Health Insurance for Students (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover - Mandatory Requirement
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OSHC is MANDATORY for Your Student Visa!
You MUST have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your student visa. It's a legal requirement from the Australian government. Your visa can be cancelled without it.
✓ Good News! OSHC is affordable ($500-700/year for singles) and covers doctor visits, hospital care, and emergencies. Many universities have partnerships for discounted rates.
VisaMate Student Benefits
Purchase OSHC through our recommended providers and get access to helpful resources!
- • Price guarantee - OSHC prices are government-regulated (same everywhere)
- • Compare easily - See all providers side-by-side to choose what fits your needs
- • Free guides - How to claim, find doctors, use your OSHC effectively
- • Support VisaMate - When you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission to keep our guides free
* OSHC is mandatory for your visa. Prices are identical everywhere by law. We help you choose the best provider for YOUR needs (service, app quality, claim speed).
What is OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance specifically designed for international students in Australia. It's not optional - the Australian government requires you to have it from the day you arrive until the day you leave.
What OSHC Covers
- ✓Doctor (GP) visits - Most of the cost
- ✓Hospital treatment - Public hospitals covered
- ✓Emergency ambulance services
- ✓Blood tests and X-rays (when medically necessary)
- ✓Some prescription medications (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
What OSHC Doesn't Cover
- ✗Dental (except accidents) - You pay full price
- ✗Optical (glasses, contacts) - Limited coverage
- ✗Physiotherapy - Unless part of hospital treatment
- ✗Pre-existing conditions - Waiting periods apply
- ✗Cosmetic procedures
Price Comparison (2025)
| Provider | Single Student | Couple | Family (1 child) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa OSHC | ~$560/year | ~$1,680/year | ~$2,240/year | 4.2/5 |
| Allianz Care | ~$590/year | ~$1,770/year | ~$2,360/year | 4.0/5 |
| NIB OSHC | ~$575/year | ~$1,725/year | ~$2,300/year | 4.1/5 |
| Medibank | ~$605/year | ~$1,815/year | ~$2,420/year | 4.3/5 |
* Prices are approximate for 2025 and vary based on your visa duration. OSHC premiums typically increase 3-5% annually. Check provider websites for exact quotes and current pricing.
Compare OSHC Providers
Bupa OSHC
Most Affordable Option
Bupa is Australia's largest health insurer and offers the most affordable OSHC rates for students. Widely accepted, extensive provider network, and excellent mobile app for easy claims.
Why Choose Bupa
- ✓Lowest price ($560/year for singles)
- ✓Largest network of healthcare providers
- ✓Easy claims via mobile app (rated 4.2/5)
- ✓24/7 customer support
- ✓Instant digital membership card
- ✓Partnership with many universities
Coverage Highlights
- • Doctor visits: 100% of MBS fee*
- • Hospital (public): Fully covered
- • Ambulance: Emergency covered
- • Prescriptions: PBS medicines
- • Mental health: Limited sessions
- • Claims processing: 2-5 business days
*MBS = Medicare Benefits Schedule
Best for: Budget-conscious students who want reliable coverage at the lowest price. Excellent choice if your university recommends Bupa or if you want an easy claims process.
Opens official Bupa website in new tab
Allianz Care Australia
Global Brand Recognition
Allianz is a globally recognized insurance brand with strong international student support. Good for students who value worldwide brand reputation and multilingual customer service.
Why Choose Allianz
- ✓Globally recognized brand
- ✓Multilingual customer support
- ✓Good online portal and app
- ✓Competitive pricing (~$590/year)
- ✓Quick claims processing
- ✓24/7 emergency assistance
Coverage Highlights
- • Doctor visits: 100% of MBS
- • Hospital: Shared ward public hospital
- • Ambulance: Emergency only
- • Prescriptions: PBS items
- • Extras: Optional add-ons available
- • Support: Multiple languages
Best for: International students who prefer dealing with a familiar global brand and may need customer service in their native language (Chinese, Hindi, etc.).
Opens official Allianz website in new tab
NIB OSHC
Australian-Owned & Trusted
NIB is a well-established Australian health insurer with a strong reputation for customer service. Good balance of price and service quality, popular with both domestic and international students.
