Health Cover for Students
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — What You Need to Know
OSHC is mandatory health insurance for all international students studying in Australia on a student visa. Understand what it covers, compare providers, and find the right policy for your needs and budget.
Overview
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a type of health insurance specifically designed for international students studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500). It is a mandatory requirement of the Australian Government — you must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa.
OSHC provides coverage for hospital treatment, visits to doctors (GPs and specialists), emergency ambulance transport, pathology and diagnostic imaging, and some prescription medicines. It is designed to give international students a similar level of health cover to what Australian residents receive through Medicare.
Without OSHC, you would be personally responsible for all medical costs in Australia, which can be extremely expensive. A single night in hospital can cost thousands of dollars, and even a standard GP visit costs between AUD $60 and $100 without any cover. OSHC protects you from these costs and ensures you can access healthcare when you need it.
Key OSHC Facts
Mandatory for Student Visas
The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of OSHC before granting a student visa. Your cover must extend for the full duration of your visa.
Government-Approved Providers Only
Only five insurers are approved by the Australian Government to provide OSHC: Medibank, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, ahm, and nib.
Covers Hospital and Medical
OSHC covers in-hospital treatment, GP visits, specialist consultations, emergency ambulance, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and some prescription medicines.
Family Cover Available
If you are bringing a partner or dependent children to Australia, you can extend your OSHC to cover them under a couples or family policy.
What OSHC Covers
Services Covered by Overseas Student Health Cover
OSHC covers essential medical services that international students are likely to need during their studies in Australia.
Hospital Treatment
OSHC covers in-hospital medical services including accommodation, theatre fees, intensive care, and prescribed medicines administered in hospital. You are covered as a private patient in a shared ward at a public or private hospital, depending on your provider and policy level.
GP and Specialist Visits
Visits to general practitioners (GPs) and specialist doctors are covered under OSHC. The amount you are reimbursed depends on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for the service. Some providers cover 100% of the MBS fee, while others may leave a small gap payment.
Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging
Blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic services ordered by your doctor are covered under OSHC. Coverage is based on the MBS fee schedule. These services are essential for diagnosing and monitoring health conditions during your studies.
Ambulance Services
Emergency ambulance transport is covered by OSHC in all Australian states and territories. This includes both emergency ambulance call-outs and transport to hospital. Without OSHC, a single ambulance trip can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Prescription Medicines
OSHC provides a benefit towards the cost of prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). You typically pay a co-payment per prescription (similar to what Australian residents pay), and your OSHC covers the rest up to the PBS-listed price.
Mental Health Services
OSHC covers visits to psychologists and psychiatrists when referred by a GP. Many providers also include access to mental health support helplines. Given the challenges of studying abroad, mental health support is an important part of your health cover as an international student.
Exclusions
What OSHC Does Not Cover
It is important to understand the limitations of standard OSHC so you are not caught off guard by unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Dental Treatment
Routine dental check-ups, fillings, extractions, and orthodontics are not covered under standard OSHC. Some providers offer optional extras cover that includes basic dental services at an additional cost.
Optical (Eyes)
Eye tests, glasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery are not included in standard OSHC. If you need regular eye care, consider purchasing additional extras cover from your OSHC provider.
Physiotherapy and Allied Health
Services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, podiatry, and occupational therapy are generally not covered under standard OSHC unless provided as part of a hospital admission.
Pre-existing Conditions (First 12 Months)
Treatment for health conditions that existed before you started your OSHC policy has a 12-month waiting period. After 12 months of continuous coverage, pre-existing conditions are generally covered.
Cosmetic Surgery
Elective cosmetic procedures are not covered under OSHC. This includes procedures performed for aesthetic rather than medical reasons, regardless of the provider or policy level.
Assisted Reproductive Services
IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments are typically not covered under standard OSHC policies. Some providers may offer limited coverage under premium plans, but this varies significantly.
Provider Comparison
Approved OSHC Providers in Australia
Only five insurers are approved by the Australian Government to offer OSHC. Here is a comparison to help you choose the right provider.
Medibank
~AUD $510/year (single)
Australia's largest health insurer. Offers 24/7 health advice line, wide network of preferred providers, and straightforward online claims. Often the default provider for many Australian universities.
Bupa
~AUD $530/year (single)
Global health insurer with strong presence in Australia. Provides multilingual support services, online health assessments, and a comprehensive network of medical providers across all states.
Allianz Care Australia
~AUD $490/year (single)
Competitive pricing with straightforward policies. Offers online claims processing, 24-hour emergency assistance, and options for extras cover including dental and optical at additional cost.
ahm (a Medibank company)
~AUD $480/year (single)
Budget-friendly option backed by Medibank's network. Simple and transparent policies with easy-to-use app for claims and finding doctors. Popular choice for cost-conscious students.
nib
~AUD $520/year (single)
Well-established Australian insurer with dedicated international student support. Offers a user-friendly app, quick online claims, and access to nib's network of first-choice providers.
