Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

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Overseas Student Health Cover

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PROTECT YOUR HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA

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.

OSHC Coverage Overview

What OSHC Covers

Essential health services included in your student health insurance.

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)

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)

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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.

OSHC Essentials

Overseas Student Health Cover Essentials

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

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OSHC is mandatory for the entire duration of your student visa (Subclass 500)

Coverage date 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

Choosing & Purchasing OSHC

OSHC Selection & Purchase Process

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

Card 1

Verify Your Eligibility & Coverage Needs Confirm your student visa duration from your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). Determine your coverage type: Singles, Couples, Single Parent, or Family (based on dependants). Calculate total coverage period: arrival date to visa expiry date.

Card 2

Compare Approved OSHC Providers Contact our team 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).

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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). Activate your policy upon arrival (register online or via provider's mobile app).

OSHC Costs & Pricing

OSHC Premium Costs & Budget Planning

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

Cost Breakdown (Numbered)

• 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

• 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

Approved OSHC Providers

Government-Approved OSHC Insurers

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Only five Australian health insurers are approved by the Department of Health to offer OSHC.

Provider Listings

5 Logos are enough

PROVIDER 1: BUPA

Website: https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc

Services: Campus representatives, Bupa telehealth GPs, Success policy range

Specialty: Comprehensive support; available at many universities

Coverage options: Basic + Extras; family plans available

PROVIDER 2: NIB

Website: nib.com.au/overseas-students

Services: 24/7 support, nib App, digital mental health tool (Sonder included)

Specialty: Technology-focused; strong mobile app; telehealth GP coverage

Coverage options: Basic + Extras; working visa cover available post-graduation

PROVIDER 3: ALLIANZ CARE AUSTRALIA

Website: allianzcare.com.au (OSHC section)

Services: 24/7 multilingual support, Sonder mental health access, video GP consultations

Specialty: International student expertise; strong customer support

Coverage options: Multiple basic plans + comprehensive Extras packages

PROVIDER 4: MEDIBANK

Website: https://www.medibank.com.au/overseas-health-insurance/oshc/

Services: Medibank app, extensive hospital network, direct billing partnerships

Specialty: Large provider; extensive clinic/hospital network; retail discounts

Coverage options: Comprehensive basic + Extras; family flexibility

PROVIDER 5: AHM (Australian Health Management)

Website: https://www.ahmaccess.com/

Services: Affordable options, community clinic partnerships, payment plans

Specialty: Competitive pricing; flexible coverage; good customer support

Coverage options: Basic budget options + standard Extras packages

Partnering with Leading RTO Providers

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.