If you’re planning to study in Australia, you’ve probably seen the term OSHC. It stands for Overseas Student Health Cover, and it’s not optional—it’s a condition of your student visa. As an international student researching your health cover requirements, you need to understand what OSHC is, why it’s mandatory, and how to get the right policy before you arrive.
What exactly is OSHC?
OSHC is a health insurance policy designed specifically for overseas students on a temporary student visa. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, OSHC helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care while you’re in Australia. Every policy must at least cover:
- Hospital treatment
- Medical treatment (like GP visits)
- Ambulance services
- Limited pharmaceuticals, capped at $50 per item up to $300 a year for a single membership
Be aware that OSHC does not cover general treatments—often called “extras”—such as dental, optical, or physiotherapy. If you want those services, you can take out additional Extras OSHC from your OSHC provider or general treatment cover with any Australian private health insurer. You may also supplement OSHC with other insurance like international travel cover. The minimum benefits every OSHC policy must include are set out in the OSHC Deed, with further detail available in the Explanatory Guidelines from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Why is OSHC a visa requirement?
Holding OSHC is a legal condition of your student visa. The Department of Home Affairs requires you to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire length of your stay. If you fall behind on payments or let your cover lapse, you might be unable to claim for medical services received while you were in arrears—and you risk breaching your visa conditions. Keep your policy active from the day you arrive until your visa expires.
Some students from countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement—like the UK or New Zealand—can also apply for Medicare. That doesn’t exempt you from needing OSHC; it’s additional coverage. Citizens of Sweden, Norway, or Belgium might qualify for special national scheme exemptions, so check with the Department of Home Affairs before you assume you’re exempt.
Which insurers offer OSHC?
Only a handful of registered health insurers provide OSHC under a Deed of Agreement with the Australian Government. The approved providers are:
- ahm OSHC
- Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare)
- BUPA Australia
- CBHS International Health
- Medibank Private
- NIB OSHC
Each insurer sets its own premiums and policy details, though all must meet the minimum requirements laid out in the OSHC Deed. That’s where a service like OSHC.net can help. We provide general OSHC information and a way to compare the different policies. We’re not an insurer ourselves—the actual terms of your cover will be in the policy document issued by the insurer you choose. Any pricing or product detail you see on OSHC.net is indicative; for the final word, always read the insurer’s own policy wording.
How can OSHC.net support your journey?
OSHC.net is a global pre-arrival research and enquiry entry point for international students. You can use the site to learn about OSHC, compare available policies, and submit an enquiry. If you go ahead and request a quote or start an application, we’ll support that journey where current evidence permits. We aim to respond to enquiries within one business day.
As you move through the process, keep in mind:
- We don’t promise a particular price, level of cover, claim acceptance, or visa outcome.
- All final policy terms come from the insurer’s own documentation.
- When your student visa expires, you’re no longer eligible for OSHC; you can switch to a residents’ cover or Overseas Visitors Health Cover at that point.
Planning ahead
Lock in your OSHC early so you have proof of cover for your visa application. When you arrive in Australia, you’ll have the reassurance that hospital and medical costs are partly covered—and you’ll be complying with your visa conditions from day one. If you’re ready to compare OSHC policies from Australia’s approved insurers, start your research on OSHC.net and take the guesswork out of your health cover.
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