Overseas

Student
Your Important
Information Guide
This guide is here to help you navigate
our healthcare system and health cover.
For further information on your overseas
student health cover (OSHC) policy with us,
please read your policy information.

Effective 1 October 2023

Welcome to Bupa How Australia’s
healthcare system works
It’s our purpose that makes us different – helping Australia is said to have one of the best health systems in the world. However, the
our members to live longer, healthier, happier lives. system is complex and we understand that accessing healthcare can be confusing
We focus on your health, so you can get back to for new visitors. That’s why we aim to provide the best advice and support to help
your everyday life. you find what’s right for your needs, so you can be confident you are getting the
best healthcare services, when you need them.
Things to know
The Australian Government has arrangements in place to ensure Australian
Take time to read this guide to further understand
residents have access to public hospitals at minimal cost and to subsidised medical
and learn about your overseas student cover with us.
services, pharmacy and some additional services.
As a Bupa member, knowing how your cover works
will help you to get the most value from your The private sector, which includes private health insurance, provides an extensive
health insurance. range of services to complement these.
Bupa makes it possible for an overseas student to access a broad range of health
services across both the public and private sectors.

Contents What is Medicare? • Hospital cover pays benefits towards

the costs of hospital treatment as a
Medicare is Australia’s nationwide system
How Australia’s healthcare system works 3 private patient.
available for Australian citizens and
What to do when you feel sick 4 permanent residents and visitors from • General treatment (‘ancillary’
countries that have reciprocal healthcare or ‘extras’) cover for some non-
Understanding your student health cover 5 agreements (subject to the terms of medical health services not covered
those agreements). Medicare subsidises by Medicare – such as dental,
What is covered - Hospital cover 8 medical fees and some services by physiotherapy and optical services.
Ambulance cover 10 dentists and allied health professionals.
In addition, under the arrangements What are you covered
What is not covered 10 between the Australian and State for with Bupa?
When to contact us 12 governments, when you’re treated as We pay benefits towards hospital care
a ‘public’ patient, you may be treated in private or public hospitals, choice of
Additional benefits 13 by doctors in training, although under doctor, out-of-hospital medical and allied
supervision from qualified specialists. health professional fees, pharmacy, and a
Extras cover 14 range of additional services.
What is private health insurance?
Changing your cover 16
Many Australians pay extra towards the
Definitions 17 cost of their health care and have private
health insurance. This provides access
This guide is in addition to our Fund Rules to benefits towards treatment in private
available online or by contacting us. hospitals and a range of additional dental
and allied health services, not available
Visit bupa.com.au/fundrules/oshc
through Medicare.
When you use your private health
insurance you can choose the doctor
who will be primarily responsible for your
treatment and you will be covered for
a private room if you request one and
where one is available.
There are two kinds of cover:
2 3
 Understanding your
What to do when you feel sick student health cover
What is covered? At a small number of Network Hospitals,
Emergency Non-Emergency Hospital costs
an additional set amount or ‘fixed fee’ may
be charged by the hospital, capped at a
health issues health issues With Overseas Student Health Cover maximum number of days per stay. The
(OSHC) and Advantage Overseas Student hospital should inform you of this fee when
Health Cover, you can choose to be treated you make a booking. This fee is in addition to
Visit your local as a private patient in either a private or a
Speak to a doctor any excess or co-payment you may have as
hospital emergency public hospital.
online using Blua* part of your hospital cover.
department
What if I am treated in a When admitted to hospital, in most cases you
Members First or Network Hospital? will be covered for in-hospital charges when
With OSHC you are covered as a private provided as part of your inpatient hospital
Or visit a doctor or
Call 000 patient in most hospitals that Bupa has an treatment including:
medical centre
(triple zero) agreement with, known as Members First and • Accommodation for overnight
for an ambulance Network Hospitals, across Australia for any or same-day stays.
The doctor will treat treatment which is recognised by Medicare
and is not excluded under your cover. • Operating theatre, intensive care
you or refer you to
and labour ward fees.
a specialist or other At our Members First Hospitals, you’ll receive
health service a private room if a private room is available. • Supplied pharmaceuticals approved for the
If a private room is not available, you’ll receive condition to be treated by the Australian
$50 back per night from the hospital. Please Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits
note that the following conditions apply: Scheme (PBS) Schedule, and provided as
24/7 online doctors with Blua part of your inpatient hospital treatment.
You can see a doctor via online video call, anytime of the day with Blua. 100% You must book and request a private room
of fees for Blua consults are covered.1 Visit blua.com.au/book to book an online in a Members First Hospital at least 24 hours • Physiotherapy, occupational therapy,
doctor appointment. before admission. It applies to overnight speech therapy and other allied health
admissions only. It excludes ‘nursing home services provided as part of an inpatient
Face-to-face Bupa-friendly doctors
type patients’, admissions via an Emergency hospital admission.
A Bupa-friendly doctor submits your claim directly to Bupa to help reduce or
Department, same day admissions or where a
eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses. 2 Visit bupa.com.au/find-a-doctor for • Surgically implanted prosthesis up to
private room is medically inappropriate
more details. the approved benefit published on the
(e.g. medical practitioner requires the patient
Australian Government’s Prostheses List.
to an Intensive Care Unit or other particular
If you’re not sure if it’s an emergency health Do some non-residents have access ward rather than a private room). You’ll also • Private room in most private hospitals
issue, it’s better to treat it as an emergency. to Medicare?
If you need more advice about your health get complimentary local calls, TV usage and across Australia for the services included in
Yes, the Australian Government has a daily newspaper. your cover (not including restricted cover
issue, you could also: Reciprocal Health Care Agreements services).3
• See a GP (RHCA) with a selected number of countries.
These agreements enable residents of these We recommend you call us first before
• Visit healthdirect.gov.au countries to receive Medicare benefits when making a booking to confirm that your
• Call the Australian Government’s health studying in Australia. hospital of choice gives you certainty of full
advice line on 1800 022 222 The level of Medicare cover and the period cover. You can find out if a hospital has an
If it’s a mental health issue, you can also call for which you receive it varies depending on agreement with us by checking our website
LifeLine on 13 11 14. which country you are from. bupa.com.au/find-a-provider
For more information and for a list of
countries visit humanservices.gov.au
or contact us.

