OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500). You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa to comply with visa conditions—failure to do so can result in visa cancellation and affect future visa applications.
OSHC provides coverage for medical and hospital care while you study in Australia. Unlike Australian health insurance, OSHC has no waiting periods (coverage starts immediately), doesn't qualify for government rebates, and is specifically designed for students. Most universities and education providers can help you arrange OSHC, or you can purchase directly from approved providers.
Policies cost approximately $50-70/month for singles, with family coverage available if bringing dependents. You must purchase OSHC before your student visa is granted, and coverage must extend for the entire visa period (including any gap before course commencement).
Quick Stats Box ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 💰 Singles: ~$50-70/month │ │ 👨👩👧 Families: ~$200-350/month │ │ ⚡ No waiting periods │ │ 🎓 Required for: Student visa (subclass 500) │ │ 📅 Must cover entire visa duration │ │ │ │ [Compare OSHC Policies] │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
WHO NEEDS OSHC
Student Visa Requirement
All international students on subclass 500 student visas must have OSHC.
Coverage duration:
- Must cover from arrival date in Australia
- Until course completion date (or visa expiry if later)
- Must include any gap period before course starts
Example:
- Visa granted: October 1, 2026
- Arrive Australia: January 15, 2027
- Course starts: February 24, 2027
- Course ends: November 30, 2029
- OSHC required: January 15, 2027 → November 30, 2029 (2 years, 10.5 months)
OSHC VS. OVHC VS. REGULAR INSURANCE
Key Differences
| Feature | OSHC (Students) | OVHC (Workers) | Regular Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | Student visa (500) | Work visas (482, 457, etc.) | Australian residents |
| Cost | ~$50-70/month single | ~$65-85/week single | ~$50-120/week single |
| Waiting periods | None | None | 2-12 months |
| Government rebate | No | No | Yes (24-33%) |
| Pregnancy | Emergency only | Emergency only | Full (Gold/Silver+) |
| Dental/Optical | Not included | Not included | Available with extras |
WHAT OSHC COVERS
Standard OSHC Coverage
✅ Hospital Treatment:
- Emergency admission
- Medically necessary surgery
- Shared ward accommodation
- Theatre and ICU
- Prostheses
✅ Medical Services:
- GP visits (bulk-billed or gap payments)
- Specialist consultations
- Pathology and x-rays
- Prescription medicines (PBS-listed)
✅ Ambulance:
- Emergency ambulance transport
❌ NOT Covered:
- Routine dental and optical
- Pregnancy and childbirth (routine)
- Pre-existing conditions (planned treatment)
- Cosmetic procedures
- Alternative therapies
APPROVED OSHC PROVIDERS
Government-Approved Providers
Approved OSHC providers:
- Allianz Care Australia (formerly Peoplecare)
- ahm OSHC
- Bupa
- Medibank
- NIB OSHC
All providers offer similar coverage as mandated by government requirements. Differences are mainly in price, customer service, and claims processing.
POLICY COMPARISON TABLE
Data Source: OSHC policies table
Filtering:
- product_type = 'OSHC'
- Display all approved providers
- Calculate pricing for student profile (duration, family structure)
| Provider | Singles (per month) | Couples (per month) | Family (per month) | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Care | $XX | $XX | $XX | 24/7 helpline |
| ahm OSHC | $XX | $XX | $XX | Budget-friendly |
| Bupa | $XX | $XX | $XX | Extensive network |
| Medibank | $XX | $XX | $XX | Large provider |
| NIB OSHC | $XX | $XX | $XX | Digital-first |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between OSHC and OVHC?
OSHC is for international students on student visas (subclass 500). OVHC is for temporary workers and other visa holders. You must get OSHC for student visas—OVHC won't satisfy student visa conditions.
When should I buy OSHC?
Buy OSHC before applying for your student visa. Your visa application requires proof of OSHC covering the entire visa period. Most universities include OSHC in enrollment packages.
How much does OSHC cost?
- Singles: $50-70/month ($600-840/year)
- Couples: $120-160/month ($1,440-1,920/year)
- Families: $200-350/month ($2,400-4,200/year) Cost varies by provider and coverage duration.
Does OSHC cover pregnancy?
No. OSHC only covers emergency pregnancy complications. Routine antenatal care, birth, and postnatal care are NOT covered. International students planning pregnancy should budget for private maternity costs ($5,000-15,000+).
Can I use any hospital with OSHC?
Yes, but OSHC typically covers:
- Public hospitals: Shared ward, no out-of-pocket
- Private hospitals: May have gaps/extra costs Always check with provider before non-emergency treatment.
What if my OSHC lapses?
Visa breach! Your student visa conditions require continuous OSHC. Lapse can lead to:
- Visa cancellation
- Difficulty getting future visas
- Personal liability for all medical costs Renew before expiry.
Does OSHC have waiting periods?
No. OSHC coverage starts from policy commencement date. This differs from regular Australian health insurance (2-12 month waits).
Can I claim for dental and optical?
No. Routine dental and optical are not covered. Only emergency dental/optical from accidents is covered (e.g., broken tooth in sports injury).
How do I make a claim?
- Visit doctor/hospital (show OSHC card)
- Provider may bulk-bill (no payment) or charge gap
- If you pay upfront, submit claim via app/online
- Reimbursement within 5-10 business days Keep all receipts.
Can I switch to regular health insurance after graduating?
Yes, if you transition to permanent residency or work visa. You'll then need:
- Regular Australian health insurance (if working)
- Eligible for government rebate
- Subject to waiting periods for new coverage
