a prescription from your doctor for a particular medicine, even if you are able to buy it over the counter in your own country.
Ask your pharmacist if they stock a generic version of brand name prescription drugs. These are usually identical to brand-name drugs, but cheaper.
