Overseas Student Health Cover In Australia: Uncover The Details

Overseas Student Health Cover in Australia is not only a requirement to fulfill but also a wise investment in your wellbeing. Uncover everything about this health insurance and find one that will make your study abroad experience more pleasant.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): An Introduction

What Is OSHC?

OSHC is a health insurance program designed to help international students pay for unforeseen medical and hospital expenses that may arise during their study in Australia. It pays for limited pharmaceutical items as well as ambulance cover.

Who Needs OSHC?

According to the Australian law, overseas students must have sufficient health insurance before being granted their visa. OSHC is regarded as the necessary health insurance under that policy. 

Yet, you are not required to acquire OSHC if you come from countries that have a government-to-government agreement with Australia that addresses the insurance needs.

When Do You Need to Arrange OSHC?

Prior to applying for a student visa, you must acquire OSHC. This means that although you must pay OSHC in advance, your coverage won’t take effect until you get to Australia. 

The day you plan to arrive in the country should coincide with the start of your cover. Choose the date 28 days before the start of your course if you are unsure of your precise arrival date.

Length of OSHC Policy  

You should take into account the Department of Home Affairs’ maximum grant lengths for your student visa to identify the OSHC policy’s expiration date. After that, you can request your insurer to provide you with the OSHC for the period of the planned student visa.

Importantly, your OSHC must be continuous. Your student visa will be granted for the maximum grant duration only when it aligns with the coverage of OSHC policy. While in Australia on a student visa, you must maintain suitable health insurance arrangements or your visa may be revoked.

OSHC Coverage

Although OSHC coverage is extensive, it does not cover everything. The insured is responsible for paying anything that is not covered by the insurance. Let’s dive deep into details to see what you get to benefit from.

What Does OSHC Cover?

OSHC offers you the fundamentals of health coverage that all native citizens in Australia have:

Types of Health Services	Details
Hospital	Full Medicare Benefits Schedule costs of the hospital’s medical services  Shared ward accommodation in a public hospital for an overnight stay Inpatient treatment, surgery, and other medical services when you are hospitalized (applicable to public hospitals and some private hospitals with contracts)
Out Of Hospital Treatment (Doctors)	General Practice (GP) visits, including telehealth (100% coverage of the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) fee) Specialist visits (Up to 85% of the MBS fee covered) X-rays or blood tests (Up to 85% of the MBS covered) Get the gap between the Pharmacy Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment, and the amount paid, and refunded to you. Claim a gap payment, with no waiting period, for a variety of allied health services
Ambulance	Emergency ambulance transport for admission into the hospital. If an ambulance is dispatched and you receive on-the-spot medical treatment
Prescription Medicines	It is limited to $50 per pharmaceutical item to a maximum of $300 per year for a single or $600 for a family membership.

What Does OSHC Not Cover?

Not all medical situations are covered by the OSHC due to limitations imposed by the Australian government. These include:

• Treatment was scheduled before coming to Australia.
• Treatment required while travelling to, or travelling from Australia.
• Treatment is paid for by a court order as reimbursement.
• Non-emergency ambulance travel
• Treatments Not Covered By Medicare (Visiting a dentist; Physiotherapy, speech therapy, chiropractor and so forth; Glasses and contact lenses; Acupuncture; Cosmetic Surgery)
• Specialist Treatments (IVF treatment)

Note: If you require coverage for the above mentioned services, you can obtain Extras Cover, a supplementary insurance. 

OSHC Eligibility and Visa Requirements

OSHC and Australian Student Visa Conditions

If you are from countries like Belgium, Norway or Sweden that have a healthcare agreement with Australia, you can be exempt from OSHC. Otherwise, you need to prepare something to be eligible for OSHC:

• Residency status: You must not be an Australian permanent resident
• Visa: You must be applying for an eligible student visa
• Medicare: You must not be eligible for full Medicare benefits

Proof of OSHC for Visa Application

Before issuing a student visa, the Department of Home Affairs will verify the student’s OSHC policy period. The student‘s visa requires them to have sufficient health insurance for the term of the visa, and they are not allowed to come to Australia until the health insurance coverage has started.

To demonstrate that you have the necessary insurance, you must include the OSHC Certificate of COverage with your visa application. Note that you have to buy your OSHC from an Australian OSHC provider.

Dependents and Family Members on OSHC

Overseas students must also present proof of OSHC for any accompanying demand for the intended duration of their student’s visa. Dependents can purchase  OSHC to be covered by the same policy as the primary student visa holder. The dependents’ OSHC must cover the full length of their stay and they must be permitted to travel with the student on their student  visa.