1
Fund and policy rules apply. Yearly limits apply to Essential Lite Visitors cover. 100% of the cost will only be covered for Blua consults.
Members will only be able to book general consultations via Blua. Consultations with specialists cannot be booked via Blua. Members
who areunder 18 years old may need to attend the consultation with a parent or guardian. Members’ preferred language may not be
available 24/7. 2An out-of-pocket expense may be incurred should the Doctor charge higher than the Bupa benefit. This expense is not
4 At Bupa agreement hospitals only. Room availability and eligibility criteria apply. Only where medically appropriate.
3
5
covered by Bupa.
What happens if I choose a private If this benefit is less than the hospital charge, Cover outside of hospital (outpatient)
hospital that Bupa doesn’t have an the hospital should let you know what out- Also known as outpatient medical services, this
agreement with? of-pocket expenses you will have to pay. is cover for any treatment you receive where
If you are admitted to a private hospital Bupa also pays benefits for prosthesis up you are not admitted into hospital in Australia
that Bupa does not have an agreement to the approved benefit in the Australian from a doctor or specialist in private practice
with, you will have restricted cover for your Government Prostheses List. The above (including diagnostic services such as radiology
hospital costs, and cover for prosthesis up applies for any treatment recognised by and pathology). We will cover you for up to
to the approved benefit in the Australian Medicare unless it is excluded or restricted 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Fee
Government Prostheses List. This will apply
for any treatment recognised by Medicare,
under your level of cover. It is important to
note that in public hospitals, private rooms are
generally allocated to people who medically
(MBS Fee) for outpatient services. The MBS
Fee is the amount determined by the Australian Help reduce
your medical
unless it is excluded or restricted under your Government for a specific service for Australian
level of cover. The amount we pay will only need them. residents. If your doctor or specialist charges
partially cover the full cost and you will have more than the MBS Fee there will be a gap for

