Price
Compare quotes using the same start date, end date and household type so the comparison is meaningful.
500 Student Visa Insurance›Compare OSHC Providers
OSHC BUYING GUIDE
How to Compare OSHC Providers
The cheapest OSHC policy is not automatically the right one for you. Compare the premium together with medical benefits, hospital arrangements, medicines, waiting periods and possible out-of-pocket costs.
Benefits and provider arrangements vary by insurer and product. Always check the current policy documents before purchasing.
QUICK COMPARISON
8 things worth checking
01Premium
02Doctor benefits
03Hospital cover
04Ambulance
05Medicines
06Waiting periods
07Gap costs
08Family options
Compare like-for-like policy types and the same cover dates.
START HERE
Compare more than the headline price
Two OSHC policies can both meet Student visa health-cover requirements while differing in premium, benefits, provider arrangements and how much you may pay yourself.
Benefits
Look at how the policy pays for eligible doctors, specialists, hospital treatment, medicines and ambulance.
Practical fit
Consider provider networks, claiming, waiting periods and whether you need single, couple or family cover.
THE 8-POINT CHECK
What should you compare?
01
Premium
Compare the total premium for the same period and the same policy type. A lower price can be attractive, but it should be considered alongside benefits and possible gaps.
Compare: like-for-like quotes02
GP & specialist benefits
Check how eligible out-of-hospital medical benefits are calculated. If a provider charges more than the benefit payable, you may have an out-of-pocket cost.
Check: benefit calculation03
Hospital treatment
Review eligible hospital treatment, accommodation and insurer hospital arrangements. The hospital and treatment can affect what is payable.
Check: hospital arrangements04
Emergency ambulance
Base OSHC generally includes benefits for eligible emergency ambulance services. Check the insurer's definitions and policy terms.
Check: eligible ambulance services05
Prescription medicines
OSHC can provide limited benefits for eligible prescription medicines. Check per-item and annual limits and the amount you may need to pay yourself.
Check: medicine limits06
Waiting periods
Check whether waiting periods apply to treatment relevant to you, including applicable pre-existing, psychiatric or pregnancy-related treatment.
Check: when benefits begin07
Potential gap payments
OSHC does not necessarily pay every healthcare bill in full. Compare how benefits are calculated and ask providers about fees before planned treatment.
Check: likely out-of-pocket costs08
Couple & family options
If a partner or dependent child needs OSHC, compare the correct household category rather than comparing single policies only.
Check: everyone who needs coverIMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND
A cheaper premium can still come with healthcare costs later
Your premium is the price of the insurance policy. A gap is an amount you may still have to pay when the healthcare provider's charge is more than the benefit your OSHC pays.
That is why comparing only the annual premium does not tell you the whole story.
SIMPLE EXAMPLE
Provider charges$X
OSHC benefitPolicy dependent
You may payAny remaining gap
Illustration only. Actual benefits depend on the policy, service and circumstances.BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Use a simple comparison checklist
You can use these questions when looking at Allianz Care, Bupa, nib or another eligible OSHC option.
What to check
Question to ask
Cover dates
Does the quote cover the full period I need?
Household type
Am I comparing single, couple or family cover correctly?
Doctors
How are GP and specialist benefits calculated?
Hospitals
What hospital arrangements and eligible treatment rules apply?
Medicines
What per-item or annual limits apply?
Waiting periods
Is any treatment relevant to me subject to a waiting period?
Extras
Do I need dental, optical or physiotherapy cover in addition to base OSHC?
PROVIDER COMPARISON
Compare current OSHC options
Policy Direct's main 500 Student Visa Insurance page lets you compare current OSHC options from leading Australian providers.
Allianz Care
Compare the current premium and policy details against the same dates and household type.
Review price + benefits
Bupa
Check medical and hospital benefits, policy terms and the current quote for your circumstances.
Review price + benefits
nib
Compare the relevant OSHC policy, current premium and benefit details before choosing cover.
Review price + benefitsAVOID THESE MISTAKES
4 common comparison mistakes
1
Comparing different cover dates
Use the same dates when comparing premiums.
2
Looking only at price
Review benefits, limits and potential gaps too.
3
Choosing the wrong household type
Make sure your partner or children are included where required.
4
Assuming every service is covered
Check exclusions, waiting periods and whether extras are needed.
QUICK ANSWERS
Comparing OSHC FAQs
Which OSHC provider is the cheapest?
Prices depend on your cover dates, policy type and current insurer pricing. Compare current like-for-like quotes rather than relying on an old premium.
Is the cheapest OSHC always the best choice?
Not necessarily. Price is one factor. Compare benefits, waiting periods, provider arrangements, limits and potential out-of-pocket costs as well.
Do all OSHC providers cover the same things?
OSHC products operate within Australian Government requirements, but insurer benefits, limits, provider arrangements, additional services and product terms can differ.
Should I compare GP benefits?
Yes. Check how eligible GP and other medical benefits are calculated and whether a gap can arise if the provider charges more.
Should I compare hospital networks?
Yes. Review the insurer's hospital arrangements and how eligible hospital treatment is covered under the policy.
Does every OSHC policy include dental and optical?
Routine dental and optical are generally outside base OSHC. Additional or extras cover may be available depending on the insurer.
Can I change OSHC providers later?
You can generally change OSHC providers, but continuous cover and waiting-period credits can be important. Check the new insurer's terms before switching.
What should couples and families compare?
Compare the correct couple or family policy type, premium, medical and hospital benefits, waiting periods and any additional cover your household needs.
Can I have out-of-pocket costs with OSHC?
Yes. A healthcare provider can charge more than the benefit payable under your policy, and some services or costs may be limited or excluded.
Where can I compare OSHC plans?
You can use Policy Direct's 500 Student Visa Insurance comparison page to review current options and then check the insurer's current policy documents before purchasing.
Why should I compare OSHC using the same cover dates?
Using the same start and end dates makes the premium comparison more meaningful because you are comparing cover for the same period.
Why do prescription medicine limits matter?
OSHC can provide limited benefits for eligible prescription medicines. Check applicable per-item and annual limits and what you may need to pay yourself.
What is a gap payment?
A gap can arise when a healthcare provider charges more than the benefit payable under your OSHC policy, leaving an amount for you to pay.
Should I check waiting periods before choosing OSHC?
Yes. Check whether treatment relevant to you is subject to a waiting period and when eligible benefits can begin under the policy.
What should I check before purchasing after comparing plans?
Check the insurer's current policy documents, your required cover dates, the correct household type, applicable benefits, limits, waiting periods and possible out-of-pocket costs.
READY TO COMPARE?
Compare OSHC Plans →Compare Student Visa OSHC
Review current OSHC options side by side, then check the policy terms before choosing your cover.
General information only: This guide does not recommend one insurer over another. Premiums, benefits, limits, provider arrangements and policy terms can change. Check the insurer's current policy documents and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances before purchasing.