Health insurance

The Australian government requires all international students to be covered by health insurance. You must have paid for health insurance in order to be granted a visa into Australia. This will cover you for some of the costs of medical treatment during your stay. It includes:

• emergency medical advice and assistance
• some of the fees you pay to a general practitioner or doctor
• some of the fees you pay to a public hospital
• some of the costs of  x-rays and pathology services
• some of the costs of emergency ambulance services
• extra services specifically designed for international students including legal advice and interpreting services.

Your overseas student health insurance provides you with similar insurance to that which all Australians enjoy through the Australian National Health System.

Note: Health insurance does not cover dental, physiotherapy, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic or private hospital services.

This health insurance must remain valid during your entire length of stay. You can arrange to pay for it through BNIT or make your own arrangements prior to leaving home. Once you have paid for your health insurance, you will receive a health insurance card which you use when accessing health services in Australia.

How to get a health insurance card

Before you come to BNIT, you are required to have health insurance. When you apply for your course you will be asked if you require health insurance. If you indicate 'yes' then you must pay for this along with your enrolment fees. The International Program Unit will organise it for you through the provider, Medibank Private, and your card will be waiting for you when you arrive at BNIT.

How to use your health insurance card

If you need to visit a doctor or medical centre, show your health insurance card at the end of the visit. You will be charged the doctor's fee and the government fee may be processed by the medical centre. Sometimes the medical centre will not be able to process the fees using your health insurance card and you will need to pay all the fees. In that case, you should keep your receipt and proof of payment and claim the money back through your health insurance provider. If your insurance is with Medibank Private then you may be able to claim this online at their website.

What to do if you become sick

• Choose a doctor. You can look for a doctor in the Yellow Pages.
• Phone the doctor or medical centre and make an appointment. If you can't attend your appointment, phone to cancel your appointment.
• Go to your appointment. Your doctor will ask questions about your health. Your doctor may give you a prescription for medicine. Some medicines are paid for by health insurance, but not all, ask the customer service officer at your health insurance centre which medicines are covered.
• Get a medical certificate. If you are away from your classes, you will need to prove you were sick. A medical certificate from your doctor will show that you were unable to attend class. There is no extra charge for this certificate.
• Pay your bill. At the end of each appointment, show your health insurance card and pay the bill.

If your doctor or medical centre can't process the fees using your health insurance card, you will need to pay all the fees and claim back the government fees from your health insurance provider.