What is OSHC and do you need it?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the health insurance international students hold while studying in Australia. For most people on a Student visa (subclass 500), it is not optional — it is a visa condition.
Who needs OSHC?
Almost every Student visa 500 holder must hold OSHC for the whole time they are in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs sets this as visa condition 8501. A small number of students from countries with reciprocal health care arrangements may be exempt, but many still take OSHC for broader cover.
What does OSHC cover?
Under the government’s minimum standard, OSHC must include:
- Hospital treatment as a public patient in a public hospital
- Medical services (similar to Medicare benefits)
- Ambulance services
- Limited pharmaceutical benefits
Extras such as dental, optical and physiotherapy are optional add-ons and differ between insurers.
Who provides OSHC?
Australia has five DHA-approved OSHC insurers:
- Bupa
- Allianz Care Australia
- Medibank
- nib
- ahm
How long must it last?
Your cover should match your visa length — typically your course duration plus a buffer. Buying too little can mean you do not meet condition 8501, so match the policy to your visa, not just your enrolment dates.
Next steps
Use our comparison tool to see indicative premiums and cover for all five providers side by side.