costs with the

As a private patient in a public hospital you
significant out-of-pocket expenses. will also be responsible for personal expenses you to pay.
It is important to note that you will be such as TV hire and telephone calls together To find out the Medicare Benefit Schedule
responsible for the cost of your stay and
may be charged directly for your hospital
with any fee doctor/surgeon charges above
the benefit Bupa pays and Prostheses charges
(MBS) fee visit mbsonline.gov.au
Bupa Medical
Gap Scheme
accommodation, doctor’s services (including above the approved benefit in the Australian Medicines
any diagnostic tests), surgically implanted Government Prostheses List. You can also receive benefits on selected
prosthesis (such as artificial hips) and personal Please also refer to the Inpatient and pharmacy items including discharge medication
expenses such as TV hire and telephone calls. Outpatient Medical Costs section of this guide. prescribed as an outpatient by a doctor or
Some of these hospitals bill Bupa directly for specialist. This is provided the item’s usage Bupa’s Medical Gap Scheme helps to
the limited benefits we pay. Please also refer Inpatient medical costs is approved by the Therapeutic Goods remove or reduce the costs you pay
to the Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Costs These are the fees charged by your doctor, Administration. towards your doctors' fees while you are
section of this guide. surgeon, anaesthetist or other specialist in hospital.
See page 18 for more details.
for any treatment given to you when you Where a doctor chooses to use the
What happens if I choose to be a are admitted to a hospital as an inpatient. Repatriation benefits scheme for your treatment, they agree
private patient in a public hospital? This includes most inpatient diagnostic to only charge up to a certain fee. We’ll
If you are on Advantage OSHC, you will receive
Whether a public hospital will accept or tests recognised by Medicare as medically then pay a much higher amount than we
cover up to $100,000 for repatriation to your
admit a patient, or whether a doctor provides necessary (e.g. pathology, radiology). normally would to help cover the extra
country of origin if you become terminally ill or
treatment at a public hospital, or performs a We cover you for 100% of the Medicare cost. If a doctor uses the no-gap option,
if you suffer a substantial life altering illness/
particular procedure in a public hospital, Benefits Schedule (MBS). This is the amount we cover all of the extra charges, so you
injury. Or for the return of mortal remains up
is outside of Bupa’s control. determined by the Australian Government for pay nothing for that doctor’s medical
to $10,000. Benefits are only payable once
As a private patient in a public hospital you a specific service for Australian residents. approved by Bupa. fees. Otherwise, for each doctor choosing
are entitled to choose your doctor, if they If your doctor or specialist charges more to use the Gap Scheme, the most you'll
than the MBS Fee there will be a ‘gap’ for No Repatriation Benefit will be paid if, within
are available. However, it is important to pay is up to $500 out-of-pocket on
you to pay. six months prior to the date your policy
understand that you may still be subject to medical costs for in-hospital treatment.
commenced, the insured was:
public hospital waiting lists. Depending on Each doctor involved in your treatment
your illness or condition, this may be the same • first diagnosed as Terminally Ill; or, can choose to use the Bupa Medical Gap
doctor who would have been allocated to you • a reasonable person would have first become Scheme for your admission in a Public
by the hospital as a public patient. aware of the Terminal Illness; or, Hospital, or a Private Hospital with which
Bupa has an agreement.
If you are admitted as a private patient in a • suffering a substantial Life Altering
public hospital, you will have cover for your Illness/Injury.
hospital costs, and cover for prosthesis up For more info visit
to the approved benefit in the Australian Mental health benefits bupa.com.au/medicalgapscheme
Government Prostheses List. If you are on Advantage OSHC, you can access
mental health benefits including psychology
and counselling1 services without having a GP
care plan in place.
1
Receive up to $75 per consultation for psychology and up to $40 for
6 counselling, up to a maximum of $150 per person per calendar year by 7
recognised providers. Waiting periods, policy and fund rules apply.
What is covered - Hospital Cover
The below is a guide on the in-hospital treatments your student cover provides.
For further information, refer to your policy information.