Depending on the family structures, many types of OSHC policies can be purchased, such as:

• Single (for the overseas student only)
• Couple (for the overseas student and their partner)
• Single-Parent (for the overseas student and their dependent children)
• Multi-Family (for the overseas student, a spouse and their dependent children)

Key Benefits of OSHC

Protection Against High Medical Costs

Although Australia is renowned for having a cutting-edge, excellent healthcare system those without insurance must pay exorbitant medical costs.

Without OSHC, hospital stays might cost thousands of dollars while a basic doctor’s consultation might cost between AUD 80 and AUD 100. Instead, if you have insurance like OHSC, it will help you pay for all or part of your medical costs, greatly lowering your financial burden.

Access to Doctors and Hospitals in Australia

There are numerous OSHC-participating clinics, hospitals and other medical institutions that offer health care to international students. It makes medical science widely available and easily accessible.

Specifically, OSHC providers converge for lodging, emergency and accident services, outpatient care and physician services for in-hospital treatment.

If you are admitted to a public hospital, you will be covered by same-day services and a room in a shared ward only. Additionally, all OSHC providers have contracts with private hospitals, which is beneficial if you are being treated by one of the private ones.

Just remember to examine your OSHC policy to find out whether private hospitals are covered by it and which one your insurer has an agreement with.

Extra Services (Ambulance, limited pharmaceuticals, etc.)

Emergency ambulance services and prescription medication are covered by OSHC in addition to hospital treatments. Yet, these extra services are considered limitations as they have caps or limits with the client responsible for any costs beyond the insurer’s limit.

• Emergency Ambulance Services: You are fully insured for emergency care at an A&E department if you are hurt or unexpectedly get sick. This covers both emergency ambulance services and shared ward accommodations.

• Prescription Medications: Before your insurance pays a benefit for a prescription medication, you have to make a contribution.  This sum will be equal to the existing $30 co-payment amount for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Moreover, there are different upfront fees, family and individual caps and maximum benefit per item.

• Out-of-hospital Services: Out-of-hospital services include full or partial coverage for GP and specialist consultations, telehealth services, and X-ray/pathology services. You will get 100% of the benefit specified in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for these services. Additionally, depending on their insurer, policyholders will receive 85–100% of the benefits specified in the MBS for telehealth consultations,  pathology and X-rays.

Peace of Mind for Students and Families

As we’ve just mentioned above, OSHC helps minimize the financial burden of high medical costs and ensure you have access to quality healthcare.Those major benefits will let you study with peace of mind without worrying too much about medical incidents or skyrocketing costs.

OSHC Costs and Payment Options

Depending on specific insurers and their policies, the student’s OHSC cost will differ. Thus, you are advised to get in touch with the private health insurers for policy-related details and fees to make sure you pick the one within your budget.

What Affects the Cost of OSHC?

The cost of OSHC is based on several factors, including:

• Length of Stay: The length of your stay in Australia has an impact on the cost as the longer stay, the higher cost. 
• Level of Coverage: Plans with greater benefits or higher coverage limitations will typically cost more. For example, comprehensive alternatives may include extras like dental, optical etc., which will raise the premium
• Insurance Provider: Different insurance providers have different rates. Although their rates may be slightly pricier, reputable providers frequently offer superior services and assistance.
• Age & Health Status: Younger students usually pay less because they are statistically healthier and less likely to require substantial medical treatment. It is a very common practice in the insurance industry.

Paying OSHC Upfront vs In Installments

OSHC must be paid in full upfront for the duration of your visa. This is due to that fact that when you apply for a student visa, the Department of Home Affairs demands that you present a current OSHC certificate. Therefore, making payments in instalments is not a choice.

If the upfront cost is an issue for you, we recommend that you thoroughly research and compare several OSHC providers to find the most affordable one.

OSHC Refunds if Your Plans Change

You are able to ask for a refund if your plans change. Pro-rata calculations are used to determine refunds and there may be an administration fee.

Here are the situations where you are eligible for OSHC Refunds: 

• Leaving the country permanently before your student visa expires
• Being awarded an alternative Australian visa that does not require OSHC (working visa or permanent residency)
• Never landing in the country after your application for a student visa was denied
• Not getting renewed for your visa but you have already paid for an extended policy time
• Paying the wrong amount or having a duplicate OSHC coverage

If you fall in one of those cases, you can easily apply for a refund as follows:

Step 1: Gather necessary supporting papers required to demonstrate your changes

Step 2: Get in touch with your provider

Step 3: Fill out an online form or submit one with your papers

Step 4: Provide your Australian bank account information so that the refund can be completed

How to Find The Right OSHC Insurance 

The Australian government has regulated and approved a number of OSHC insurance providers in the country. This makes sure all the providers meet the government’s requirements for insurance coverage and service quality.

In this part, we will assist you in selecting the most suitable OSHC coverage.

Key Factors to Consider in OSHC Providers

Selecting the right health insurance í a crucial but sometimes daunting choice. To make the process as simple as possible, you can take into account these important factors to choose the finest option.

