What is OSHC? A guide for international students

OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover — is mandatory health insurance for international students in Australia. Every student visa holder must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their stay. It's not optional, and you can't substitute it with travel insurance from home. Here's what you need to know.

How it works

OSHC helps cover the cost of medical treatment if you get sick or have an accident while studying in Australia. It's basic cover — think of it as a safety net rather than comprehensive health insurance. The Australian Government requires it so that international students don't face crippling medical bills and aren't a burden on the public Medicare system (which is for citizens and permanent residents).

There are six approved OSHC providers: Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care, nib, CBHS International, and ahm OSHC. All offer a similar core product that meets the government's minimum requirements. The main differences are in price, extras (like dental and optical), and the quality of their app and claims process.

You can choose from three coverage types: single (just you), couple (you + your partner), and family (you + partner + children). Single cover costs approximately $50/month, couple cover around $200/month, and family cover around $250/month. You must purchase cover for the full length of your student visa — you can't buy it month-to-month.

Australian context

OSHC is a condition of your student visa (subclass 500). When you apply for your visa, you must provide evidence that you've arranged OSHC for the proposed visa period. The Department of Home Affairs will not grant your visa without it.

What OSHC typically covers:

• GP visits (some or all of the cost, depending on the doctor's billing)
• Hospital treatment in a public hospital (shared ward)
• Emergency ambulance transport
• Limited prescription medicines (up to $50 per item, with an annual cap)

What OSHC does not cover:

• Dental, optical, and physiotherapy (unless you buy extras cover)
• Pre-existing conditions (there's usually a 12-month waiting period)
• Pregnancy-related services (12-month waiting period)
• Elective cosmetic procedures
• Treatment that Medicare doesn't cover

Common mistakes

• Buying the minimum period: Your visa may be granted for longer than your course. If your OSHC expires before your visa, you're in breach. Always buy cover for the full visa period plus a buffer.
• Not comparing providers: Many students default to their university's recommended provider. Always compare — prices can differ by $100–$300 per year for the same cover.
• Assuming it covers everything: OSHC is basic. If you wear glasses, need dental work, or have ongoing health needs, factor in out-of-pocket costs or extras cover.
• Forgetting dependents: If your partner or children are on your visa, they need OSHC too. You can't add them later without buying a new policy.
• Not knowing how to claim: Most providers have an app for digital claims. Keep your receipts and membership card handy.