Student Visa holders are required to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arrival in Australia and to maintain this cover throughout your course. If you are not covered by OSHC, you could be liable for hundreds of dollars in medical fees in the event of an accident or illness. International Students must purchase an OSHC policy, approved by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, from a registered health benefits organisation. ECUs preferred OSHC provider is OSHC Worldcare.

Information on the OSHC system is available from the OSHC Woldcare website. You are strongly recommended to purchase cover for the full duration of your course. This removes the risk of a break in cover, attracts a discounted rate and protects against cost increases. Students must register on-line to order their membership card. The OSHC Worldcare website contains valuable information on OSHC, in multiple languages, including the cost, extent of cover and how to lodge a claim.

The OSHC Worldcare 24 hour Emergency Helpline is 1800 814 781.

OSHC Worldcare representatives are available at ECU's Joondalup and Mount Lawley campuses during Orientation Week and throughout semester, in building 18, level 2 at Joondalup and building 10, level 2 at Mount Lawley.

OSHC is a basic health insurance product designed to be equivalent to Medicare (for Australian citizens). It covers emergency medical conditions, public hospitals and most of the cost of visiting a doctor. Please note that pre-existing illness may not be covered. Additional cover for private hospitals and ancillary services such as dental, optical and physiotherapy is available at additional cost.

Check the OSHC Worldcare website for the most up to date information on what is covered.

Renewing your health cover

Your health cover insurance premium must be renewed annually. You will find a list of current insurance premiums on the OSHC Worldcare website. You may pay the required amount to the OSHC representative on campus or online. OSHC Worldcare will then renew your membership and send you a new card. Failure to renew your medical insurance is a breach of the conditions of your visa and will result in cancellation of your visa.

Remember, to stay in Australia you must stay insured.