Coverage Options

The OHSC insurance should cover:

• Hospital’s medical services, including accommodations
• General practitioner appointments, 
• Emergency ambulance requests, and 
• On-the-spot care
• Outpatient treatment

Any exclusions that might be relevant to the coverage you select should also be taken into consideration. For instance, while some providers offer dental and optical services as extra services, these might not be included in other providers’ policies.

Healthcare Providers Network

OSHC’ network of healthcare providers is another essential factor to consider. It indicates which medical institutions and hospitals are covered by your OSHC. Since each period has a unique network that varies in size, it is best to find one with as wide a network as possible.

Costs and Its Worthiness

Your budget is definitely one of the most important things you should think about. Your coverage should be both affordable and provide the best value. So, break down the cost differences between some of the best OSHC providers carefully.

• Learn about their upfront costs
• Decide if the package is worthwhile
• Check if there are any fees in case of refunds

Tips to Compare OSHC Providers Effectively

When searching for an OSHC plan, carefully consider both its pros and cons. Lower costs are not always the best option. To compare the top insurance providers effectively and find the best overseas health cover for you, here are some tips:

• Begin your search early to have more time for reviewing and avoid rushing into making final decisions.
• Put your needs first. For example, if you have any pre-existing medical issues, don’t forget to check if the plan covers your case.
• Try to stick with your planned budget by comparing as many providers as possible.
• Use special tools or websites to get a snapshot of all providers available and what they have to offer.

OSHC vs Other Types of Health Insurance

There are other types of health insurance, in addition to OSHC, which you may have heard about when researching for health insurance in Australia. 

 

	Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)	Medicare	Private Health Insurance
Definition	OVHC is a kind of insurance designed for travelers and short-term tourists that offers essential medical care while they are in Australia.	Medicare is Australia’s national insurance program that provides free or heavily discounted medical care and prescription drugs to the majority of Australian people.	Residents and citizens of Australia have access to private health insurance, which is more comprehensive and frequently covers “extras” like dental and optical care that are not usually included in regular OSHC.
Eligibility Criteria	Temporary Visa Holders Non-Residents Age Limits	Australian citizens and most Australian residents	Australian residents and citizens, especially those need “extras”
Key Benefits and Coverage	Hospital Treatment Medical Services Emergency Ambulance Prescription Medications	Costs of visits to the emergency department of public or certain private hospitals Other health practitioners visit costs Ambulance Cover	In-Hospital Treatment Out-Of-Hospital Treatment Ambulance Cover Extras Cover like Dental check-ups, Orthodontics, Speech Therapy, Dietetics, etc.

 

Where to Buy OSHC Insurance For Studying in Australia

Overseas students are free to select their own insurance provider. Even in cases where a tsunde’s educational institution has a contract with preferred insurers, this must still be upheld. You can buy OSHC insurance from:

Your University

Many Australian colleges, universities, and other educational establishments provide OSHC support services to foreign students. The school will often ask you to select an insurance provider or provide details about the suggested OSHC package when you receive an offer letter.

Approved OSHC Insurers

To learn more, compare plans and make an online purchase, you can visit the websites of OSHC providers that have been approved by the Australian government. You can strategically select the best policy based on your own needs and budget. 

Here are 6 popular insurance companies that provide OSHC:

• CBHS
• AHM
• NIB
• Allianz
• Medibank
• Bupa

Migration Agents/Education Agents

Migration and education agents are allowed to recommend OSHC products. This means they can actively participate in the creation of suitable OSHC products. Upon sale, these agents must give students a copy of their OSHC policy, which must contain the policy number, start and end dates, and inclusions.

Official OSHC Comparison Websites and Tools

There isn’t a single “official” OSHC comparison tool, powered by the Australian government. Fortunately, several independent websites and commercial agents offer tools and information to help you compare the features and costs of various providers.

They collect data from all or most of the authorized providers, enabling you to filter according to coverage requirements and cost. Examples of such comparison tools are:

• OSHC Australia
• GetMyPolicy.online
• OSHC Compare
• Finder.com.au – OSHC Comparison

How to Use Your OSHC in Australia

How to Make a Claim

Being well-prepared makes it easier for you to make an OSHC insurance claim. Having said that, you should have all the necessary paperwork, including your policy number and details. Check if the treatment you are claiming for is covered by your policy.

Now that you are ready, let’s go over each step you need to take to submit your OSHC claim:

• Step 1: Visit your healthcare provider. You should gather all the information required to submit your claim during your visit.
• Step 2: Make sure to get any bills and receipts after your medical appointment is over. When making the claim, this information will be used as evidence. Additionally, you can request a claim form and your medical record. 
• Step 3: Fill out the claim form. Then, do a full review of your claim form to make sure everything is correct.
• Step 4: Submit your claim online, though the mail or in-person. The way you choose depends on your preference

Using Your OSHC Card and Online Portal

After you purchase OSHC insurance, you will be able to activate and use your OSHC card physically or digitally. This card is essential for obtaining medical care in Australia, demonstrating your adherence to visa regulations and guaranteeing comfort during your academic pursuits.

