Student only
Designed for one international student who does not need to include a spouse, de facto partner or dependent children on the policy.
1 person covered
500 Student Visa Insurance›OSHC for Couples & Families
OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER
OSHC for Couples & Families
Bringing your partner or children to Australia? Your OSHC needs to cover the people included in your Student visa arrangements for the required period. The right policy type depends on who needs cover.
Insurers can use different product names, eligibility rules and prices. Check the current policy wording and quote before purchasing.
WHO NEEDS COVER?
Choose cover for your household
1
Student onlySingle OSHC
2
Student + partnerCouple / dual-family style cover
3+
Student + familyFamily / multi-family style cover
Product naming varies by insurer. Always select a policy that correctly covers every person who needs OSHC.
COVER TYPES
Single, couple or family OSHC?
The structure is simple: start with the people who need to be insured, then compare the appropriate policy type across providers.
Student + partner
Suitable where the student and their spouse or de facto partner both need OSHC. Exact product terminology differs between insurers.
2 adults covered
Student + dependants
Family-style cover may be needed when dependent children are included. Some insurers distinguish between single-parent and multi-family arrangements.
Household cover
VISA REQUIREMENT
Dependants need appropriate health cover too
Student visa holders and their accompanying dependants generally need adequate health insurance for the period required by their visa arrangements. For Student visas, this is normally met through OSHC.
If your family composition changes, check that your existing policy still covers everyone who needs to be insured.
Before buying, confirm:
✓ Who is included on the visa application
✓ Who will travel to Australia
✓ The required OSHC dates
✓ The correct policy type for your family
✓ Waiting periods and benefit limits
COMMON SCENARIOS
Which OSHC arrangement might you need?
A
Student travelling alone
If only the student needs OSHC, a single policy is generally the relevant starting point.
Start with: Single OSHCA+B
Student and spouse
If both the student and spouse or de facto partner need cover, compare the insurer's couple or dual-family option.
Start with: Couple / dual coverA+C
Student and child
Where a student needs cover with a dependent child, the available policy category can vary by insurer.
Check: Single-parent/family optionsA+B+C
Student, partner and child
A broader family or multi-family OSHC product will generally be required when the student, partner and dependent child all need cover.
Start with: Family coverFAMILY CHANGES
Adding a partner or child later
If a partner or child needs to be added after your policy has started, contact your insurer before assuming they are automatically covered.
Important: changing from single to couple or family cover can change your premium. Waiting periods may also be relevant to the newly added person or upgraded benefits.
01
Contact your insurer
Explain who needs to be added and from what date.
02
Confirm the new policy type
Ask whether your existing policy can be upgraded or replaced.
03
Check waiting periods
Confirm how any waiting periods apply to the added family member.
04
Update your evidence
Keep the updated policy certificate and membership details.
WHAT TO COMPARE
Family OSHC is about more than price
Premiums can differ substantially between policy types and providers. Check the benefits and practical details as well.
01
Correct family type
Make sure every person who needs OSHC is included.
02
Hospital benefits
Compare eligible hospital treatment and provider arrangements.
03
Doctor benefits
Check how GP and specialist benefits are calculated and possible gaps.
04
Waiting periods
Pay particular attention to relevant pre-existing and pregnancy-related treatment.
05
Medicines
Check eligible prescription medicine benefits and applicable limits.
06
Extras
Dental, optical and physiotherapy are generally outside base OSHC unless additional cover applies.
COMPARE BEFORE YOU BUY
Compare OSHC Plans →
Couple and family premiums can vary
Do not choose a policy simply because you already know the insurer. Compare the correct household category across available providers and check what is included.
QUICK ANSWERS
Couples & families OSHC FAQs
Does my partner need OSHC?
If your partner is included as a dependant in your Student visa arrangements and requires OSHC, make sure the policy appropriately covers them for the required period.
Do children need OSHC?
Dependent children who require health cover under the Student visa arrangements should be included under an appropriate OSHC policy.
Can my partner have a separate OSHC policy?
Policy structures and eligibility differ by insurer. Before buying separate policies, confirm with the insurer that the arrangement meets the applicable Student visa health-cover requirements for everyone concerned.
What is dual-family OSHC?
This term is used by some insurers for a policy covering the primary student plus one adult spouse or de facto partner. Product terminology varies.
What is multi-family OSHC?
Some insurers use this term for broader family arrangements, such as the student with a partner and dependent children. Check each insurer's definition.
Can I add my spouse after buying single OSHC?
Contact the insurer. You may need to upgrade or change the policy, pay an additional premium and check how waiting periods apply.
Can I add a newborn baby to my OSHC?
Contact your insurer promptly when your family changes. Ask how to add the child, the effective date of cover and whether any policy or premium change is required.
Is family OSHC more expensive than single OSHC?
Family and couple policies generally cover more people, so premiums differ from single cover. The actual price varies by insurer, dates and household composition.
Does family OSHC include dental and optical?
Routine dental and optical are generally not included in base OSHC. Some insurers offer additional or extras cover.
Should I compare family OSHC providers?
Yes. Compare the correct policy category, premium, hospital and medical benefits, waiting periods, limits and other policy terms before purchasing.
How do I know which family OSHC category to choose?
Start with the people who need to be insured and compare the corresponding household category offered by each insurer. Product names and definitions can vary.
What happens if my family composition changes?
Contact your insurer and confirm whether your existing policy still covers everyone who needs OSHC. A policy type or premium change may be required.
Do waiting periods matter when adding a family member?
They can. Ask the insurer how any applicable waiting periods will apply to the newly added person or to benefits under an upgraded policy.
What documents should I keep after changing family cover?
Keep the updated policy certificate and membership details so you have evidence of the revised cover and the people included.
Is the cheapest family OSHC always the best option?
Not necessarily. Compare the correct household type as well as hospital and medical benefits, waiting periods, medicine benefits, limits and other policy terms.
READY TO COMPARE?
Compare OSHC Plans →Compare Student Visa OSHC
Choose the household type that fits your circumstances and compare available OSHC options.
General information only: Insurer terminology, eligibility, premiums, benefits, limits and waiting periods vary and can change. Visa circumstances also differ. Check the insurer's current policy documents and your visa health-cover requirements before purchasing or changing cover.