Student Cover

Hospital^ & Medical services OSHC Advantage OSHC

Rehabilitation P P
Hospital psychiatric services P P Choosing a hospital? Call us first
Palliative care P P We recommend you call us first on
Brain and nervous system P P 1800 888 942 (within Australia) or
Blood P P +613 9937 4223 (outside Australia) to
Bone marrow transfusion or transplant P P discuss your hospital options and to get
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer P P the most out of your students cover.
Eye (not cataracts) P P You can also find out if a hospital has
Cataracts P P an agreement with us by visiting
Ear, nose and throat P P bupa.com.au/find-a-provider
Implantation of hearing devices P P
Tonsils, adenoids and grommets P P
Bone, joint and muscle P P
Joint reconstructions P P
Joint replacements (other than Hip and Knee) P P
Joint replacements (Hip and Knee) P P
Back, neck and spine P P
Kidney and bladder P P
Organ transplant P P
Dialysis for chronic kidney failure P P
Digestive system P P
Hernia and appendix P P
Gastrointestinal endoscopy P P
Weight loss surgery P P
Heart and vascular system P P
Lung and chest P P
Gynaecology P P
Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy P P
Pregnancy and birth P P
Assisted reproductive services O O
Male reproductive system P P
Diabetes management (excluding insulin pumps) P P
Insulin pumps P P
Pain management P P
Pain management with device P P
Breast surgery (medically necessary) P P
Plastic and reconstructive surgery (medically necessary) P P
Skin P P
Dental surgery P P
Sleep studies P P
Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon) # P P
#Limited hospital accommodation and approved prosthesis benefits only.
8 ^ The services provided under our health insurance policies are defined and these defined terms may not have their ordinary 9
meaning. For more information about what is covered under a treatment or service, contact us or go to bupa.com.au/glossary.
Ambulance What is not
Cover covered
Emergency Ambulance Cover Hospital costs not covered of care associated with an early discharge Medical costs not covered
As part of your cover you receive Situations when you are likely not to be from hospital. You will not be covered for:
unlimited emergency only ambulance covered or to have large out-of-pocket • For pharmaceuticals items supplied upon • Medical services for surgical procedures
cover for emergency ambulance air and expenses include: discharge from the hospital unless covered performed by a dentist, podiatrist, or any
road transportation and on-the-spot on your OSHC or Extras cover. other practitioner or service that is not
• During a waiting period.
emergency treatment by a Recognised eligible for a rebate through Medicare.
Ambulance Provider. • When you are treated at a non-agreement • If you choose to use your own allied health
provider (e.g. chiropractors, dieticians or • Costs for medical examinations, x-rays,
hospital.
You’ll receive cover for ambulance psychologists) rather than the hospital’s inoculation or vaccinations and other
transport provided by an approved • For the fixed fee charged by a fixed practitioner for services that form part of treatments required relating to acquiring a
ambulance service where medically fee hospital or a hospital that has a fixed your inpatient hospital treatment. visa for entry into Australia, extension of visa,
necessary for admission to hospital fee service. or permanent residency visa.
or for Emergency Treatment. You’re • Where compensation, damages or benefits
• When you have not been admitted into a may be claimed by another source
not covered for non-emergency hospital and are treated as an outpatient
Waiting periods
transportation from a hospital to your (e.g. workers compensation). A waiting period is the time when you are not
(e.g. emergency room treatment, outpatient
home, a nursing home or another antenatal consultations with an obstetrician • For any amount charged by a public or covered for a particular service. It starts on
hospital. Whether the transportation is prior to childbirth) you may not be covered. non-agreement private hospital which is not the date that you enter Australia or the date
deemed an emergency is determined by covered by us or which is above the benefit that you start your membership, whichever is
the paramedic and usually recorded on • For psychiatric and rehabilitation day that we pay. the later date.
the account. programs, at a hospital that Bupa does not
have an agreement with. • Treatment for any children on a family If you receive treatment that falls within
If you need to make a claim for membership if they are over 18 years of age. a waiting period, you will have to pay for
emergency ambulance benefits, • Hospital treatment provided by a practitioner some or all of the hospital and medical
not authorised by a hospital to provide that • Additional charges applied for private room
we will give you an Ambulance Claim charges unless the treatment is classed
treatment. accommodation in a public hospital.
Form to complete. as Emergency Treatment.
• Hospital treatment for which Medicare pays • Non-PBS, high cost drugs.
Transportation means a journey from The following waiting periods apply to
the place where immediate medical no benefit, including: medical costs in relation • For any treatments or services rendered Overseas Student Health Cover:
treatment is sought to the casualty to surgical podiatry (including the fees outside Australia. This includes:
department of a receiving hospital. charged by the podiatrist); cosmetic surgery; Hospital cover Waiting period
- Treatment arranged before you
respite care; experimental treatment and/or
arrived in Australia
Recognised Ambulance Providers any treatment/procedure not approved by For pre-existing
the Medical Services Advisory Committee - Treatment while travelling to conditions, ailments or
We will generally only pay benefits 2 months1
(MSAC). or from Australia illnesses of a psychiatric
towards ambulance services when they nature
are provided by any of the following • Personal expenses such as: pay TV, - Expenses for treatment
recognised providers: non-local phone calls, newspapers, boarder outside of Australia
Pre-existing conditions,
• ACT Ambulance Service. fees, meals ordered for your visitors, - Transportation into or out of 12 months
aliments or Illnesses
hairdressing and any other personal expenses Australia in any circumstance
• Ambulance Service of NSW/PTS.
charged to you unless included in your cover. • Cosmetic surgery.
• Ambulance Victoria. Pregnancy and birth
• If you are in hospital for more than 35 days See definitions on page 17 for more 12 months
• Queensland Ambulance Service. (obstetrics)
and you have been classified as a ‘nursing information.
• South Australia Ambulance Service. home type’ patient. In this situation you may
• St John Ambulance NT. receive limited benefits and be required to No waiting period applies to a pre-existing
make a personal contribution towards the condition, ailment or illness of a psychiatric
• St John Ambulance WA.
cost of your care. nature for Advantage OSHC customers.
• Ambulance Tasmania.
• Some hospital-substitute treatment and Please refer to the Deed for Overseas Student
operative services that are a continuation Health Cover and see definitions on page 17
for more information.
The standard 2 months waiting period for pre-existing conditions, ailments or illnesses of a psychiatric nature is not enforced by Bupa
1