Here is how you can activate your OSHC card:

• Step 1: Log in to your provider’s website or app with your policy number
• Step 2: Confirm your details including your name, date of birth and course dates and make sure they match your visa requirement records.
• Step 3: Order a physical card or download its digital version
• Step 4: Keep it carefully until you need to use it.

Beside a membership card, you can get access to the provider’s online portal or mobile app.These tools are useful for managing your policy or submitting and tracking claims.

Waiting Periods and Pre-existing Conditions

Any illness, ailment or condition that had symptoms before your arrival in Australia or the start of your health insurance,which comes first,is referred to as a pre-existing medical condition.

There are various types of pre-existing medical conditions. While some may have happened lately, others may be persistent. If you received treatment or had recurrent symptoms prior to the start of your coverage, even if you are well now, it can still be concierge to be pre-existing.

OSHC providers usually impose a 12-month waiting period before covering treatment for your pre-existing conditions that necessitate hospitalization. Consequently, you will be responsible for covering the entire cost if you require surgery or in-hospital care due to a pre-existing condition during the first 12 months of your coverage.

What to Do in an Emergency

The local emergency number is one of the most crucial pieces of information you need in each country. In Australia, the emergency services number is 000. Therefore, you can dial 000 to get an ambulance emergency service.

Moreover, in emergencies, it is best to have all the right documents on hand, such as:

• A copy of your passport and visa
• Health insurance details
• Medical records
• Emergency contact information

Having said that, you should prepare and store these documents physically and digitally. This can be really helpful if you’re unable to communicate in an emergency.

Changing, Extending, or Cancelling Your OSHC

You are bound to maintain adequate OSHC insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia as an international student. If, for any reasons, you want to change, extend or cancel your OSHC, it won’t be a problem.

Extending Your Policy if You Stay Longer

If you stay longer, you will need to extend your existing student visa or apply for a new one. That means you will need to purchase an OSHC policy for the extended period before you apply for your visa.

You can consider extending your policy online or via the provider’s online portal or app. Once you have purchased an OSHC policy for the extended period, the provider will issue a certificate of insurance for you to submit with your visa application.

Changing OSHC Providers Safely

You can switch to a new OSHC provider even if you already have an OSHC policy with other health insurance providers. Your previous provider will give you a clearance certificate which will be used to waive any relevant waiting periods you have served on your previous policy.

It is highly recommended that you already have an alternative in mind before changing your provider. Because you need to maintain continuous, adequate health coverage for the entire duration of your student visa in Australia.

To avoid breaching your student visa conditions, you should:

• Select a new one before starting the changing process
• Make sure that your new policy starts from the day your previous one ends
• Contact your current provider to cancel the existing OSHC policy
• Request a pro-rata refund for the unexpired period of your cover (But if it is officially over and you want to extend the OSHC with a new provider, then you don’t need to do this.)

Cancelling OSHC and Getting a Refund

Last but not least, you can cancel your OSHC and get a pro-rata refund. As we’ve mentioned above, you can have your policy cancelled in different cases. The process is made simple with just a few steps and some documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with OSHC

We have gone a long way to learn all the basics of OSHC in Australia. This will be your guideline to find and utilize this health insurance to the maximum. As we are approaching the end of this article, we want to emphasize some of the most common mistakes students often make related to OSHC.

• Putting off applying till the very last minute
• Selecting the least expensive choice without evaluating coverage
• Being ignorant of the exclusions and limitations
• Failing to renew their policy before it expires

By avoiding all these mistakes, you can maintain continuous, adequate health coverage during your stay and steer clear of any violations. 

In Conclusion

Overseas health insurance in Australia is crucial for not only your personal financial security but also your adherence to the law. Having OSHC ensures that you have access to vital medical services.

As an international student, you definitely have a lot to prepare. Thus, we hope that this article can be helpful for your research of OSHC. 

FAQs

Is Health Coverage Necessary for International Students?

Almost all candidates for student visas in Australia must have OSHC to study there, according to the Department of Home Affairs. 

However, students from Sweden, Norway, and Belgium could have specific arrangements under their respective programs.

How Can Your OSHC Be Maintained?

To make sure you have coverage for essential medical treatments, you should maintain your OSHC continuously.  Here are some useful suggestions:

• Stay updated about the expiration date of your OSHC so you can renew it to prevent coverage gaps
• Keep track of your provider’s details to avoid issues while filing policy claims
• Be aware of the waiting periods associated with the policy you purchased
• Find the top providers with simple claims procedures

Last updated on 11/12/2025