OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students on Australian student visas. Ensure continuous coverage for medical care, hospital treatment, and peace of mind during your studies.

What OSHC Covers

Essential health services included in your student health insurance.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS AVAILABLE Additional Services

Dental treatment: Cleanings, fillings, extractions (extras cover)
Optical services: Eye tests, glasses, contact lenses (extras cover)
Physiotherapy & chiropractic: Allied health services (extras cover)
Mental health support: 24/7 counseling services with Sonder (included)

BASIC OSHC COVERS
Essential Medical Services

General practitioner (GP) visits: 100% of MBS fee covered
Hospital treatments: Public & private hospital care
Emergency ambulance services: Full coverage
Limited pharmaceuticals: Up to $300/year (single), $600/year (family)

OSHC does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy treatments under basic coverage. Upgrade to Extras OSHC for these services, or purchase supplementary private health insurance alongside OSHC.

Overseas Student Health Cover Essentials

Understanding OSHC requirements is critical for your visa compliance and health protection.

OSHC is mandatory for the entire duration of your student visa (Subclass 500)
Coverage must start on or before your arrival date in Australia (no gaps permitted)
Coverage must extend to your visa expiry date or departure date, whichever is later
Only Australian Government-approved OSHC providers are valid for visa requirements
You must pay OSHC premiums upfront before lodging your student visa application
All dependants (partners and children under 18) must have OSHC unless exempt by reciprocal agreement
You can choose any approved provider; universities cannot force you to use a specific provider
Failure to maintain continuous OSHC constitutes a visa breach and may jeopardize your status.

OSHC Selection & Purchase Process

Follow three steps to select appropriate OSHC coverage for your Australian study.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility & Coverage Needs

Confirm your student visa duration from your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). Check if you're exempt (Belgian, Norwegian, Swedish students may qualify). Determine your coverage type: Singles, Couples, Single Parent, or Family (based on dependants). Calculate total coverage period: arrival date to visa expiry date.

Step 2: Compare Approved OSHC Providers Visit

To compare all government-approved providers. Review basic OSHC coverage and Extras options. Check provider support features (24/7 helplines, telehealth GPs, mobile apps, campus representatives). Compare premiums and value-added benefits (retail discounts, mental health support, direct billing clinics).

Step 3: Purchase & Secure Your Certificate

Complete online application with approved provider. Pay premium upfront (accept all policies will require full payment). Receive confirmation email and OSHC certificate (usually within 24 hours). Upload certificate to your student visa application. Activate your policy upon arrival (register online or via provider's mobile app).

OSHC Premium Costs & Budget Planning

OSHC costs vary by provider and coverage type, ranging from AUD $478–$4,200 annually.

1. BASIC OSHC PREMIUMS (Annual Costs 2026)

Singles basic OSHC: AUD $478–$700 per year (lowest cost option)
Couples basic OSHC: AUD $4,600–$6,200 per year
Single Parent basic OSHC: $4,600–$6,200 per year
Family basic OSHC: AUD $9,000–$11,000 per year (covers student + 2 dependants)
Note: Costs vary significantly between providers; compare before purchasing

2. EXTRAS OSHC (Additional Annual Costs)

Dental coverage: Additional AUD $200–$400 per year
Optical coverage: Additional AUD $100–$200 per year
Physiotherapy/allied health: Additional AUD $150–$300 per year
Comprehensive extras package: Additional AUD $400–$600 per year
Mental health premium: Typically included at no extra cost with most providers

3. MULTI-YEAR DISCOUNTS

2-year policies: Often 5–10% discount compared to annual purchase
3-year policies: Typically 10–15% discount compared to annual purchase
Family policies: Often cheaper per person than individual singles policies
Note: Check if your visa duration allows multi-year policies before committing

4. COST-REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Use direct-billing clinics: Reduces or eliminates gap fees at registration
Telehealth GP services: Many policies offer free/low-cost telehealth consultations
OSHC Australia website: Can save up to AUD $300 on average through comparison
Payment options: Use Flywire or Cohort Go for competitive foreign exchange rates
Employer assistance: Some universities/employers reimburse OSHC costs

5. TOTAL INVESTMENT (TYPICAL SCENARIOS)

1-year singles basic OSHC: AUD $500–$700
3-year singles basic OSHC: AUD $1,400–$2,100 (with discount)
3-year family basic OSHC: AUD $12,000–$15,000 (3-4 family members)
3-year singles with extras: AUD $2,200–$3,500
Budget impact: OSHC represents 3–5% of typical annual Australian study budget

Selecting the right Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for your Recognition of Prior Learning assessment is a vital decision that determines the speed and success of your certification journey. With numerous providers offering RPL across various industries, it is essential to choose an institution that is fully accredited and possesses a deep understanding of your specific trade or professional sector. Before enrolling, it is a good idea to chat with our experts to compare various providers, assessment fees, and the specific evidence requirements for your chosen qualification to ensure the program aligns with your career goals. We provide expert guidance on compiling a "decision-ready" portfolio, helping you navigate the complexities of vocational standards and ensuring your years of hard work are formally recognised with a valid Australian qualification.

OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER (OSHC)