OSHC Australia: The Complete Guide
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) costs AUD 623-806 per year (AUD 52-67/month) and is mandatory for all 700,000+ international students in Australia on a Student Visa (subclass 500). Only 5 government-approved providers — ahm, Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, and nib — can sell OSHC. Without valid OSHC, your student visa application will be rejected. This guide compares all 5 providers, explains coverage details, and walks you through the purchase process.
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
Planning to study in Australia? Make sure you understand the complete requirements for international students in Australia, including the mandatory OSHC coverage that every student visa holder needs.
The 5 Approved OSHC Providers
1. ahm OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 52/month
- Strengths: Cheapest single cover, same network as Medibank
2. Allianz Care OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 67/month
- Strengths: Cheapest couple & family cover, 24/7 support
3. Bupa OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 63/month
- Strengths: Only provider with extras (dental, optical), 100% specialist cover
4. Medibank OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 64/month
- Strengths: Largest hospital network, highest medication limit (AUD 70/item)
5. nib OSHC
- Cost: ~AUD 57/month
- Strengths: Best app experience, fast claims processing
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 623-806 |
| 2 years | AUD 1,246-1,612 |
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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