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Support for trans and gender diverse international students  Being trans or gender diverse in Australia as an international student can feel overwhelming.   You may have grown up in a place where gender diversity was never talked about. Maybe it was seen as wrong, or even illegal. Moving to Australia can feel very different from what you are used to.   You might […]

Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships: Know the Signs

Knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships Relationships are an important part of life. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships. Types of relationships You can have many different types of relationships in your life. Some may change or end over time. Others may last a […]

Women Living with HIV

Many international students told us they didn’t know much about HIV before coming to Australia. “More awareness is needed about any costs of testing and to clear up some common myths and misunderstandings around it (HIV),” student from Macau, China. The International Student Health Hub has information to help you […]

Visit the blog
You belong here

Support for trans and gender diverse international students  Being trans or gender diverse in Australia as an international student can feel overwhelming.   You may have grown up in a place where gender diversity was never talked about. Maybe it was seen as wrong, or even illegal. Moving to Australia can feel very different from what you are used to.   You might […]

Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships: Know the Signs

Knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships Relationships are an important part of life. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships. Types of relationships You can have many different types of relationships in your life. Some may change or end over time. Others may last a […]

Women Living with HIV

Many international students told us they didn’t know much about HIV before coming to Australia. “More awareness is needed about any costs of testing and to clear up some common myths and misunderstandings around it (HIV),” student from Macau, China. The International Student Health Hub has information to help you […]

New semester, big celebrations: Staying well this February

This month, we’re sharing practical health tips, student voices, and helpful services to support you while you study in Australia.   February is a busy month for international students in Australia. It’s a time for new beginnings, celebrations and for many, the start of a new semester. With Valentine’s Day, O-Week, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year, it’s a great […]

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Understanding the Australian Healthcare System

Essential information you need to know

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Here’s everything you need to know about the Australian healthcare system and your rights.

Australia’s health system provides quality, safe and affordable health care for people and their families. There are many providers of healthcare in Australia, including: primary care services delivered by general practitioners (GPs); medical specialists; allied health workers; pharmacists and nurses.

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When getting healthcare in Australia, you have seven basic rights:

  1. Access: You have a right to healthcare services and treatment that meet your needs.
  2. Safety: You have a right to receive safe and high-quality healthcare and to be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes you feel safe.
  3. Respect: You have a right to be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect. Your culture, identity, beliefs and choices must be recognised and respected.
  4. Partnership: You have a right to ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication. You can make decisions with your healthcare provider.
  1. Information: You have a right to receive clear information about your condition, as well as the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so you can give your informed consent. You also have the right to access your health information.
  2. Privacy: You have a right to have your personal privacy respected — information about you and your health must be kept secure and confidential.
  3. Give feedback: You have a right to provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way that you are treated.

Most of what you say to health workers is confidential, and your confidentiality is a high priority as part of your health-care rights. However, health workers are bound by law to report certain things.

What is Overseas Health Cover (OSHC)?

As an international student in Australia, you must have overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia.

While Australia has an excellent healthcare system, the cost of medical treatment can be very high if you don’t have health insurance. With OSHC, you can access essential medical services and support without worrying about large medical bills.

What does OSHC cover?

OSHC insurers offer a range of different OSHC plans.

Most basic OSHC policies will either fully or partially cover:

  • visits to the doctor (GP)
  • some hospital treatments
  • emergency ambulance trips
  • limited medicines
  • X-rays and diagnostic imaging
  • pathology – like routine and necessary blood tests.

OSHC doesn’t cover treatments such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. You can purchase OSHC extras from an OSHC provider if you want cover for these.

Remember to always have and provide your OSHC number to health services. Most OSHC insurers allow you to download a digital membership card through their website or mobile app, as a handy way to always have it on you.

Where can I buy OSHC?

There are six health insurers to choose from, these are:

Find out more about OSHC here.

Overseas Student Health Cover explained

Safe sex & screening

Whether you are sexually active or not, it’s important to know how to look after your physical and mental health.

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Safe sex means keeping yourself and others safe from infections like sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, blood borne viruses, unplanned pregnancy and other serious illness. Importantly, safe sex is more than just about whether you’re being safe, it’s about feeling safe, respected, and comfortable.

Safe sex involves:

  • consent for every type of sexual activity, every time
  • condoms being used as a barrier to prevent most sexually transmissible infections
  • contraception when needed to prevent unplanned pregnancies
  • communication before, during and after sex.

Safe sex can also include the use of PrEP and PEP (these medications help to prevent HIV).

A sexual health check is an appointment with a doctor or nurse where you can:

  • have a test to check for STIs or HIV
  • get treatment for STIs or HIV
  • talk about your sexual health or concerns
  • talk about contraception
  • talk about relationships

STI and HIV tests are easy and a normal part of taking care of your health. STIs are tested for by a urine sample, a self-collected swab, or a blood test. HIV is tested for by a blood test.

Sexual health checks are confidential, this means everything you talk about is private between you and your doctor or nurse.

You should get a sexual health check:

  • every 6-12 months
  • when you have a new partner
  • if you notice any unusual pain or symptoms

You can get a sexual health check at your local doctor, a sexual health clinic and at some university health clinics. Use our handy STI/ HIV testing service finder to find services near you.

