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

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is insurance to assist international students in meeting the costs of medical and hospital care that they may need while in Australia. International students in Australia must hold OSHC for the duration of their stay in Australia, as a condition of their student visa.

An estimated OSHC premium is provided to students in their JCU Letter of Offer, along with further details about how to make any adjustments to cover as required, including adding family members to your policy.

Most students are required to pay the OSHC premium upon acceptance of the JCU offer. If you are applying through a partner institution, or have an official sponsorship recognised by JCU, payment will be arranged in accordance with the relevant agreement.

There are some exceptions where the Department of Home Affairs recognises a suitable alternative health cover arrangement, including:

  • Belgian students not required to purchase OSHC as they meet the health insurance requirement on the basis of the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Belgium and Australia
  • Norwegian students who have health cover with the approved home government insurer
  • Swedish students covered by Kammarkollegiet are exempt from the requirement for OSHC

Further information
Contact the Department of Home Affairs
JCU FAQ for further information on how to access medical assistance while in Australia

Your Allianz Care Australia policy

If JCU is arranging your OSHC, we will use our preferred partner for OSHC which is Allianz Care Australia

In most cases, your policy will not be established until your enrolment is finalised and you are admitted into your program at JCU. When you are admitted at JCU, you will be able to access your JCU email account and you should find that you have received an email from Allianz Care Australia containing welcome information and a copy of your Certificate of Insurance. It will also include instructions for how to apply for a membership card and make changes to your policy information. If you do not receive this email, please advise your Admissions officer or the Student Support team.

The policy commencement date will be approximately 14 days prior to the expected commencement of your program, and is stated on your eCOE.  If you plan to arrive in Australia before the policy start date, you should arrange additional cover directly with Allianz using this unique weblink.

Allianz Care Australia provides a comprehensive service for JCU students, including:

Further information, policy documents and members guides
Visit Allianz Care Australia