Insurance
Information about the insurance cover available to students participating in approved University activities.
Insurance cover for students
The University provides insurance cover for students participating in approved University activities. The type of cover available depends on the activity you're undertaking.
Approved activities include classes, placements, fieldwork, exchange programs and some student club activities.
International students may also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is separate from University insurance and is arranged through an approved health insurer.
Use the information below to find out what cover may apply to you and where to get help.
Travel insurance
Travelling overseas for your studies?
You're covered by the University's travel insurance when participating in approved University travel, such as overseas exchange, placements, fieldwork or other University-approved programs.
Overseas Student Health Cover
Studying in Australia on a student visa?
If you're an international student at the University of Melbourne, you may need to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as part of your student visa requirements.
OSHC is health insurance arranged through an approved provider and is separate from the University's insurance policies.
Personal accident insurance
Injured while participating in a University activity?
If you’re injured while on campus or while participating in approved University activities off-campus, including training or competing with an MU Sport club, the University’s personal accident insurance may be able to cover some of your injury treatment costs.
Other insurance policies
The policies below may apply to students in specific circumstances. Learn about the purpose of each policy and access the relevant documents.
-
Provides personal accident cover for students undertaking approved volunteer activities on behalf of the University. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Policy documents:
-
Public liability insurance may provide cover if you're found legally responsible for:
- causing injury to another person, or
- damage to someone else's property
- while participating in University-related activities.
Policy documents:
-
May provide cover for students undertaking approved placements or practical training as part of their studies. Cover applies to professional activities undertaken within the scope of the policy.
Policy documents:
Frequently asked questions
These FAQs answer common questions, but they don't cover every aspect of the University's insurance policies.Always check the relevant policy documents, including the policy wording and schedule, for full details.
-
The University maintains insurance policies with a range of insurers and insurance brokers.
To identify the insurer and policy number that apply to a particular policy, refer to the relevant policy certificate.
-
Claims are assessed and determined by the insurer.
The University can:
- Help you understand the policy
- Advise on possible sections of the policy wording under which your claim may be covered
- Liaise with the insurer in case of dispute on a claim.
The University cannot provide comment on whether or not your claim will be accepted. The final decision on whether a claim is accepted rests with the insurer.
A claims assessor typically considers whether the situation was an unforeseen circumstance outside your control.
For example, if you book connecting flights with only a one-hour transfer window, the insurer may view this as a foreseeable risk. -
No. The University's insurance program is designed to specifically cover your course related activities.
Once your course requirements are complete, any subsequent work experience, internships or placements are regarded as professional development which is beyond the scope of our Insurance program.
Need more help?
If you have an insurance-related question that isn't answered in the guidance above, contact:
- Stop 1 for general student enquiries
- The Insurance Office at ins-office@unimelb.edu.au for policy-specific enquiries
Please note that the University's insurers and insurance brokers cannot respond directly to student enquiries.