10 on Overseas Student Health Cover until further notice. 11

When to contact us Additional benefits
If you have been a Bupa member for less Eligibility and Types of membership
than 12 months on your current OSHC, it To be eligible for OSHC, you must hold a
is important to contact us before you are student visa, be in a process of applying for
admitted to hospital and find out whether the a student visa or be on a bridging visa whilst
pre-existing condition waiting period applies applying to extend your student visa. There
to you. We need about five working days to are 4 different types of OSHC membership 24/7 Bupa Student
review the Clinical information you submit to
us and we’ll contact you if we require more
available: Advice Line Bupa health and wellness
information to determine your eligibility. • Single – Cover for student only. Student is For help navigating the healthcare • Find reliable health information.
defined as the primary student visa holder. system, assistance if you’re involved
Make sure you allow for this timeframe in an accident or incident, access to • Track and manage health goals.
when you agree to a hospital admission date. • Couples – Cover for student and
travel advice or just unsure where to • Get a snapshot of your health status
If you proceed with the admission without their partner as listed on the student’s get the support you need, our 24/7
dependant visa. and explore your ‘real’ health age.
confirming benefit entitlements and we support is available anytime of the
(the health fund) subsequently determine • Single Parent – Cover for the student, and day or night in 150 languages. Visit bupa.com.au/health
your condition to be pre-existing, you will their dependent children under 18 years of You have access to:
be required to pay all hospital charges and age, who live in Australia and are listed on • Emergency, medical and accident
medical charges not covered by Medicare. assistance
the student's department visa
• Travel advice
Planning for a baby • Family – Cover for student, their partner • Home assistance
and their dependent children under 18 years
If you are thinking about starting a family • Legal information and general advice
of age if they live with the student from practicing legal professionals
we recommend that you contact us to
in Australia.
check whether your current cover includes Simply call 1300 884 235 to use this
pregnancy and birth in advance. This is Note, student’s partner and/or dependent service.
because there is a 12-month waiting period children as listed on the student’s dependant
applied to pregnancy and birth conditions. visa must be on the same membership as
No waiting periods will apply to the newborn
the student. Life Rewards
provided they have been added to the For what you love
appropriate family cover within 90 days of
their birth. most in life
myBupa Life Rewards is built on an enviable
myBupa.com.au is our member self mix of big-brand partnerships, helping
service area. It helps you easily manage us source Life Rewards to suit our
and understand your Health Insurance millions of members.
online.
Treat yourself to Retail, Entertainment,
Once you register, simply log in Travel and Dining offers as well as
using your secure log-in details to:
Fitness and Wellness offers to support
• Access your policy documents. your health journey.
• If you have Extras cover, submit an
Extras claim and see your claim history.
Or simply stock up on Everyday
Essentials.
• Update your personal details.
• Access exclusive health tools and Your rewards, your choice.
discounts. Visit bupa.com.au/liferewards
• Put Bupa in your pocket with the to find out more
myBupa App.

12 13
Extras Cover
In addition to your Overseas Student Health Cover you can also purchase Extras cover.
What is covered? Members First Network Waiting periods
With Extras cover, you can claim benefits for some services that may not be covered by Bupa Members First is an extensive network The following waiting periods apply for
Medicare. You can claim for the services listed that are included on your cover, as long as of healthcare professionals including dental, Extras cover:
benefits are not claimable from a third party. physiotherapy, chiropractic and podiatry
providers. Our Members First network Extras cover Waiting period
For example, Medicare may not provide benefits for: provides our customers with the certainty of
knowing their out-of-pocket expenses when All other Extras services 2 months
using their cover at a Members First provider.
Hire and repair of health
6 months
See bupa.com.au/find-a-provider aids and appliances
for more information.
Dental Physiotherapy Chiropractic Occupational Health management
6 months
examinations services therapist programs
What is not covered?
and treatment
Extras benefits will not be payable: Major dental 12 months
• During a waiting period.
• Where a service is not included on your Orthodontics 12 months
product.
• Where a third party, including Medicare, Purchase of health aids
12 months
a Australian Government body, or an and appliances
Speech therapy Podiatry Mental health Acupuncture1 insurance company provided a benefit
Services or other natural (except for hearing aids and breast
(includes psychology therapies prosthesis items).
and counselling)
• For different services within the same service
type from the same provider on the same
day. For example, if you went to see an
acupuncturist and then received a massage
from the same provider on the same day, you
cannot claim for both services.
Eye therapy Glasses Health aids Home nursing • When a provider is not recognised by us for
and contact lenses and appliances benefit purposes.
• For any treatment or service rendered
outside Australia.
• When you have reached the limits on your
product including yearly, lifetime or service
Extras cover allows you to claim Optical Partners
limits for the service you are claiming.
benefits for extra services as long as: Optical Partners give you access to flexibility
• The treatment is given by a provider in a and choice as well as discounts and offers (up
private practice who is recognised by us for to your yearly limits). You can choose where to
benefit purposes. shop at over 400 locations Australia-wide and
have access to offers that suit your individual
• They meet the criteria set out in our policies
optical needs. Details of these offers may change
and Overseas Student Health Cover rules and
from time to time.
Fund Rules.
Visit bupa.com.au/opticalpartners for more.
We recommend you contact us before making
a booking to confirm how much you can claim
and to check that your chosen provider is
recognised by us.

