After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
If you have a Medicare card and visit a bulk-billing GP, Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or sexual health clinic, your STI test should be free.
If you don’t have a Medicare card, don’t stress, you have options!
If you have a Medicare card and visit a bulk-billing GP, Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or sexual health clinic, your STI test should be free. If you have a Medicare card and get an STI test at a non-bulk billing or part-bulk billing testing location, like a private doctors office, the pathology (urine and blood test) will be bulk billed (free), but there may be a cost to see the doctor in order to get the test.
If you don’t have a Medicare card, you have the option to pay out of pocket but you can also explore whether you may be covered under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Many sexual health clinics will offer free STI testing to people without a Medicare card who want to test, so don’t forget to contact them and see if they can help.
If you’re worried about the cost of an STI test, find a testing location near you, give them a call, explain that you are looking to get an STI test and would like to know how much it will cost. They will likely ask a couple of questions to help determine whether your visit will be covered by Medicare or not and let you know an estimated price for your visit and test at that location.
Bulk billing is when the government pays for the cost of seeing a doctor if you have a Medicare card. This means if you see a doctor that bulk bills 100% of their fees, it won’t cost you a thing! Bulk billing is common practice in NSW and most doctors will bulk bill people under 16, students, and healthcare concession cardholders.
If you are still on your family’s Medicare card, but don’t want to ask them for your Medicare card/number, the doctor’s receptionist can help you get the number by contacting Medicare directly. Although your parents/guardians may be able to see that you saw a doctor, if you’re 14 or older, Medicare won’t disclose your medical information to your parents without your consent.
If you’re worried about this, you can get your own Medicare card once you turn 15. With your own card, you will be the only one who can see your medical records. Read more about getting your own Medicare card here.
If you don’t have a Medicare card, and are not eligible to get one you can explore your options for medical care in Australia here.
If you have any problems with the Medicare simply give the team at Medicare a call on 132 011
As an international student in Australia, you are required to have overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia. OSHC includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited medicines. Find out what you need to know about OSHC here.
You can also check out our International Student Health Hub which is your one-stop shop for information about sexual and reproductive health in Australia.
This handy tool lets you find your nearest STI testing location.
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
Does the thought of talking to your doctor about sexual health give you butterflies or send a shiver down your spine?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s our top tips to make chatting to your doctor about sex a whole lot easier.
Even though it’s a normal part of a healthy and enjoyable sex life, getting an STI test can sometimes feel daunting. To show that there’s really nothing to worry about, we sat down with Melissa* from Sydney to talk about her first-hand experience of getting tested. Want to see if […]
