Opening Hours
Monday - Friday8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday8.30am - 12.30pm
SundayClosed
Overseas Visitor Appointments
Smith Street Medical’s Kotara clinic welcomes overseas visitors living, working, or studying in the Newcastle and Hunter region. If you are on a temporary visa and hold private health insurance that covers GP consultations, you can book an appointment at 1A Kullaiba Road the same way any other patient would.
For many international students at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, skilled workers in the Hunter region, and families on dependent visas, finding a GP who understands the Australian healthcare system and private insurance arrangements can feel complicated. We aim to make that process straightforward from your first visit.
Why this matters
- International students on a student visa are generally not eligible for Medicare and need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to meet visa requirements.
- Skilled workers on subclass 482 or 457 visas may be required to hold Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) under visa condition 8501.
- Without Medicare access, understanding how to use private health insurance for GP visits is an important first step in managing your health in Australia.
Why Choose Us?
Smith Street Medical’s Kotara clinic is close to the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus and well placed for overseas visitors settling into the Hunter region.
- Clear explanation of costs and insurance arrangements before your appointment
- GP and nurse-led consultations for both acute concerns and ongoing care
- Familiarity with international student health cover and OVHC policies
- Respectful consultations for patients navigating a new healthcare system
- Registered with NIB and BUPA
What We Offer to Overseas Visitors
Whether you need a one-off consultation or ongoing support for a chronic condition, our team can help you access the care you need and understand how your insurance applies.
- GP appointments for acute illness, injury, and ongoing health concerns
- Chronic condition management and health assessments
- Assistance in understanding your insurance claim process, where permitted under your policy
Important Note: In Australia, private health insurance generally does not cover GP visits outside of Medicare. Check your policy carefully to confirm whether out-of-hospital GP consultations are included and whether Smith Street Medical is within your insurer’s preferred provider network. We are currently registered with NIB and BUPA.
Who Is Eligible for Overseas Visitor Appointments?
- You are an international student, skilled worker, or temporary resident in the Newcastle or Hunter region
- You hold a valid OSHC, OVHC, or equivalent private health policy that includes GP consultations
- Your policy is active at the time of your appointment
- Your insurer permits claims for out-of-hospital medical services
If you are unsure whether your policy covers GP visits, we will help you understand your costs upfront before your appointment proceeds.