14 1
Unless part of a doctor’s consultation. 15
Changing your cover Definitions
Switching from another OSHC provider During this time you will be covered, however Agents Emergency admissions
If you’re changing from another OSHC provider you will receive the lower benefits of the two A third party such as a broker or agent In an emergency, we may not have time
to Bupa, you’ll continue to be covered for all covers (this includes any applicable excess). may establish and administer your policy to determine if you are affected by the
benefit entitlements that you had on your old If you choose a lower level of cover than or corporate health plan. In these cases, pre‑existing condition rule before your
cover, as long as these services are offered on you previously held, then the lower benefits some information about you such as your admission. Consequently, if you have been
your new cover with us, and there is no gap on your new level of cover will apply name, address and other policy information a Bupa member for less than 12 months
between your previous OSHC and your Bupa immediately and may include different excess will be given and received from the agent you might have to pay for some or all of
cover. This is referred to as ‘continuity’. levels. You may also need to serve waiting to help Bupa HI administer your policy or the hospital and medical charges if you are
periods for services or treatments that weren’t corporate health plan. This will not include admitted to hospital and you choose to be
When changing health funds, extras benefits
covered on your previous cover. In this case personal claims information (also see treated as a private patient, and we later
paid by your old fund will be counted
you won’t be covered during the waiting Privacy Statement on page 20). determine that your condition was pre-existing.
towards your yearly limits in your first year of
membership with us. Any benefits paid by your period. If you have any questions about We tell you more about pre-existing conditions
waiting periods, just contact us. Bupa-friendly doctors
old fund also count towards lifetime limits. on page 18.
A Bupa-friendly doctor submits your claim
Changing your visa Ending your membership directly to Bupa to help reduce or eliminate Emergency Treatment
It is a condition of your student visa that you your out-of-pocket expenses.1
If you change your overseas student visa to ‘Emergency Treatment’ is any treatment
another visa which allows you to continue your maintain a current OSHC policy while you are Visit bupa.com.au/find-a-doctor to find your required where a person:
stay in Australia, you will no longer be eligible studying in Australia. Bupa will only refund any nearest Bupa Friendly Doctor. • Is in a life threatening situation and requires
for OSHC. You can however, change to one of premium paid for your OSHC policy under the
urgent assessment and resuscitation.
our overseas visitor covers. You will continue to following circumstances: Calendar year
• Has suspected acute organ or system failure.
be covered for all benefit entitlements on your • You decide not to come to Australia A calendar year is 1 January to 31 December
old cover, as long as you change over within to commence your studies. • Has an illness or injury where the function of
60 days of your OSHC end date. Contact us Change of start date a body part or organ is acutely threatened.
• Your student visa extension is refused by
for more details. the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). You can apply for a policy deferral/change • Has a drug overdose, toxic substance
of start date (previously known as ‘change or toxin effect.
Becoming a permanent resident • You are transferring to another visa type
(e.g. temporary or permanent residency). of start date’) if you arrive in Australia earlier • Has psychiatric disturbance whereby the
If you become a permanent Australian resident, or later than the date you first gave us when health of the person or other people are at
you can change to one of our domestic health • You are ceasing your studies and going
you joined. If this happens, you’ll need to let immediate risk.
covers. You will continue to be covered for back home overseas early.
us know immediately so that we can make • Has severe pain and the function of a body
all benefit entitlements on your old cover, • You are transferring to another sure you are covered. You’ll have the option to
as long as you change over within 60 days of part or organ is suspected to be acutely
OSHC provider. change your policy start date or, if you arrive
your OSHC end date. Don’t forget that, unless threatened.
• If your student visa is cancelled. after your start date, you may be entitled to
you transfer to a domestic health cover policy receive a refund. • Has acute haemorrhaging and requires
within 12 months of becoming eligible for full You will need to provide proof of any of the urgent assessment and treatment.
Medicare benefits, you may be required to pay above circumstances along with your refund
Cosmetic Surgery • Has a condition that requires immediate
the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading. request. For example, a copy of a letter from admission to avoid imminent threat to their
A cosmetic treatment is one which is
Ask us for more details. Department of Home Affairs explaining that life and where a transfer to another hospital
concerned with altering the appearance of
your student visa is cancelled, or proof of is impractical,
Changing your cover with us a body part or tissue which lies within the
membership with another OSHC provider.
bounds of normal variation. in Australia which is confirmed by a Medical
If you change your health cover, you may To cancel your OSHC membership, and obtain Practitioner appointed by the Insurer to be the
need to wait before you can access your Examples of Cosmetic Surgery:
a refund, simply complete a refund form and case, having due regard to, and considering,
new benefits. Where your new level of cover attach any relevant supporting documents. • Rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction) without any information that is provided by the
is higher than what you previously held, the previous trauma or congenital defect.
We are obligated to inform Department of treating Medical Practitioner of the relevant
lower level of benefit applies. Please refer to • Breast enlargement.
Home Affairs if your OSHC membership is person at the time.
the listed waiting periods included earlier in
cancelled and/or we refund your premium. • Liposuction.
this guide.

