Medical Services

Medical Services



The College maintains a small dispensary in each of the residences and liaises very closely with staff at local medical centres.

Medicare/Medibank Private Cards


Australian Students



All students must be registered with Medicare.

Students can apply for Medicare cards independent of their parents, and should do so before they arrive at College. All students will need to bring their Medicare card to College.

When at College, the addresses of the nearest Medicare offices are:

56 Victory Parade
TORONTO
Telephone: 132 011 301 Hunter Street
NEWCASTLE
Telephone: 132 011

Office hours are 9:00am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Students may need to produce proof of their student status when applying for a Medicare card, and should keep their acceptance letter from Avondale College for this purpose.

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 doctors' services can be obtained by presenting paid tax invoice, along with passport to a Medicare office.


International Students



The Australian Government requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in order to receive a student visa. International students will have paid of OSHC when they paid their fees to the College. The Enquiry & Enrolment Centre will enrol international students in Medibank Private, and when they arrive at Avondale, a Medibank membership card will be received. International students are reminded that they must renew OSHC each year before it expires.

Ambulance Cover


Australian Students



This is not covered by Medicare. Students need to ensure that they are covered for ambulance transport in NSW through membership in a NSW registered fund. This cover is reasonably priced and students can join at any Health Fund office.

International Students who take out OSHC



OSHC pays 100% of the charge for emergency ambulance transport for the provision of acute medical attention which is required immediately or is on an unforeseen nature, and is provided by a registered medical or paramedical officer. However, benefits for the use of an ambulance (even if offered) for routine journeys, are excluded.

Health Care Cards



The Federal Government will issue Health Care Cards to some students, but there is a means test for this application. This entitles the recipient to ambulance cover and dental and optical treatment at a public hospital, and to some pharmaceutical benefits. Students should apply at Centrelink for this card, and should first phone Centrelink on 131 305 to ascertain if they are eligible.