What is OSHC and why is it mandatory?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance that the Australian Government requires for most international students on a student visa. You must maintain OSHC for the full length of your stay, from arrival to departure. Without it, your student visa cannot be granted. The Department of Home Affairs enforces this condition (visa condition 8501).
Six insurers are currently registered to offer OSHC products. However, only five actively sell to new members: ahm, Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, Medibank, and nib. CBHS exited the market earlier and no longer accepts new OSHC memberships.
Mandatory vs self‑purchase: what is the difference?
When you accept a university offer, the institution will often include an OSHC policy in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) package. This is a university‑arranged (mandatory) OSHC. You are automatically enrolled with the insurer chosen by the university and the premium is billed together with your tuition fees. You do not need to shop around.
If you prefer to choose your own OSHC provider, you can purchase a policy directly from one of the five active insurers. This is called self‑purchase. To do so, you must provide proof of coverage to your university before they issue the CoE. Once you have the policy certificate, the university will list your chosen insurer and membership number on the CoE. Self‑purchase gives you more control over the type of cover and premium level.
For students applying through an education agent, the agent may recommend a provider, but the final decision and the transaction are between you and the insurer. Many agents offer free consultations to help you understand your options.
Required documents for OSHC application
Whether you use the university‑arranged path or self‑purchase, you need to supply:
- Your passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number)
- The letter of offer or CoE from your education provider
- Start and end dates of your visa period (based on course dates)
- Payment method (credit/debit card or bank transfer)
When you self‑purchase, the insurer will ask for all of the above directly. When the university arranges OSHC, the institution already holds most of this information and only requires you to confirm that you want single or family cover.
Policy start dates and effective timing
OSHC must begin at least one week before your course start date, as shown on your CoE. This rule aligns with the typical arrival window that the Department of Home Affairs expects. If you arrive earlier, you may need to extend the cover start date. The policy must continue until your visa expires or you depart Australia, whichever is later.
Insurers count the start date from the moment you land in Australia, not the date you apply. If your application is delayed and you arrive before the cover begins, you will have a gap. Visa condition 8501 requires continuous health cover from the day you enter the country.
Common start‑date mistakes include:
- Setting the start date to exactly the course start day (missing the one‑week buffer).
- Forgetting to extend the policy when deferring a course or changing visa dates.
- Assuming that the CoE end date automatically matches the visa grant date.
Check both your visa grant letter and your CoE when you set the OSHC period.
Avoiding common delays and mistakes
Many OSHC‑related delays occur because students wait until the last moment. Plan to finalise your OSHC at least two weeks before your expected visa lodgement date, so there is time to correct errors.
Frequent pitfalls include:
- Submitting a self‑purchase certificate that does not match the name on the passport (e.g., missing middle name)
- Choosing a single policy when you will bring family members (dependants need their own cover or family cover)
- Not purchasing OSHC for a gap period between two courses, which can lead to visa refusal
- Overlooking the fact that CBHS no longer sells OSHC; buying from an unauthorised or exited insurer will be rejected
- Forgetting to send the policy certificate to the university if you self‑purchase, causing a delay in the CoE
If you are unsure which policy to choose, you can compare the official OSHC product lists and the plans that are actually available from the five active insurers.
Once the policy is set up, keep digital copies of your membership card and certificate accessible on your phone, as you may need them at a medical appointment or for visa renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch OSHC providers after I arrive in Australia? Yes, you can switch providers at any time. However, waiting periods may reset, and some refunds from your old insurer may be subject to cancellation fees. Check the new policy’s terms before you switch.
Is OSHC the same as travel insurance? No. OSHC meets visa condition 8501 for basic health cover, while travel insurance may include extras such as lost luggage or trip cancellation. If you want additional protection, you can buy travel insurance on top of your OSHC.
What happens if I do not activate OSHC before arrival? Your visa may be refused or, if already granted, you risk cancellation. Continuous cover is required from the day you land. Always confirm your policy is active before you travel.
Do all OSHC policies cover pre‑existing conditions? Pre‑existing condition coverage varies between insurers and policies. Some conditions may be covered after a 12‑month waiting period. Check the specific policy wording before purchase.
Where can I find the most up‑to‑date list of approved OSHC insurers? The Department of Health and Aged Care maintains the official register of compliant OSHC insurers. Currently, the six registered names are ahm, Allianz Care, Bupa, CBHS, Medibank, and nib, but only the first five – excluding CBHS – offer new policies.
Do I need OSHC if I am a PhD or research student with a scholarship? Yes. The visa requirement applies to all international student visa holders regardless of scholarship status. Some scholarships may include OSHC as part of the funding package.
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