Overseas Student Health Cover (Bupa)
If you are a student on a student visa it is a condition of your visa to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your visa for yourself, and any dependents accompanying you. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) assists international students to meet the costs of medical and hospital care they may need while in Australia.
UniSQ has negotiated competitive rates and wide range of support through Bupa, our preferred provider. Bupa has created a helpful video outlining the services that Bupa OSHC covers. Your UniSQ offer letter will include the OSHC rate for the duration of your study at UniSQ and you will be able to select either single, couple or family cover.
NOTE: Should you wish to make your own arrangements for OSHC we will require appropriate evidence of your OSHC membership before we can issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).
Bupa Disclaimers
*For services included on your cover. Waiting periods, policy and fund rules apply.
- Access to one of Australia’s largest hospital networks.
- Unlimited cover on medical services. Bupa pays up to 100% of the MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) fee for the cost of medical services provided doctors or specialists in or out of hospital, like GP (General Practitioner) consultations, X-rays, blood tests and more.*
- Uncapped emergency ambulance cover and on-the-spot treatment by Bupa recognised providers.**
- 24/7 virtual doctor’s appointments with Blua. Available in a range of languages at selected times, with 100% of fees covered for Bupa OSHC members – Plus Chemist delivery and more.***
- Save 100% of the balance up to $50 per script item on prescription medicines, once you’ve paid the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) co-payment fee.****
- A network of approximately 300 Bupa-friendly doctors across Australia. A Bupa-friendly doctor is a GP who submits a member’s claim directly to us which helps reduce or eliminate any payment on the day of their appointment. If a doctor charges more than the benefit the member receives from Bupa, there may be some out-of-pocket expenses which won’t be covered. Visit the find a doctor webpage for more details.
- No waiting periods on mental health benefits including mental health related services, pre-existing conditions, ailments or illnesses of a psychiatric nature.*****
If you need more support, Bupa has a OSHC student website filled with information on your cover, additional support, the Australian Healthcare system and more.
Bupa has also created a helpful video outlining the services that Bupa OSHC covers, watch the video to find out more.
Overseas Visitors Cover (OVC) Discount for International Graduates
The university has organised with Bupa, a 5% ongoing discount for UniSQ international graduates on their OVC health insurance required for graduate working visas. The offer is open to all international graduates transitioning from OSHC to OVC. Find out more.
Bupa Disclaimers
*Waiting periods, fund and policy rules apply.
**If claimable from another source, a benefit won't be paid by Bupa. Benefits for ambulance transportation is only payable where the provider describes the transportation as an 'Emergency'. For more, see the Important Information Guide. There is a 1 day waiting period for emergency ambulance and on-the-spot treatment.
***Available for customers who hold eligible products. Waiting periods, fund and policy rules apply to Online Doctor Appointments. Delivery network area limits apply to Chemist delivery. Service provided by third party partners. See blua.bupa.com.au for more details.
**** Subject to yearly limits. Up to $500 per single, $1,000 per couple/family. Covers PBS and non-PBS approved items.
*****The standard two-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions, ailments or illnesses of a psychiatric nature is not enforced by Bupa on Overseas Student Health Cover until further notice. Fund and policy rules apply.
How to access my OSHC membership card?
Once you’ve arrived in Australia, you’ll need to make sure you have access to your membership card so you can use your cover when you need it.
Physical membership cards
Learn how to order your physical Bupa OSHC membership card.
Digital membership cards
Did you know you can also access your Bupa membership card using your Apple or Android smartphone? Find out how you can access your membership card on your phone and use it to tap and claim.*
How do I make a claim?
Learn more about how to make a claim.
What if I get sick?
Find out what to do if you get sick.
Bupa Disclaimers
*For services included on your cover. Subject to remaining limits, yearly limits, waiting periods, fund and policy rules.
If you need help with your health cover, you can contact Bupa in several ways.
Bupa’s 24 Hour Student Advice Line
OSHC members have access to our 24/7 Student Advice Line. We provide general advice and assistance in 150 languages*, for a range of situations including medical, home, property inquiries and more.
Students can call 1300 884 235 (24-hour Student Advice Line) if you ever find yourself in a situation where you may need some guidance or support.
Bupa’s Overseas Student website
Find out more information about what’s covered, what to do if you get sick, how to find a Bupa Friendly doctor and more.
Phone
Speak to the overseas student support team. Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (AEST):
- call 1800 888 942 from within Australia, or;
- call +61 3 9937 4223 from outside Australia.
Health insurance queries to students@bupa.com.au, monitored Monday to Friday.
Bupa Stores
Speak to Bupa about your health insurance at one of the store locations, find a Bupa store near you.
Bupa Disclaimers
*Members preferred language may not be available 24/7.