Prices are approximate annual costs for single student cover and are subject to change. Always obtain a direct quote from the provider for current pricing. Costs current as of early 2026.
Getting Started
How to Get OSHC for Your Student Visa
There are three main ways to arrange your Overseas Student Health Cover before or during your enrolment in Australia.
Through Your University or Education Provider
Most Australian universities and education providers have arrangements with one or more OSHC providers. When you accept your offer and pay your tuition fees, your university may organise OSHC on your behalf and include the cost in your fees. This is often the simplest option, especially for new students. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will reflect that OSHC has been arranged.
Directly from an OSHC Provider
You can purchase OSHC directly from any of the five approved providers (Medibank, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, ahm, or nib) through their websites. This gives you more control over which provider you use and allows you to compare prices and coverage levels. You will receive a certificate of insurance to include with your visa application.
Through Tilt SAMS
Our education advisors can help you compare OSHC providers, find the best value policy for your circumstances, and ensure your coverage dates align with your student visa. We can also assist with family cover arrangements, policy extensions, and claims. This is especially useful if you are unsure which provider or cover level is right for you.
Family Cover
OSHC for Partners and Families
If you are bringing your partner (spouse or de facto) or dependent children to Australia on a dependent visa, they must also be covered by OSHC. You can extend your policy to include them under a couples or family plan.
Couples cover typically costs around AUD $2,400 to $3,200 per year, depending on the provider. Family cover, which includes your partner and one or more dependent children, ranges from approximately AUD $3,600 to $5,800 per year. All family members receive the same level of coverage as the primary student policyholder.
It is important to arrange family OSHC before your dependants apply for their visas, as the Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of adequate health cover for all visa applicants. Your OSHC provider or education advisor can help you set up the right level of family cover.
Approximate Annual OSHC Costs
Single Student
AUD $480 – $650 / year
Couples (Student + Partner)
AUD $2,400 – $3,200 / year
Family (Student + Partner + Children)
AUD $3,600 – $5,800 / year
Single Parent + Children
AUD $3,000 – $4,500 / year
Prices are approximate and vary by provider. Always obtain a direct quote for current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
OSHC Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about Overseas Student Health Cover for international students in Australia.
Is OSHC mandatory for international students in Australia?
Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory requirement for all international students studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500). You must have OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa, from the day you arrive in Australia until your visa expires. The Department of Home Affairs will not grant your student visa without evidence of adequate OSHC coverage.
How much does OSHC cost in Australia?
OSHC costs vary depending on the provider, level of cover, and duration of your policy. As a general guide, single student cover ranges from approximately AUD $480 to $650 per year. Couples cover is typically around AUD $2,400 to $3,200 per year, and family cover (with dependent children) ranges from approximately AUD $3,600 to $5,800 per year. Prices change annually and vary between providers, so it is important to compare quotes.
What is the difference between OSHC and Medicare?
Medicare is Australia's public health insurance system available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements. International students from most countries are not eligible for Medicare and must instead hold OSHC. OSHC provides similar coverage to Medicare for hospital and medical services, but it is a private insurance product specifically designed for international students.
Can I choose my own OSHC provider?
Yes, you can choose from any of the approved OSHC providers in Australia. While some universities have preferred provider arrangements (and may organise OSHC for you as part of your enrolment), you are not obligated to use the university's preferred provider. You can compare providers and select the one that offers the best value and coverage for your needs. Just ensure your chosen provider is one of the government-approved OSHC insurers.
Does OSHC cover dental and optical?
No, standard OSHC does not cover dental, optical (glasses and contact lenses), or physiotherapy services. These are considered extras and are only available through separate extras cover or combined OSHC-plus-extras packages offered by some providers at an additional cost. If you require regular dental or optical care, you may want to consider purchasing additional extras cover alongside your OSHC policy.
What happens if my OSHC expires before my visa?
If your OSHC expires before your student visa, you will be in breach of your visa conditions. This can result in your visa being cancelled. It is essential to ensure your OSHC coverage matches the full duration of your student visa. If you extend your visa or change courses, you must also extend your OSHC to cover the new visa end date. Your OSHC provider can help you extend your policy.
Can I get a refund on my OSHC if I leave Australia early?
Yes, most OSHC providers offer pro-rata refunds if you leave Australia before your policy expires, provided you have not made significant claims. You will typically need to provide evidence such as a flight itinerary, visa cancellation confirmation, or a letter from your education provider confirming the end of your studies. Refund processing times and conditions vary between providers.
Does OSHC cover pre-existing medical conditions?
OSHC has a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. This means that if you have a medical condition that existed before you took out your OSHC policy, treatment related to that condition will not be covered for the first 12 months. After the waiting period, the condition is generally covered. Emergency treatment at a public hospital is always covered regardless of waiting periods.
Need Help Choosing Your OSHC?
Our education advisors can help you compare OSHC providers, find the best value policy, and ensure your health cover meets your student visa requirements.
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