How to Get the OSHC Membership Card at UNSW
Many students operate on a tight budget. This often makes it difficult for them to get access to medical care, which, in Australia can be as high as $600 per day for foreign students. Recognizing this, the Australian Government has made it mandatory for foreign students enrolling in university study programs to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire period of the course. With a few exceptions, it doesn't matter whether the student has a health insurance policy in his own country; OSHC is a requirement. As of 2010, the Department of Health and Ageing lists four providers of OSHC. OSHC Worldcare is the University of New South Wales' preferred provider.
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Instructions
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Determine the payment process. If you're a first-time student at UNSW and have chosen OSHC Worldcare, the preferred provider, refer to the offer letter you received from UNSW. It will have details of how to make the payment. If you've chosen any other provider, get in touch with the provider directly to find out how to pay. Pay for the OSHC before you leave your country.
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Apply online for a membership card. After reaching Australia, visit the UNSW office and complete the enrollment formalities. Get your student ID number and the OSHC policy number. Go to the OSHC Worldcare website and enter your policy number, date of birth and last name to log in to the Student section. Provide your current Australian residential address. Check to see that all details are correct and then click "Submit."
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Print a temporary certificate. It'll take about five business days to receive the membership card and policy document. Until then, you need some form of documentary evidence as proof of having registered. Click the link on the same website to print a Temporary Certificate of Insurance. Use this if you need to see a doctor before the membership card arrives. When you receive the policy document and membership card, check to make sure the details on the documents are accurate. Report any discrepancies to OSHC Worldcare.
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Tips & Warnings
Get your dental treatments before you arrive in Australia. The OSHC membership does not pay for dental care.
If you don't want to go through the process on your own, ask UNSW to arrange it. This will earn the university a commission that goes into the fund to improve student services.
Besides OSHC Worldcare, check out other OSHC providers on the Department of Health and Ageing website to compare policy terms.
If you're a Norwegian or Swedish student with national health insurance that provides for medical treatment overseas, carry the appropriate documentary evidence -- this exempts you from having to buy OSHC.