Why Choose NIB
- ✓Australian-owned and operated
- ✓Excellent customer service ratings (4.1/5)
- ✓Competitive pricing (~$575/year)
- ✓User-friendly mobile app
- ✓Fast claims (often same-day)
- ✓Optional extras packages
Coverage Highlights
- • Doctor visits: 100% MBS covered
- • Hospital: Public ward fully covered
- • Ambulance: Emergency transport
- • PBS medicines: Covered
- • Pathology: Blood tests, scans
- • Dental/Optical: Add-on available
Best for: Students who want an Australian company with strong customer service reputation. Good middle-ground option between price and service quality.
Opens official NIB website in new tab
Medibank OSHC
Premium Service & Support
Medibank is one of Australia's largest health insurers with the highest customer satisfaction ratings. Slightly more expensive but offers premium service and comprehensive support.
Why Choose Medibank
- ✓Highest customer satisfaction (4.3/5)
- ✓Extensive provider network
- ✓Best-in-class mobile app
- ✓24/7 nurse hotline (health advice)
- ✓Digital health programs included
- ✓Wellness discounts and perks
Coverage Highlights
- • Doctor visits: 100% MBS
- • Hospital: Full public coverage
- • Ambulance: Emergency included
- • Prescriptions: PBS covered
- • Nurse hotline: 24/7 free health advice
- • Mental health support: Included
Best for: Students who value premium service and comprehensive support. Worth the extra cost if you want the best app, 24/7 nurse advice, and highest-rated customer service.
Opens official Medibank website in new tab
Which OSHC Should You Choose?
Based on Your Budget
- Lowest Cost: Bupa ($560/year) - Best value
- Mid-Range: NIB ($575) or Allianz ($590)
- Premium Service: Medibank ($605) - Best support
- Family Plans: Compare all (prices vary significantly)
Based on Your Priorities
- Save money: Choose Bupa
- Global brand: Choose Allianz
- Best app/service: Choose Medibank
- Australian company: Choose NIB
- University recommendation: Follow their advice (often Bupa)
💡 Honest Truth: All OSHC providers offer nearly identical coverage (it's government-regulated). The main differences are price, customer service quality, and app convenience. Choose based on budget and service preference.
Important Information
When to Buy OSHC
Purchase OSHC before applying for your student visa. You need the policy number for your visa application. Coverage must start from your arrival date and last until your visa expiry date.
Coverage Duration
Your OSHC must cover your entire visa period. If your visa is 3 years, buy 3 years of OSHC (or set up automatic renewal). Never let your OSHC lapse - it can result in visa cancellation.
Can I Change Providers?
Yes! You can switch OSHC providers at the end of your current policy period. You may also be eligible for a refund if you cancel early (usually only in special circumstances like visa cancellation or leaving Australia permanently).
University Recommendations
Many universities have partnerships with specific OSHC providers (often Bupa or Allianz) and may automatically arrange coverage for you. Check your enrollment documents - you might already have OSHC! If not, you can choose any approved provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OSHC really mandatory?
YES, absolutely! It's a legal requirement for your student visa. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of OSHC for your entire visa period. Your visa can be cancelled if you don't maintain coverage.
How much does a doctor visit cost with OSHC?
Most bulk-billing doctors are FREE with OSHC (you pay $0). If the doctor doesn't bulk-bill, OSHC covers 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee, but you might pay a gap if the doctor charges more than MBS rates.
What if I need to go to the hospital?
Public hospital treatment is fully covered by OSHC (shared ward). Just present your OSHC card and student visa. Emergency department visits are also covered. Private hospital stays may have additional costs.
Does OSHC cover dental and optical?
Basic OSHC does NOT cover routine dental or optical care. You'll pay full price for check-ups, fillings, glasses, etc. Some providers offer optional "extras" packages for additional cost (usually $200-400/year extra).
Can I add my partner/children to my OSHC?
Yes! If your partner or children are on dependent visas, you can add them to a couples or family OSHC policy. This is cheaper than buying separate policies for each person.
How do I make a claim?
Most claims are automatic if you visit a bulk-billing doctor (they claim directly). For other medical expenses, use your provider's mobile app to submit claims with photos of receipts. Claims are usually processed within 2-5 business days.
Get Your OSHC Today
Don't wait! Get quotes from all providers and choose the best option for your needs and budget.
⚠️ Remember: You need OSHC policy number for your visa application. Buy BEFORE applying!