International Students Prepare to arrive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is a type of health insurance that helps international students pay for medical and hospital care while they are studying in Australia. It is a condition of your student visa to have OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

What You Need to Know About OSHC

  1. Included in Your Offer Letter
    • JCU provides an estimated OSHC premium in your Letter of Offer. This letter will also explain how you can make changes to your OSHC policy, such as adding family members.
  2. Payment of OSHC Premium
    • Most students need to pay for their OSHC when they accept their offer to study at JCU.
    • If you are studying through a partner institution or are sponsored by an organisation recognised by JCU, your OSHC payment may be arranged under the terms of your agreement.
  3. Exceptions
    • Some students do not need OSHC if they have alternative health cover arrangements recognised by the Australian Government. These include:
      • Belgian students: Covered under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Belgium and Australia.
      • Norwegian students: Covered by the Norwegian home government insurer.
      • Swedish students: Covered by Kammarkollegiet.

Getting Started with Your Allianz Care Australia Policy

If JCU is arranging your OSHC, Allianz Care Australia will be your health insurance provider.

  1. Activation of Your Policy
    • Your OSHC policy will start about 14 days before your program begins. The start date is listed on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
    • Your policy will only be activated after you enrol and are admitted to your program at JCU.
  2. Welcome Email
    • Once your policy is activated, Allianz Care Australia will send a welcome email to your JCU email address. This email will include:
      • Your Certificate of Insurance.
      • Information about getting your membership card.
      • Steps to update your policy details.
  3. Arriving Early?
    • If you arrive in Australia before your policy starts, you must arrange extra coverage directly with Allianz. Use this unique Allianz Care Australia link.

Allianz Care Services for JCU Students

Allianz Care Australia provides helpful services, including:

  • A smartphone app for claims and finding doctors or hospitals.
  • A 24/7 support helpline.
  • Renewal options for extended stays in Australia.
  • Access to Sonder, a 24/7 personal safety and wellbeing service.
  • Policy documents, guides, and more information are available on their website.

Need More Help?

  • Contact the Department of Home Affairs for information on visas and your rights while studying in Australia.
  • Visit the JCU FAQ's to learn more about accessing medical assistance and healthcare services during your stay in Australia.
  • Contact Us: If you don’t receive your welcome email from Allianz Care Australia, inform your Admissions Officer or the Student Support Team immediately.

For further details, visit the Allianz Care Australia website.