What To Do When You Get Sick in Australia as an International Student

What To Do When You Get Sick in Australia as an International Student

Getting sick is never fun, but getting sick in a new country can feel even more stressful. If you are an international student in Australia, you might not know where to go, how much treatment will cost, or whether your health insurance covers you. The good news is that Australia has a well-established healthcare system, and once you understand the basics, getting medical help becomes much easier. Here is what you should do when you are feeling unwell in Australia.

1. Know What Your OSHC Covers

If you are studying in Australia on a Student visa, you are generally required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. OSHC is designed to help international students with healthcare and hospital expenses. Before you need medical treatment, save your OSHC provider's app, membership number and emergency contact details on your phone. Your cover can vary depending on your provider and policy, so do not assume every medical expense will be fully covered. Some services can involve out-of-pocket or "gap" costs. It is worth checking with your insurer before non-emergency treatment.

2. Start With a GP for Most Common Illnesses

For things like a cold, flu symptoms, fever, infections, stomach problems or other non-emergency concerns, a General Practitioner (GP) is usually a good place to start. A GP can assess your symptoms, provide treatment or prescriptions when appropriate, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

When booking an appointment, ask:

• Does the clinic accept my OSHC?
• Is the appointment direct billed to my insurer?
• Will I have to pay anything upfront?
• Can I claim any remaining cost through my OSHC?

These questions can help you avoid unexpected bills.

3. Pharmacies Can Help With Minor Problems

You do not always need to see a doctor. Australian pharmacists can provide advice about many common health problems and recommend appropriate over-the-counter medicines when suitable. They can also tell you whether your symptoms suggest that you should see a doctor. If you are unsure whether you need medical attention, Healthdirect also provides a free 24/7 helpline at 1800 022 222, where you can speak with a registered nurse for advice.

4. Know When You Need Urgent Medical Care

Some illnesses and injuries cannot wait for a regular GP appointment. If you need urgent attention but the situation is not life-threatening, an urgent care service or hospital emergency department may be appropriate. Emergency departments operate 24 hours a day for serious medical conditions. If you are unsure where to go, Healthdirect can help you determine what type of healthcare you need.

5. In a Life-Threatening Emergency, Call 000

This is one number every international student should know. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else has a serious medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, a seizure, severe bleeding or another condition requiring urgent medical attention. Triple Zero is Australia's emergency number and calls are free, including from mobile phones. Do not delay emergency treatment because you are worried about the cost. Once the immediate situation is under control, you can speak with your OSHC provider about your coverage and any potential costs.

6. Keep Your Important Information Ready

When you are sick, the last thing you want is to search through emails for your insurance details.

Keep these easily accessible:

• OSHC membership card or app
• Passport and visa details
• Medicare card, if you are eligible
• Your GP or clinic details
• Emergency contact information
• A list of medications you regularly take
• Details of any allergies or existing medical conditions

Having this information ready can make appointments and emergency situations much easier.

7. Do Not Ignore Your Mental Health

Being sick is not always physical. Moving away from home, adjusting to university, managing finances and building a new social life can be overwhelming. If you are struggling emotionally, consider speaking with your university's counselling service, a GP or another qualified health professional. Your university may have free or low-cost wellbeing and counselling services available to students. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

Educonnect's Mental Health Awareness 2026 in Australia blog provides further information about mental health support, common challenges and ways students can look after their wellbeing while living and studying in Australia. It is a useful resource for understanding the importance of mental health awareness and knowing when to seek help.

The Most Important Thing: Don't Panic

Getting sick in a foreign country can feel scary, especially when you are still learning how everything works. But you do not have to figure it all out alone. Start by assessing how serious your symptoms are, contact a GP or pharmacist for non-emergency problems, use Healthdirect if you are unsure what to do, and call 000 immediately for a life-threatening emergency. Most importantly, make sure you understand your OSHC before you actually need it. Knowing where to go and what your insurance covers can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.

Need support with your study journey in Australia? Connect with Educonnect for guidance and assistance every step of the way.