Keeping up with regular health checks is an important part of staying healthy and well.

Some key ones to keep in mind are:

  • Breast awareness: Get to know what’s normal for your body. Performing regular breast self-checks can help you notice any changes early.
  • Cervical screening: If you are a woman or a person with a cervix and are 25 years or older, you should do this test every five years. The cervical screening test looks for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer. Regular screening helps to find any problems early which makes it easier to treat.

If you have a question about safe sex or sexual health, you can talk to your doctor or a nurse at the Sexual Health Infolink, call 1800 451 624 (free call).

If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

To learn more about safe sex, STIs and HIV visit the learning hub.

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STIs & HIV

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Consent & relationships

Healthy relationships, both romantic and sexual, are built on respect, open communication, and consent.

Talking about consent can feel new or unfamiliar, especially if you’re starting a relationship or having sex for the first time. What matters most is that you and the people you have sex with feel safe, comfortable and respected every step of the way.

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Consent means to agree or give permission to do something, or for something to happen. This could be asking to hold hands, borrow a book, go to the movies together – or have sex.

All people involved need to know what is going to happen and have the option to say ‘no’ or to change their mind at any time – even if they said ‘yes’ to something previously.

Consent is the most important first step when it comes to any type of sexual activity. It makes sex a mutual, safe, happy and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Giving and asking for consent is about setting personal boundaries and feeling safe and comfortable. It shows that you respect your partner’s body, their boundaries, feelings, and decisions.

Consent is also a legal requirement. It is against the law to have sex with someone, who has NOT given their consent. Consent cannot be forced, tricked or coerced. Sex without consent is sexual assault and is a crime.

Consent needs to be voluntary, certain and enthusiastic.

Talking and asking questions is one of the best ways to understand if someone is feeling comfortable at any time. You could ask questions like:

  • Can I touch you here?
  • Do you feel comfortable with this?
  • Do you like that?
  • Do you want to stop?

Sometimes people do not feel comfortable to say no, even if they really want to. It’s important to also pay attention to nonverbal signs. Facial expressions like frowning or looking unsure, and body language such as pulling away, going stiff, or remaining silent can all be signs someone isn’t feeling okay. If you’re unclear about consent, always check in. It’s all about communication!

A person can change their mind at any time and no longer consent to keep going, for any reason.  If a person says ‘no’ or seems uncomfortable, you must stop. Consent needs to be given every time and for every act. Everyone has the right to say ‘no’ at any time and their decision must be respected.

Remember, it is illegal to have sex, or continue sex without consent.

When you give and ask for consent, you must be able to think clearly and make informed choices. If someone is asleep, unconscious, drunk or on drugs they cannot consent.

People under the age of consent are unable to legally consent. In NSW, the age of consent to sexual activity is 16 years old. Consent age laws can differ across different states, check local laws if having sex outside of NSW.

For counselling and support for sexual violence or assault, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). If it is an emergency, call 000.

To learn more and test your knowledge about consent and relationships visit the learning hub.

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Contraception & pregnancy

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Contraception helps prevent pregnancy. It can be used by people who don’t want to become pregnant from penis in vagina sex.

Some types of hormonal contraception can also help manage period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other hormonal symptoms.

Condoms are the only type of contraception that also help prevent sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Talking about contraception with your sexual partner(s) before having sex is important. Everyone involved shares responsibility for using contraception safely and consistently.

There are many different types of contraception available. The type of contraception you use is your choice. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and side-effects of each option.

There are three main types of contraception:

  1. Hormonal contraception
    These use hormones to make changes to the body that prevent pregnancy. Options include:
  • Contraceptive pill: a tablet taken daily
  • Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device): a small device inserted into the uterus by a trained clinician
  • Implant: a small device put under your skin (usually in arm)
  • Contraceptive injection: a hormonal injection you get every few months
  1. Barrier methods

These prevent the exchange of body fluids during sex. Options include:

  • External condom: worn on a penis or sex toy
  • Internal condom: worn inside the vagina or anus
  1. Non-hormonal methods
  • Copper IUD: a small device inserted in the uterus by a trained clinician
  • Contraceptive diaphragm: a soft silicone cup plased inside the vagina before sex

To learn more about how effective different types of contraception are, check out the Family Planning Alliance Australia factsheet – How effective is my contraceptive method?

The cost of contraception can vary. Long-acting options like the IUD or implant cost more upfront but last longer. Other options, like the contraceptive pill cost less at first but need to be bought every 2–4 months.

Your Overseas Student Health Cover may cover some costs of contraception. It is best to check your member guide or ask your Overseas Student Health Cover provider for information about what is covered. More information can be found on the Overseas Student Health Cover explained page.

Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex to help prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Unprotected sex can mean:

  • sex without contraception
  • a condom breaking or slipping off during sex
  • Sexual assault.

The emergency contraceptive pill is safe and works best if taken right away – ideally within 24 hours, but it can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex.

You can get the emergency contraceptive pill from a pharmacy. You do not need a prescription, or to see a doctor to get the emergency contraceptive pill.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you can get free and confidential information and support on your options. Call the Pregnancy Choices Helpline on 1800 008 463 Monday – Friday.

To learn more about contraception visit the learning hub.

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