16 An out-of-pocket expense may be incurred should the Doctor charge higher than the Bupa benefit. This expense is not covered by Bupa.
1 17
Exclusions payable. A copy of our Overseas Student Health Pre-existing conditions
If you require treatment for a specific Cover Rules can be found on our website or A pre-existing condition is any condition,
procedure or service that is excluded under in our local Bupa Health Insurance store. It is ailment or illness that you had signs or
your level of cover you will not receive any important to ensure when being admitted to symptoms of during the six months before you
benefits towards your hospital, medical and hospital that Informed Financial Consent is joined or upgraded to a higher level of cover
prosthesis costs and you may have significant provided to you for a pre-booked admission with us. It is not necessary that you or your
out-of-pocket expenses. to allow you to understand any out-of-pocket doctor knew what your condition was or that
expenses upfront. If you have received any the condition had been diagnosed.
If a service is not covered by Medicare there out-of-pocket expenses and require
will be no benefit payable from your student Keep in mind that a doctor appointed by us will
clarification, please contact us directly. decide whether your condition is pre-existing.
cover so you should always check with us
to see if you’re covered before receiving Pharmacy That said, the appointed doctor must consider
treatment. your treating doctors’ opinions on the signs and
On OSHC you may receive benefits for
symptoms of your condition, although they’re
selected prescription items prescribed as an
Life Altering Illness/Injury not bound to agree with them.
outpatient that are Australian Government’s
An illness/injury considered to be a serious Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) Schedule Premium and benefits for OSHC
medical condition leading to a reduction listed or non-PBS listed and TGA approved, To access the benefits available on your level
in life expectancy to less than 12 months, prescribed by a doctor or a specialist and not of cover, you need to:
a requirement for ongoing care support or appearing on our exclusions list. Refer to your • Complete the application process and pay
continuous inpatient hospitalisation, or any cover details for more information. your premium in full before the start date of
other deficit or health care need as assessed
If you take out optional Extras cover, your your level of cover.
by a Medical Practitioner appointed by Bupa
extras pharmacy entitlement pays benefits on • Advise us of any change of address.
as warranting support for repatriation.
prescription items that are only non-PBS listed • Ensure that newborns are enrolled onto
and TGA approved and not appearing on our a family membership within 90 days of
Medical Practitioner exclusions list. their birth to avoid any waiting periods
A person registered or licensed as a medical for your baby.
practitioner under a law of a State or Territory. When you make a claim, we will deduct a PBS
co-payment fee and pay the remaining balance • Contact us to remove your adult children
This does not include anyone whose registration
up to the set amount under your OSHC or from your OSHC membership when they
or licence to practise has been suspended or
chosen level of Extras cover. turn 18 years of age as they no longer qualify
cancelled following an inquiry relating to his or
under your level of cover.
her conduct and whose registration or licence There are some items that are not covered by
• Provide proof of purchase of what you have
has not been reinstated. our OSHC or extras pharmacy benefits and
spent before we can reimburse you for any
these include:
Mortal Remains services received.
• Over-the-counter and non-prescription items. • Submit your claims within two years of when
The body of the deceased person for
the purposes of Repatriation benefits. • Compounded items. the service was given (we don’t pay benefits
Does not include cremation or ashes of a • Weight loss medication. for any claims that are older than this).
deceased person. • Body enhancing medications Private room in a public hospital
Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. anabolic steroids). From 1 October 2017, for the purposes of
You are likely to experience out-of-pocket Pharmacy in-hospital a private room in a public hospital, this is
expenses when you are not fully covered for a room in a hospital which is purpose built
When in hospital, if you are treated
services and benefits, or when a set benefit and suitable for no one other than a single
with drugs that are not approved by the
applies. You should refer to what is and isn’t admitted adult patient; holds one single sized
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
covered on your OSHC and any Extras cover bed; and has a dedicated ensuite.
Schedule, you may not be fully covered and the
you hold to determine when an out-of-pocket hospital may charge you for all or part of the
expense may occur. You should also refer to cost. You should be advised by the hospital of
our Overseas Student Health Cover Rules any charges before treatment.
for any additional information on benefits
18 19
Proof of identity and/or age
Bupa may require you to provide proof of
Suspension
You can apply for a policy suspension if Other important information
identity, visa details and/or age when joining, you travel outside of Australia for more
changing your level of cover or in relation to than three consecutive months. You will be Privacy and your personal information
any other transaction with us. required to provide your visa grant letter in
Your privacy is important to Bupa. personal information as set out here and in
addition to travel documents when applying
Reconstructive Surgery for a suspension and a pro-rata refund will
This statement summarises how we handle our Information Handling Policy. Each person
Surgery to restore function or typical your personal information. For further on a policy aged 18 or over may complete
be provided if you are eligible. The pro-rata
appearance by reconstructing defective information about our information handling a ‘Keeping your personal information
refund will be calculated with reference to
