Who Needs OSHC?
Most international students applying for a Student visa (subclass 500), and accompanying family members, need appropriate health cover unless an exception applies.
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500 STUDENT VISA
What is OSHC?
A complete guide to Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students in Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover helps international students manage eligible healthcare costs while studying in Australia. For most Student visa (subclass 500) holders, maintaining appropriate OSHC is part of the visa requirements.
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What Does OSHC Cover?
OSHC generally provides benefits toward eligible hospital treatment, doctor visits, emergency ambulance and limited prescription medicines.
See what's included →How Long Do I Need It?
Your required period of cover is linked to your Student visa arrangements, not simply the first and last day of classes.
Get the details →Visa Requirement
Student visa holders generally need to maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia, subject to applicable exceptions.
Understand the requirement →WHY IT MATTERS
Why OSHC is Important
Australia has a high-quality healthcare system, but treatment can be expensive. OSHC helps with eligible medical and hospital costs while you focus on your studies. The amount paid by your insurer depends on your policy, the service and the provider's charge.
✓ What's Generally Covered?
✓ Benefits toward eligible hospital treatment
✓ GP and specialist medical services
✓ Emergency ambulance benefits
✓ Limited benefits for eligible prescription medicines
✓ Eligible pathology and diagnostic imaging services
× What's Generally Not Included?
× Routine dental treatment in standard OSHC
× Optical services such as glasses in standard OSHC
× Physiotherapy and many extras unless separately covered
× Services outside policy terms or benefit limits
× Some treatment during applicable waiting periods
YOUR COVER PERIOD
When should OSHC start and finish?
Arrange the required cover before travelling. If you arrive before your course begins, make sure your health cover is appropriate from your arrival date and avoid gaps in required cover.
1
Arrange cover
Choose an appropriate OSHC policy before travelling.
2
Arrival in Australia
Make sure your required cover is in place from the appropriate date.
3
During your studies
Keep your required insurance current while your visa conditions apply.
4
Check before expiry
Extend or update cover where required if your circumstances change.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MEMBERSHIP
Single, Couple or Family OSHC
The right membership depends on who needs to be insured with you. Check the insurer's definitions and eligibility before purchasing.
Single
Cover for one international student.
Couple
Options for a student and eligible partner.
Family
Options for students with eligible family members.
Compare OSHC Providers
Compare current OSHC options from Allianz Care, Bupa and nib on Policy Direct.
COMMON QUESTIONS
OSHC FAQs
Answers to common questions about Overseas Student Health Cover.
18
QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS
1What is OSHC?
OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover. It is health insurance designed for international students in Australia and provides benefits toward eligible healthcare services according to the policy.
2Who needs OSHC?
Most Student visa applicants and accompanying family members need appropriate OSHC unless a specific exception applies.
3Is OSHC required for a Student visa (subclass 500)?
Student visa holders generally need to maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia, subject to applicable exceptions.
4What does OSHC generally cover?
Basic OSHC generally provides benefits toward eligible medical services, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance and limited prescription medicines. Benefits vary by policy.
5Does OSHC cover GP and specialist visits?
OSHC generally pays benefits toward eligible medical services provided by doctors and specialists. A gap may apply if the provider charges more than the policy benefit.
6Does OSHC cover hospital treatment?
OSHC includes benefits toward eligible hospital treatment. Hospital arrangements, benefit levels and possible out-of-pocket costs depend on the policy and hospital.
7Does OSHC include ambulance cover?
OSHC includes emergency ambulance benefits, subject to the insurer's policy terms.
8Are prescription medicines covered?
OSHC provides limited benefits for eligible prescription medicines. Policy limits and out-of-pocket costs can apply.
9Does OSHC cover dental, optical and physiotherapy?
Standard OSHC generally does not include routine dental, optical or physiotherapy benefits. Optional extras may be available separately.
10When should my OSHC start?
Your cover should be appropriate for your visa and travel arrangements. If you arrive before your course starts, ensure required cover applies from your arrival date.
11How long do I need OSHC?
Your required insurance period is linked to your Student visa arrangements. Avoid gaps in required cover while the relevant visa condition applies.
12Are pre-existing conditions covered?
OSHC can provide benefits for eligible treatment, but waiting periods may apply to some pre-existing conditions. Check the insurer's policy wording.
13What are OSHC waiting periods?
A waiting period is a period after cover begins during which benefits for specified treatment may not yet be payable. Waiting periods vary by treatment and policy terms.
14Does OSHC cover pregnancy and maternity treatment?
Eligible pregnancy-related treatment may receive benefits, but waiting periods and policy conditions can apply. Check the specific insurer's policy before relying on cover.
15Can I choose my own OSHC provider?
Students can generally choose an approved OSHC insurer. An education provider or agent may also arrange cover on a student's behalf.
16Can I change my OSHC provider?
You can change providers, but make sure you do not create a gap in required cover and check how waiting periods and refunds may be affected.
17Do my partner and children need OSHC?
Accompanying family members who are included in your Student visa arrangements generally need appropriate health insurance. Choose a suitable couple or family membership where required.
18What should I compare before buying OSHC?
Compare the total premium, medical and hospital benefits, waiting periods, prescription medicine limits, provider networks, direct billing options and the correct membership type for your circumstances.
General information only. Policy Direct provides general insurance information and comparison pathways. Benefits, exclusions, waiting periods and eligibility vary by insurer and policy. Visa and insurance requirements can change. Check current requirements and the relevant insurer's policy documents before making a decision.