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Body parts: What do I need to know?

Do you know the difference between a vulva and a vagina? What about the penis, foreskin and testicles? Does size matter? How much do you know about breasts? Have you ever checked your breasts?   This blog post was co-written by the International Student Health Hub team and Rainbow, an international […]

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Do you want to have sex?  This might feel like an obvious question, but it’s important to ask yourself if you are ready to have sex and why you want to have sex. There can be a lot of pressure around sex, and it’s important that you only have sex […]

5 tips for finding your LGBTQ community in Sydney

Are you new to Sydney and looking to find your community? ACON has you covered with their ‘Top 5 tips for finding your community when you arrive in Sydney! – LGBTQ edition’.  This month, the International Student Health Hub is sharing a blog post written by our wonderful friends over […]

Visit the blog
Body parts: What do I need to know?

Do you know the difference between a vulva and a vagina? What about the penis, foreskin and testicles? Does size matter? How much do you know about breasts? Have you ever checked your breasts?   This blog post was co-written by the International Student Health Hub team and Rainbow, an international […]

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Do you want to have sex?  This might feel like an obvious question, but it’s important to ask yourself if you are ready to have sex and why you want to have sex. There can be a lot of pressure around sex, and it’s important that you only have sex […]

5 tips for finding your LGBTQ community in Sydney

Are you new to Sydney and looking to find your community? ACON has you covered with their ‘Top 5 tips for finding your community when you arrive in Sydney! – LGBTQ edition’.  This month, the International Student Health Hub is sharing a blog post written by our wonderful friends over […]

What are the four C’s of Safe Sex?

What do you think about when you hear the term ‘safe sex’? People often think the term safe sex is only about protecting themselves and partners from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). But safe sex means much more than that – it’s not just about whether you’re being sexually […]

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.

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.
  5. 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.
  6. Privacy: You have a right to have your personal privacy respected — information about you and your health must be kept secure and confidential.
  7. 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.

As an international student in Australia, you are required to have overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia. OSHC includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited medicines. Find out what you need to know about OSHC here.

Healthcare rights ensure all patients and carers in Australia receive safe, high-quality care in partnership with healthcare providers.

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

About the Australian healthcare systemAbout the Australian healthcare system

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What are my healthcare rights?What are my healthcare rights?

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