Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): your health, covered

Studying in Australia means being ready for the unexpected, and staying healthy is part of a smooth study journey. That is why the Australian Government requires every international student to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their whole stay. It is one of the first things to organise, and we are here to help you get it right.

Why do you need OSHC?

OSHC is not optional; it is a condition of your student visa. The Australian Government requires you to:  

• Have OSHC in place to be granted your Student visa (Subclass 500)
• Stay covered by OSHC for the full length of your student visa
• Buy your OSHC from a health provider approved by the Australian Government
• Pay for your OSHC before you leave home, so you are covered from the moment you arrive in Australia

Getting this sorted early means one less thing to worry about, and you land in Sydney already protected.

Choose an approved provider

You can buy OSHC from any of the Australian Government-approved providers below. It is worth comparing them to find the cover that suits you best:

• Allianz Care Australia
• Medibank Private
• BUPA Overseas Student Health Cover
• Australian Health Management (ahm) OSHC
• nib OSHC

If you would like a hand, our international team can point you in the right direction.

When does my cover start?

Your OSHC becomes active when you arrive in Australia. Keep in mind that a waiting period may apply for some services, so it is best to organise your cover early. If you renew your visa from outside Australia or take a break from your studies and are issued a new visa from overseas, a new waiting period may apply to some services.

How long do I need OSHC for?

You pay for OSHC for the full length of your student visa. Buying visa-length cover in one go means you will not face a premium increase during your course (this is subject to GST). If you leave Australia earlier than planned, you may be entitled to a refund of any unused balance, as long as there is at least one month left before your cover ends. The easiest approach is to pay your OSHC when you accept your offer, so it is done and dusted before you travel.

We are here to help

Setting up health cover in a new country can feel confusing, and you do not have to work it out alone. Our friendly international team can explain the steps and help you get your OSHC ready before you arrive. The Australian government requires all international students to: