First Look: International Students Review the nib Symptom Checker

Arriving in Australia to begin your international student experience is super exciting. But - what do you do if you get sick?

It can be hard to know where to turn if you start feeling unwell in a new country. That's where nib's Symptom Checker comes in.

This online tool is designed to help you better understand your symptoms and recommend your next course of action.

By inputting your symptoms, the Symptom Checker leverages AI technology to analyse your condition and offer advice on easing your discomfort—be it resting at home or consulting a doctor.

Remember, the Symptom Checker is a guide, not a replacement for professional medical advice. Should you find yourself seriously unwell or in an emergency, it’s important to seek advice from a health professional.

What do international students think about the Symptom Checker?

We invited three international students to try the Symptom Checker and share their feedback.

Anshul, from India, a marketing graduate at Torrens University, Lijie, a Chinese student pursuing a master's in social work at Flinders University, and Divya, also from India, studying for a Bachelor of Nursing at Holmesglen Institute, all took the Symptom Checker for a test run. Read on for their insights!

How do you think the Symptom Checker is able to help international students?

Divya: It can help reduce unnecessary costs. In a scenario where students do not need to go to the hospital but aren't sure, it can reduce the visits and help them save money.

Anshul: Every time I fall sick, this tool can give me suggestions based on my symptoms.

Lijie: The Symptom Checker is a real game-changer for international students. It tells them if they should book a doctor's appointment or if they can manage things on their own. It gives students the information they need to make smart decisions about their health without wasting time or feeling unsure.

Have you been in a situation where the Symptom Checker would have been useful? Tell us about it!

Divya: I have been unwell and wondered if there was something to help me assess my symptoms before I decide whether or not to seek medical help.

Anshul reflected on cultural practices in South Asia, where people are “taught…to treat it at home rather than going to the doctor”. He observed that the Symptom Checker tends to err on the side of caution, frequently advising a consultation with a GP.

This can be useful if you’re not sure about how serious your symptoms may be, or if you think you might need prescription medication. If you’re experiencing unfamiliar symptoms, it’s best to seek advice from a medical professional.

What are some of the best features of the Symptom Checker?

Divya, Lijie and Anshul were all impressed with the human body diagram, where users can select the part of the body where they’re experiencing pain or other symptoms.

Divya: I liked the symptom model where I can place exactly where I have issues.

Anshul: One of the best features was the human body diagram and the option to choose the body part. [It was] easy to understand for everyone based on the location of the symptom.

Lijie: The 'body model' feature is brilliant! Students can easily pinpoint where they're feeling off on a virtual body diagram. Moreover, the Symptom Checker gives students personalised suggestions.

Lijie also tried the Symptom Checker out in Chinese, her first language.

Lijie: Being able to use it in Chinese just makes everything feel more comfortable and natural for me. Sometimes when I am dealing with health issues, it's already stressful enough without having to worry about language barriers. So having the option to use it in Chinese just makes the whole process more effective. Plus, it shows that nib really cares about catering to the needs of all users.

Would you now use the Symptom Checker?

Divya: I would definitely use a symptom checker and recommend it to others. It can be scary not knowing what to do when you need medical support. If there is a tool that guides international students on when and how to seek support, that will help them immensely.

Lijie: If I did feel like something was off while testing the Symptom Checker, I'd definitely look to it for support. When I'm not feeling 100%, the last thing I want is uncertainty about what to do next. This tool gives me a clear idea of how serious my symptoms might be and whether I need to see a doctor or if some rest and self-care will do the trick.

Getting sick in a new country doesn’t have to lead to uncertainty and stress. Using the Symptom Checker is a quick and easy way for international students to find out whether to see a doctor. Login to the nib app now to try it out!

Divyangana, from India

Anshul, from India

*nib Symptom Checker does not provide a medical diagnosis and should not replace the judgment of a registered healthcare practitioner. It offers information to assist you in decision making based on readily available information about symptoms. If you have questions or concerns about the results from nib Symptom Checker, please consult your registered healthcare practitioner.