Australia’s Healthcare System: A Guide for International Students

Australia’s healthcare system is second to none, ranking 5th in the World Index of Health Innovation – up from 7th in 2021 and 11th in 2020. In ranking, Australia beat Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Singapore for healthcare innovation, making the land Down Under a desirable destination for study. Healthcare in Australia is one of the most advanced worldwide, based on quality and choice. The public-private two-tiered healthcare system allows timely and appropriate access to medical care by everyone. This comprehensive guide will provide essential information about Australia’s healthcare system for international students wishing to embark on a study journey in Australia.

Is healthcare public or private?

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Australia’s healthcare system is a mix of both public and private services where many public and private providers work collectively to meet the physical and mental health care needs of Australians. The complex structure of Australia’s healthcare system is reflected in its funding arrangements, financed by federal, state and territory governments, as well as non-government funders such as private health insurers and individuals.

Healthcare is accessible by all—whether you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident or international student on a study visa. Unlike some countries where medical care is denied based your socio-economic profile, you will not be denied healthcare if you break a bone, need a prescription for a medical condition or require a vaccine, for example. If you are involved in medical emergency whilst living in Australia, rest assured, you will be treated regardless of your race, age and financial status.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system, providing access to a wide range of medical services including doctor consultations, hospital care and subsidised prescription medications. Services covered under Medicare are typically provided at no cost or at a subsidised rate for those who are eligible. Australian permanent residents, those applying for permanent residency and temporary residents covered by a ministerial order are all eligible for Medicare.

While Medicare covers essential healthcare services, many Australians choose to supplement their coverage with private health insurance. Private health insurance offers additional benefits, including access to private hospitals, choice of specialists and coverage for ancillary services such as dental care, optical services, and physiotherapy.

Some medical and allied health services are not subsidised through Medicare. For example, Medicare does not usually cover costs for ambulance services, most dental services and optical aids (such as glasses and contact lenses). For these services, some private health insurance may cover the cost or partly subsidise.

Am I eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents with permanent visas. International visitors including students from specific countries with Reciprocal Health Care agreements may be eligible for limited coverage under Medicare during their stay in Australia. Currently, people visiting from Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom are eligible for Recipricoal Health Care. If you are from an eligible country, you will need to show proper documentation, such as a valid passport and proof of residence in an eligible country. As always, conditions and countries can change, so it is essential to check your eligibility requirements prior to arriving in Australia.

It is important to note that any Medicare coverage you are entitled to under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement will be in addition to OSHC. Having reciprocal access to Medicare does not automatically exempt international students from needing to take out OSHC. However, exemptions may apply if you are from Sweden, Norway or Belgium. Official, up-to-date information for visitors to Australia on Reciprocal Health Care Agreements can be accessed here. You may be able to enrol into Medicare if you’re visiting from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement country but as a student, there are still conditions on a study visa such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Do I need health insurance?

Yes. If you are a student from overseas on a temporary student visa it is a condition of your visa to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia. Even if you qualify for Medicare under the Reciprocal Health Care agreements, you may still be required to take out private health insurance. As an international student, you are required to arrange and pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in Australia. The compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan will usually cover visits to the doctor (GP), ambulance services, some hospital treatments, ambulance and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).

OSHC doesn’t cover treatments such as dental, optical or physiotherapy, but you can purchase Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider if you want cover for these. Another option is to buy private health insurance along with your OSHC to cover items that OSHC does not include. Benefits and costs vary between funds and insurance policies, so it makes sense to shop around.

Where can I get OSHC?

There are only a few registered health insurers approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs that offer OSHC. You can compare plans and prices by visiting the following websites:

ahm OSHC

Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare)

BUPA Australia

CBHS International Health

Medibank Private

NIB OSHC

It is recommended to contact the insurers direct to compare insurance policies and find coverage that suits your budget. You can also visit the official government website for the most up-to-date information on OSHC.

Why do I need private health insurance?

International students undertaking formal studies in Australia must have OSHC as a condition of the Student Visa. OSHC exists to assist overseas students with meeting the costs of unplanned medical and hospital care, which may be required while undertaking formal studies while living in Australia.

As many as 46 per cent of Australians have private health insurance to access a wider range of services and help cover the cost of healthcare, so as an international student, you’re not alone in having private health insurance.

How do I access healthcare services?

General Practitioners (GPs) serve as the primary point of contact for non-emergency medical care in Australia. You may need a GP for medical consultations, to receive treatment for minor illnesses, obtain prescriptions, and seek referrals to specialists if necessary. Your OSHC should provide up to 100% cover for the cost of GP consultations. To find your nearest GP visit Health Direct or HotDoc.

What if I need to go to hospital?

Australia has a network of public and private hospitals providing comprehensive medical care to patients. Public hospitals offer emergency (and elective services) to all individuals, regardless of their insurance status or nationality. It is appropriate to go to the Emergency Department at a hospital if you are seriously injured or ill, particularly if it occurs outside of usual business hours. In case of medical emergencies, dial 000 for immediate assistance, including first respondents such as ambulance services.

There should be no out-of-pocket costs for emergency treatment with OSHC but it depends on your insurer. Partial or full cost of ambulance should also be covered by OSHC policies.

Elective services in public or private may incur costs for international students, depending on your level of coverage. Private hospitals cater to patients with private health insurance, offering shorter waiting times for elective procedures and access to private rooms and amenities, so you may not need elective surgery during your time of study.

Do I also need travel insurance?

Prior to traveling to Australia, international students are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Some students also choose to take out travel insurance in addition to OSHC, to cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation. While it is not a visa requirement, it is high recommended.

Understanding Australia’s healthcare system is essential for international students to meet visa conditions and ensure timely access to medical care. Whether accessing services through Reciprocal Health Care Agreements, Overseas Student Health Cover, or out-of-pocket payments, being informed can help you prepare for study in Australia while having peace of mind knowing there is equitable access to quality healthcare.

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