Biggest Concerns About Medical Testing (And What You Can Do About Them)

Let's be real: even just thinking about going for a medical test can feel overwhelming. Whether it's for your mental health, sexual health, or something you'd rather not Google — students often have the same big questions. We asked six students — all with different backgrounds, health needs, and OSHC experiences — to share what worried them the most and what helped them feel in control.

“How Much Is This Going to Cost Me?”

ft. Sally (she/her)

Sally

“The first time I tried to book an appointment for contraception, the clinic told me it’d be $130. I thought OSHC covered everything?”

For many international students, cost is the #1 barrier to getting help — especially without Medicare. While OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) does help, it doesn't always pay the full bill.

What Sally Learned:

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OSHC usually covers 85% of the MBS fee (a government-set amount)

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You pay the rest — called a gap fee

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If the clinic charges more than the MBS, you cover the difference

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Some services like dental, physio, or long-term mental health care are not covered at all without extras insurance

• •The base medical cover does not include dental, optical, or physiotherapy services, which is the same for all Australians.
• •You can purchase OSHC Extras, which is designed to provide coverage for common needs like dental cleaning, new glasses, and physiotherapy. Learn more about OSHC Extras at Overseas Student Health Cover Extras for dental, optical and physiotherapy - Allianz Care Australia.

Real Costs to Expect:

Service	Estimated Cost (AUD)
STI Testing	$50–200
Sexual health specialist	$137+
Psychologist (per session)	$100–160
Mental health GP visit	~$47 out-of-pocket

But not everything costs money:

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Melbourne Sexual Health Centre – Free STI testing, even without Medicare

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Headspace – Free or low-cost counselling

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Some uni clinics – Free or discounted GP services

Sally's Tip:

“I've started using clinics that direct-bill my OSHC. Now I always ask about costs before booking.”

“Is This Private? Will Anyone Find Out?”

ft. Li (they/them)

Li

Privacy is a huge deal for many students. Luckily, in Australia, it's also the law.

Li's Privacy Checklist:

Your results are confidential

OSHC billing does not share your test results

Clinics won't contact your university or your family

Some clinics (like Melbourne Sexual Health Centre) allow anonymous visits (use a code name or initials)

Even if you’re under 18, you don’t need parent permission to access sexual or mental health care, as long as the healthcare professional thinks you’re mature enough to understand what’s going on (that’s called Gillick competence). What you talk about is private – your parents, friends, or school won’t be told. The only time information might be shared is if it’s a notifiable disease or if the doctor is concerned about your safety, which they must report.

Li's Tip:

“I ask: 'Will my results be shared with anyone?' Just hearing them say 'No, it's private' gives me peace of mind.”

“Will I Be Judged or Even Understood?”

ft. Antonio (he/him)

Antonio

Here's the truth:

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Doctors, nurses, and psychologists have heard it all

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They won't judge you — it's their job to help, not shame

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Most are trained in culturally safe care

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You can bring someone with you for emotional support, but they usually cannot act as your main interpreter, even if they speak both languages fluently. You can still request a professional interpreter, a male or female doctor, or an LGBT-friendly provider

Antonio's Tip:

“I didn't even know I could ask for a Spanish-speaking doctor. Now I do — and I feel way more relaxed.”

“What If I Can't Handle the Wait?”

ft. Zara (she/her)

Zara

“Waiting for my mental health results was torture. I overthink everything — what if they find something bad? What if I don’t hear back?”

How long does it really take?

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STI results: 3–7 days

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Blood tests: 2–3 days

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Mental health plans: Often same-day

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Most clinics only call if something's wrong

What helped Zara cope:

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Talking to uni counselling services

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Calling the clinic for an update after 3–4 days

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Using Headspace to find mental health tips and breathing exercises

Zara's Tip:

“I set a reminder in my phone to call the clinic if I hadn't heard back by day 5. It gave me a bit of control.”

“What If I Don't Speak English Well?”

ft. Lina (she/her)

Lina

“When I first moved here, I didn’t always understand what doctors were saying — especially medical words.”

Language shouldn't be a barrier to care.

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Many clinics offer free interpreters (especially in areas like Geelong, Dandenong, Wyndham, Mildura)

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You can request a doctor who speaks your language

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Some health centres have multilingual staff or visual resources

Lina's Tip:

“Now I book online and write in the note: 'Please book a Yoruba-speaking interpreter.' They always confirm.”

Kaito's Guide to Feeling Prepared

ft. Kaito (he/him)

Kaito

“I like knowing exactly what will happen before I walk in.”

Here's what Kaito checks before any appointment:

What's the cost?

Can I book online?

Does the clinic offer direct billing with Allianz?

Do they offer HIV self-testing or LGBT+ support?

How long will results take?

Kaito's Tip:

“Use the Medical Cost Finder tool before you book. And don't be afraid to switch clinics if something doesn't feel right.”

Final Thoughts from the Crew

Whether you're worried about money, judgment, language, or just the unknown — you're not the only one. Every student deserves respectful, affordable, and private care — and there's support out there to help you find it. You're allowed to ask questions. You're allowed to speak up. And most importantly — you're allowed to take care of your health on your terms.