Health & safety
All international students must have current health insurance while studying in Australia – this is a visa regulation. The only exceptions are Swedish and Norwegian students, who will be required to pay up front for their medical service.
You will receive an OSHC membership card, containing your membership number. Always take it with you when using any medical/health service. You will have to pay full price if you do not take your OSHC membership card.
Some doctors or clinics require you to pay at the time of the service, so check when you make an appointment. Remember to always keep your receipts.
The OSHC covers basic medical services and emergency ambulance transport. Additional cover is available for services not covered by OSHC, such as dental, physiotherapy and optical services. Contact your education institution for more details about the OSHC card. Find out more...
Medicare
All permanent Australian residents are entitled to receive free treatment as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital and free subsidised treatment by a doctor (including treatment by specialists), participating optometrists or dentists for specified services.
Overseas students are not entitled to receive Medicare (www.medicareaustralia.gov.au), although once you apply for permanent residency you can also apply for Medicare.
For a detailed lisitng of all health services in Adelaide, visit our Student Directory. Here you will find contact details for doctors and hospitals, sexual health advice, mental health advice and councelling services.
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Adelaide is one of the safest cities in Australia but it is still important to think about your safety.
The Police
Police in Australia are friendly, helpful, have a duty to protect everyone and can always be safely approached. They are committed to promoting crime prevention and uphold Australia’s laws. They are also there to help you in difficult situations. Click here to find your nearest police station or look at the White Pages website.
Emergencies
In an emergency – where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress – you can contact the police, fire department or ambulance by dialling 000 from any telephone. This is a free call in emergencies only.
Fire safety in the home
In South Australia, legislation is in place to make smoke alarms compulsory for all residential buildings. Most fire-related deaths result from the inhalation of toxic fire gases rather than from direct contact with flame or exposure to heat. Correctly located smoke alarms in your home give early warning of fire, providing you with time which may be vital to your survival. Click here for more information about fire safety in the home.
Beach safety
Be careful when swimming in Australian waters. Some parts of the coast have powerful currents and tides; and shark attacks are rare but sometimes do occur. It is safest to swim at popular beaches. Areas marked by red and yellow flags are patrolled by surf life-savers. Never mix alcohol and swimming.
- Alcohol - People under the age of 18 are not permitted to consume alcohol in public. If you buy alcohol, or are given it at a licensed premise, both you and the person selling are committing an offence.
Some public areas are designated ‘Dry Zones’. This means drinking is not permitted in these areas other than inside licensed establishments such as pubs or hotels.
There are heavy penalties for people who ‘drink and drive’. The legal alcohol limit in South Australia is 0.05.
- Drugs - There are severe penalties for illegal drug use or dealing drugs. Avoid being in any situation where illegal drugs are involved.
- Smoking - It is an offence to lend, give or sell cigarettes or tobacco to anyone under 18 years of age. It is also illegal to buy cigarettes or tobacco for anyone under the age of 18. It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public areas.
- Gambling - Young people under the age of 18 are not permitted to gamble. If you are under 18 you cannot enter gambling places, such as the casino or gaming areas in pubs.
- Nightclubs and entertainment venues - Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed in a licensed entertainment venue after 9pm. You may need to provide proof of age to buy alcohol or enter a licensed venue. It is an offence to provide false identification.
- Stealing, vandalism - There are severe penalties for anyone involved in stealing, shoplifting or damaging public or private property. Penalties will vary depending on the severity of the crime.
- Harassment and discrimination - Adelaide prides itself on being a multicultural and tolerant society. In Australia it is generally illegal to discriminate against anyone based on gender, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, race, physical or intellectual impairment or age. Most educational institutions and many work places now have anti-discrimination policies in place.
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