OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): Student Visa Requirements & Costs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students on an Australian Subclass 500 visa. It covers essential medical services including doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance, and some pharmaceuticals. Five providers are approved by the Australian Government: Medibank, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, nib, and AHM (owned by Medibank). Costs range from approximately $480 to $700 per year for singles, depending on the provider and coverage level.
This guide explains what OSHC is, why your student visa requires it, what it does and doesn't cover, and how to buy and claim it. Choosing between insurers? Use our dedicated head-to-head: OSHC Providers Compared — Bupa vs Medibank vs Allianz vs NIB, with current pricing side by side.
Compare individual OSHC providers (2026 reviews):
See the side-by-side: OSHC Providers Compared.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mandatory for | All Subclass 500 student visa holders |
| Coverage period | Must cover entire visa duration |
| Approved providers | Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, nib, AHM |
| Single cover cost | ~$480–$700/year |
| Couple cover cost | ~$2,400–$3,600/year |
| Family cover cost | ~$3,600–$5,400/year |
| Waiting periods | Varies — pre-existing conditions: 12 months |
| Claim methods | Online, app, in-branch, direct billing |
What OSHC Covers
OSHC provides a similar level of cover to what Australian residents receive through Medicare. It's not comprehensive private health insurance — it's basic medical coverage.
Covered services:
- GP (general practitioner) visits
- Specialist consultations (with GP referral)
- Pathology and diagnostic imaging (X-rays, blood tests)
- Hospital treatment (shared ward) as a private patient in a public hospital, or as a patient in a private hospital (depending on policy)
- Emergency ambulance transport
- Prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- Some prostheses and appliances
NOT covered (or limited):
- Dental treatment
- Optical (glasses, contact lenses)
- Physiotherapy and allied health
- Pre-existing conditions (12-month waiting period)
- Cosmetic surgery
- IVF and assisted reproduction
- Treatment outside Australia
- Pregnancy-related services (waiting periods apply)
The lack of dental and optical coverage catches many students off guard. If you want these services, you'll need to purchase additional "extras" cover — which is separate from OSHC and not required by your visa.
Approved OSHC Providers at a Glance
All five approved OSHC providers meet the minimum requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. The differences are in price, extras, customer service, and convenience. The summaries below give you the shape of each provider; for a full side-by-side breakdown with current pricing, see OSHC Providers Compared.
Medibank
Australia's largest health insurer. Offers straightforward OSHC with online claims and a large provider network. Often the default provider at many universities.
| Cover Type | Annual Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single | $570–$650 |
| Couple | $2,800–$3,200 |
| Family | $4,200–$5,000 |
Pros: Large network of preferred providers, easy online claims, well-known brand Cons: Mid-range pricing, some students report slow customer service
Bupa
Global health insurer with strong Australian presence. Often competitively priced and partnered with many education providers.
| Cover Type | Annual Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single | $530–$620 |
| Couple | $2,600–$3,000 |
| Family | $3,900–$4,600 |
Pros: Competitive pricing, direct billing at many clinics, good online portal Cons: Network varies by location, claims can take time for hospital bills
Allianz Care Australia
International insurer with a product specifically designed for international students. Often the cheapest option.
| Cover Type | Annual Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single | $480–$560 |
| Couple | $2,400–$2,800 |
| Family | $3,600–$4,200 |
Pros: Often the lowest price, good online management, responsive customer service Cons: Smaller local presence, fewer direct billing arrangements
nib
Australian insurer that's grown its OSHC offering significantly. Competitive pricing with good digital tools.
| Cover Type | Annual Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single | $510–$600 |
| Couple | $2,500–$2,900 |
| Family | $3,800–$4,500 |
Pros: Good app, competitive pricing, responsive support Cons: Smaller provider network in some regional areas
AHM (Australian Health Management)
A subsidiary of Medibank offering budget-friendly OSHC. Same claims network as Medibank but lower premiums.
| Cover Type | Annual Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single | $490–$570 |
| Couple | $2,400–$2,800 |
| Family | $3,600–$4,300 |
Pros: Lower prices than parent company Medibank, same network, online-focused Cons: Less brand recognition, limited physical service centres
How to Choose a Provider
Price
If cost is your primary concern, Allianz and AHM tend to be the cheapest. Over a 2-year master's degree, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive provider could be $300–$500. Not insignificant for a student budget.
University Partnership
Many Australian universities have partnerships with specific OSHC providers. This often means:
- Discounted rates for students at that institution
- On-campus representatives
- Easier coordination with the university's health service
- Bundled payment with your tuition fees
If your university has a preferred provider, it's often the easiest and most cost-effective option.
Provider Network
If you want to use direct billing (where the provider pays the clinic directly, rather than you paying and claiming back), check which clinics near your campus and accommodation accept your chosen provider. A cheaper policy that requires you to pay upfront for every visit creates cash-flow challenges.
Claims Process
All providers offer online claims, but the speed and ease vary. Read recent student reviews (not marketing material) to gauge real-world claims experiences.
How to Get OSHC
Option 1: Through your education provider. Many universities and colleges arrange OSHC as part of the enrolment process. You pay as part of your fees, and the institution provides the policy details for your visa application.
Option 2: Directly from an OSHC provider. Visit the provider's website, select the OSHC product, enter your course details and visa dates, and purchase online. You'll receive a certificate of cover that you include in your visa application.
Option 3: Through a migration agent or education agent. Your agent can arrange OSHC on your behalf. Ensure they're using an approved provider.
Timing: Your OSHC must be in place before your visa is granted. If your policy start date is later than your visa start date, you'll have a coverage gap that could delay your visa.
Making Claims
Doctor Visits
Visit any GP. If the clinic offers direct billing with your provider, you'll pay nothing or a small gap. If not, pay the bill, keep the receipt, and claim online.
Hospital Treatment
For planned hospital admissions, call your OSHC provider first to confirm coverage and get pre-approval. For emergency admissions, go directly to the emergency department — you can sort out the paperwork later.
Prescription Medications
OSHC covers medications listed on the PBS up to a maximum benefit amount. You'll typically pay a co-payment (around $7–$30 per script) and claim the remainder.
Mental Health Services
OSHC covers psychiatrist consultations and some psychology sessions. Availability varies by provider and policy. Many universities also offer free counselling through student services, which can supplement your OSHC mental health cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change OSHC providers during my studies?
Yes, you can switch providers at any time. The new provider must cover you for the remainder of your visa period. Contact both your old and new providers to arrange the transfer — there should be no gap in coverage.
What if I'm from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement?
Students from Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK may be exempt from the OSHC requirement due to reciprocal agreements. However, you need to enrol with Medicare separately, and the coverage may be limited. Check the specific agreement for your country.
Does OSHC cover COVID-19 treatment?
Yes. OSHC covers medically necessary treatment for COVID-19, including hospitalisation. Testing and vaccination are generally available through public health services.
Can I get a refund if my visa is refused or I leave early?
Yes. OSHC providers offer pro-rata refunds for unused coverage, minus any claims paid and an administration fee. Contact your provider to arrange a refund.
Is OSHC enough, or do I need additional insurance?
OSHC covers medical essentials but not dental, optical, or extras. It also doesn't cover travel insurance scenarios (lost luggage, trip cancellation, liability). Many students purchase supplementary extras cover or separate travel insurance for more comprehensive protection.
