OSHC Australia: The Complete Guide
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students in Australia on a Student Visa (subclass 500).
What Is OSHC?
- Mandatory for all Student Visa (subclass 500) holders
- Must cover your entire visa duration
- Only available from 5 government-approved providers
- Covers hospital care, doctor visits, ambulance, and some medications
The 5 Approved OSHC Providers
1. Medibank OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 52/month
- Strengths: Largest hospital network, 24/7 health advice
2. Bupa OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 50/month
- Strengths: Strong university partnerships
3. Allianz Care OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 48/month
- Strengths: Competitive pricing
4. ahm OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 47/month
- Strengths: Often cheapest option
5. nib OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 49/month
- Strengths: Good digital experience
What Does OSHC Cover?
- Hospital treatment
- GP visits
- Emergency ambulance
- Prescription medications (up to AUD 42.50 per script)
What Does OSHC NOT Cover?
- Dental care
- Optical (glasses, eye exams)
- Physiotherapy
How Much Does OSHC Cost?
| Duration | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 months | AUD 550-630 |
| 2 years | AUD 1,100-1,260 |
How to Buy OSHC
- Choose a provider from the 5 approved insurers
- Select your cover type (single, couple, or family)
- Enter your visa dates
- Pay for OSHC
- Include details in your visa application
Ready to compare OSHC providers? Compare all 5 approved OSHC providers.
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