To choose your Overseas Student Health Cover provider, see our pages below that provide you with information about the different policies, inclusions and exclusions for your health insurance as an international student studying in Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover explained
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students in Australia. If you hold a Student visa (subclass 500), your visa has condition 8501, which means you must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay. For student visa holders, adequate cover means OSHC from an approved Australian OSHC provider.
OSHC helps pay for medical and hospital care you may need while studying, and in most cases it is a condition of your visa that cannot be skipped. You will normally need to arrange your OSHC before you lodge your visa application, because you are asked for your OSHC details when you apply.
Who needs OSHC?
- Student visa (subclass 500) holders, for the full period of their visa, which is usually longer than the course itself
- Family members included in the student visa who are in Australia, such as a partner or dependent children (a couple or family policy is usually needed)
- Students moving between courses or providers, who must keep their cover continuous
There are limited exemptions. Students from Norway covered by the Norwegian national insurance scheme, students from Sweden covered by their national arrangements and students from Belgium covered under the reciprocal agreement may not need to buy OSHC. If you think you are exempt, check the current rules before applying.
What OSHC usually covers
Every OSHC provider must offer a minimum level of cover set by the Australian Government. This typically includes:
- visits to general practitioners (GPs) and specialists
- in-hospital treatment and accommodation in public hospitals, and some cover in private hospitals
- emergency ambulance transport
- some prescription medicines
- pathology tests and x-rays
OSHC does not usually include dental, optical or physiotherapy. Some insurers sell “extras” cover for these services as an add-on. Waiting periods may apply for some services, such as pre-existing conditions and pregnancy related treatment, so read the policy documents carefully.
How to choose and buy OSHC
- Work out the dates you need. Your cover should start on or before the day you arrive in Australia and finish when your visa ends.
- Decide who needs to be covered: just you, you and a partner, or your family.
- Compare the approved OSHC providers using the provider pages below, looking at what is included, gap fees, extras and how claims are made.
- Buy the policy (many education providers can also arrange OSHC for you) and keep your policy number and certificate. You will need these details for your visa application.
- Activate your cover when you arrive and download the insurer app or member card.
Overseas Student Health Cover FAQs
Can I extend my OSHC if I extend my studies?
Yes. If you apply for a new student visa to continue studying, you need OSHC that covers the whole period of your new visa. Most insurers let you extend an existing policy online.
What happens if my OSHC lapses?
Not holding OSHC while you are on a student visa is a breach of condition 8501, which can put your visa at risk of cancellation and cause problems with future applications. If your cover lapses, renew it immediately.
Can I change OSHC provider?
Yes. You can usually switch between approved OSHC providers. Arrange the new policy to start the day after your old one ends, so there is no gap in cover.
Do I still need OSHC after I finish my course?
You need cover until your student visa ends. If you then apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) or another temporary visa, you will usually need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) instead of OSHC.
Can I get a refund if my visa is refused or I leave early?
Most OSHC providers offer a refund for unused cover in certain situations, such as a visa refusal or leaving Australia permanently before your policy ends. Refund rules vary by insurer, so check your policy terms.
Is OSHC the same as travel insurance?
No. Travel insurance does not meet the student visa health insurance requirement. You need OSHC from an approved provider, although you may choose to also buy travel insurance for things OSHC does not cover.