organs or parts. The reason for the surgery practices or our complaints handling confidential’ form to specify who should
the visa end date as stated on your visa
is what’s important. It would usually follow process, please refer to our Information receive information about their health claims.
under this new process. Please refer to the
a previous medically necessary surgery, a Handling Policy, available on our website at You are entitled to reasonable access to your
Bupa Fund Rules for more information.
traumatic event that caused a change in bupa.com.au or by calling us on 1800 888 942. personal information within a reasonable
the appearance and/or function of a part Terminally Ill When you join, you agree to the handling of timeframe. We reserve the right to charge a
of the body or a significant congenital Someone with a life expectancy of less your personal information as set out here and fee for collating such information.
problem (something you were born with), than 6 months as diagnosed by a Medical in our Information Handling Policy. If you or any insured person does not consent
that created problems with how your body Practitioner and determined by a Medical to the way we handle personal information,
We will only collect personal information
works. For example, after a mastectomy Practitioner appointed by Bupa, after or does not provide us with the information
that we require to provide, manage and
for breast cancer, there may be a desire to consideration of any relevant clinical we require, we may be unable to provide
administer our products and services and to
reconstruct the breast back to an acceptable information. you with our products and services. We
operate an efficient and sustainable business.
appearance for you, whereas changing may use your personal (including health)
We are required to collect certain information
the appearance of the breast for most Waiting periods information to contact you to advise you
from you to comply with the Private Health
other reasons would be cosmetic in nature A waiting period is the time when you are of health management programs, products
Insurance Act 2007 (Cth). We may also collect
and intent. not covered for a particular service. It starts and services. When you take out cover with
information about you from health service
on the date that you enter Australia or us, you consent to us using your personal
Other examples of ‘Reconstructive Surgery’: providers for the purposes of administering or
the date that you start your membership, information to contact you (by phone, email,
• Repairing a scar resulting from an accident verifying any claim, and from your employer,
whichever is the later date. If you receive a SMS or post) about products and services
or previous surgery (unless it was cosmetic broker or agent if you are on a corporate
service or treatment during this time, you that may be of interest to you. If you do not
surgery). health plan or have joined through a broker
are not eligible to receive a benefit payment wish to receive this information, you may opt
• Facial reconstructive surgery following or agent. We may disclose your personal
from us, regardless of when you submit the out by contacting us.
severe trauma, cancer surgery or a major information to our related entities, and to
claim. Different waiting periods apply for third parties including healthcare providers,
congenital problem (from birth). different services. Here to help
Australian Government and regulatory bodies,
• Repairing a body part after a trauma injury. If you have any questions we’re always happy
other private health insurers, and any persons
For more terms explained visit to help. Simply refer to the back cover for our
Surgically implanted prostheses or entities engaged by us or acting on our
bupa.com.au/glossary contact details and call us, visit our website
You will be covered up to the approved behalf. If we send your information outside of
or pop by your local Health Insurance store.
benefit set out in the Australian Australia, we will require that the recipient of
If you would like more information about our
Government’s Prostheses List for a listed the information complies with privacy laws
Overseas Student Rules or the Australian
prosthesis which is surgically implanted as and contractual obligations to maintain the
Government’s Private Health Insurance
part of your hospital treatment. security of the data. If you are on a corporate
Industry Code of Conduct, you can find this
health plan, we may disclose your information
The Prostheses List includes: pacemakers, information on our website.
to your employer to verify your eligibility to
defibrillators, cardiac stents, joint be on that corporate plan. The policy holder The Australian Government’s Private
replacements, intraocular lenses and other is responsible for ensuring that each person Patient’s Hospital Charter is available at
devices. If a hospital proposes to charge you on their policy is aware that we handle their privatehealth.gov.au
a ‘gap’ for your prosthesis, they need your
informed financial consent. Please contact
us for further details.

For more student resources visit

our overseas student hub at
bupa.com.au/students
20 21
Complaints or feedback
If you have any concerns or you don’t
understand a decision we have made,
we’d like to hear from you.

You can contact us by:

Email: customerrelations@bupa.com.au
Phone: 134 135
Fax: 1300 662 081
Mail: Customer Relations Manager Bupa
GPO Box 9809
Brisbane QLD 4001

If you’re still not satisfied with your

outcomes from Bupa you may contact Bupa Overseas
Student Health
the Commonwealth Ombudsman on
1300 362 072 or visit them at

Cover made easy

ombudsman.gov.au
If your concerns aren’t resolved when you
first raise them, and you’d like to discuss
Unsure of any words? Visit: bupa.com.au/glossary
it further, you can find our full complaints
process online for how to go about it.
This guide is in addition to our Fund Rules available online or
by contacting us.

Go to bupa.com.au/fundrules/oshc
to see our Overseas Student rules.

For more information

bupa.com.au/students
Visit a Bupa Health Insurance store Bupa HI Pty Ltd
ABN 81 000 057 590
1800 888 942 from within Australia
+61 3 9937 4223 from outside Australia Effective 1 October 2023
22 11542-10-23