Medical Services

Students conveniently have access to a range of health services at the Sydney Adventist Hospital and the Fox Valley Medical and Dental Centre. Other nearby health services include general medical and specialist practitioners, dental services, optometrists, chiropractors and physiotherapists.

The closest public hospital to campus is the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. The Sydney Adventist Hospital also offers urgent emergency treatment to private patients.

Medical Cover


Medicare (Domestic Students)

To receive medical treatment as a domestic student, you must be registered with Medicare (link), Australia’s government healthcare system. You can apply for a Medicare card independent of your parents, and will need to do so before arriving at Avondale. You may need to produce proof of your student status when applying for a Medicare card, so remember to keep your acceptance letter from Avondale.

Membership with Medicare provides access to free treatment as a patient in a public hospital as well as subsidised treatment by medical practitioners including general practitioners and specialists nominated by the hospital. Ambulance services are not covered by Medicare.

Medicare (New Zealand Students)

Australian Government regulations deem that New Zealand citizens who come to Australia for the specific purpose of study are ineligible for Medicare benefits. Instead, NZ students who do not have permanent residence are eligible to be treated at all public hospitals under Reciprocal Health Care arrangements. Presentation of a NZ passport will be required. A refund for doctor services can be obtained by presenting paid tax invoice, along with passport to a Medicare office.

The nearest Medicare office to the Sydney campus is:
Westfield Hornsby
Shop 3111, 236 Pacific Highway, Hornsby
Office hours are 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information on Medicare, please phone 13 20 11.

Private Health Funds


If you are after comprehensive health cover, private medical insurance is recommended, offering the benefit of private hospital usage and extras. For further information on private health insurance and providers, visit www.privatehealth.gov.au

ACA (Australian Conference Association) Health Benefit Fund is available to students who are connected to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and/or associated entities. For more information about this health fund, visit www.acahealth.com.au

Medibank Private Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The Australian Government requires international students to have OSHC in order to receive a student visa. International students will pay OSHC for the duration of their course, together with their semester's fees. OSHC with Medibank Private will cost a minimum of $498 for a single person for 2013 per year. Cover is required for the full length of your course and must be paid up front. Your OSHC will be arranged through the Admission Enquiry Centre.

Ambulance Cover

Domestic Students (Australia and New Zealand)
Ambulance cover is not covered by Medicare. You will need to ensure that you are covered for ambulance transport in NSW through membership in a private health fund.

International Students
OSHC pays 100% of the charge for emergency ambulance transport Benefits for the use of an ambulance for routine journeys (even if offered), are excluded.

Health Care Card

Students who receive Centerlink payments may be eligible for a Health Care Card. This entitles you to cheaper prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and medical services funded by the Australian Government. This card can also give you access to concessions provided by State and Local Governments as well as some private businesses, including household, education, and public-transport costs.

The nearest Centerlink office to the Sydney campus is:
117-119 Pacific Highway, Hornsby
Office hours are 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information on Health Care Cards, please phone Centerlink on 13 24 68.