What is OSHC & Why You Need It
“Wait, Is That Covered?”
What Students Really Want to Know About OSHC
Navigating health insurance as a student can feel like trying to read a textbook in another language—confusing, overwhelming, and not exactly fun. So we asked: what do students actually want to know about their OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)? Here's the lowdown, with some real-talk from our student crew.
Is STI Testing or Sexual Health Counselling Covered?
ft.Antonio & Li
Antonio (he/him)
Cis male, Latin American, first-year undergrad
Li (they/them)
Non-binary, East Asian, queer
Antonio had his first STI test after hearing a mate mention it during a group project. “I was kinda nervous—and confused if my insurance even covered it,” he admitted. Turns out, OSHC can cover STI testing and consultations, but there are a few catches.
What's Covered:
A GP visit to talk about sexual health - Usually covered.
STI tests (for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, etc.) - Sometimes—but only if your doctor thinks it’s needed and it's on the MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule).
The test itself — Usually 85% of the set government fee is covered. If the clinic charges more, you pay the difference (that’s the gap fee).
Antonio's Tip:
“Go to clinics with direct billing—they send the bill straight to your insurer, and you might pay nothing or just a small fee.”
Melbourne Bonus:
The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre offers free walk-in STI testing, no Medicare or referral needed. Elsewhere in Victoria? Try 1800 My Options to find low-cost services.
Li's Note on Counselling:
“Talking about sexual health can feel awkward, especially if you’re queer or from a culture where it's taboo. A GP can refer you to a psychologist, and OSHC will cover part of the cost—up to 10 sessions a year with a Mental Health Care Plan.”
"Cap / Annual Limit" means the maximum amount OSHC will pay for a certain service in a year. After that, you may have to pay full price. Check your policy for any caps — especially for things like physio or mental health.
