What is OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students studying in Australia on a Student Visa (subclass 500). It’s not optional, without OSHC, your visa application will be rejected.
OSHC covers hospital treatment, doctor visits, ambulance services, and some prescription medications. Think of it as your ticket to Australia’s healthcare system.
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.
Who are the 5 approved OSHC providers in Australia?
Only five insurers are licensed by the Australian government to offer OSHC:
- ahm: Cheapest single cover (~AUD 52/month), owned by Medibank
- Allianz Care: Cheapest family cover, 24/7 support
- Bupa: Only provider with extras (dental, optical), 100% specialist cover
- Medibank: Largest hospital network, highest medication limit
- nib: Best app experience, fast claims processing
All five meet minimum coverage standards, but there are important differences in extras, specialist coverage, and medication limits.
Honest note: “5 independent providers” is slightly misleading at the corporate level — ahm is wholly owned by Medibank, so two of the five brands share the same parent company. That still leaves four distinct corporate groups (Medibank/ahm, Bupa, nib, Allianz Care partnered with Peoplecare), which is genuine competition — but worth knowing before you assume ahm and Medibank are fully independent alternatives.
How Much Does OSHC Cost?
For a single student, expect to pay AUD 623–806 per year (roughly AUD 52–67/month). Prices vary by provider.
- Single: AUD 623–806/year
- Couple: AUD 4,597–5,400/year
- Family: AUD 8,917–13,895/year
Pro tip: Many universities have preferred OSHC providers with discounted rates — these university-negotiated bulk deals (especially at Group of Eight universities like UNSW, Melbourne, Sydney) often beat the market rates you’ll find on comparison sites by 5–15%. Check with your international student office before purchasing independently, and compare the quoted price against direct-from-provider quotes too, since buying direct is sometimes cheaper than going through a comparison portal.
OSHC Providers Compared (2026)
All five approved providers meet the government’s minimum standards. Here is how they differ on the things students ask about most.
| Provider | Single cover (approx./year) | Extras available | Specialist cover | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ahm | ~AUD 623 | No | Standard | Budget-conscious students |
| Allianz Care | ~AUD 650 | No | Standard | Family cover value |
| Bupa | ~AUD 720 | Yes (dental, optical) | 100% specialist | Students needing extras |
| Medibank | ~AUD 730 | Limited | Broad hospital network | Largest provider network |
| nib | ~AUD 806 | No | Standard | Best app + fast claims |
Prices are approximate annual rates for single student cover (2026). Check provider websites for exact current quotes.
What does OSHC cover (and what is excluded)?
✅ Hospital accommodation and treatment ✅ Doctor (GP) and specialist visits ✅ Pathology and diagnostic imaging ✅ Ambulance services ✅ Some prescription medicines (PBS-listed)
❌ Dental care (requires extras cover) ❌ Optical/glasses (requires extras cover) ❌ Physiotherapy (requires extras cover) ❌ Pre-existing conditions (12-month wait)
How do I get OSHC step by step?
- Compare providers: Check prices and your university’s preferred partner
- Purchase online: Buy for your entire visa duration
- Get confirmation: You’ll receive a membership number and confirmation letter
- Apply for visa: Include OSHC proof in your Visa 500 application
- Arrive and activate: Register with a local GP, download the provider app
How can I save money on OSHC?
- Use bulk-billing GPs: they charge the insurer directly, so you pay nothing
- Download your provider’s app for easy claiming
- Consider extras cover only if you need dental or optical regularly
- Check for university discounts before buying
Common Questions
Can I arrive without OSHC? No. You must have OSHC arranged before your visa is granted.
Can I switch providers? Yes, during your stay. The new provider needs proof of your previous cover.
What about the Medicare levy? International students don’t pay the Medicare levy and can’t access Medicare. OSHC is your alternative.
OSHC is straightforward once you understand the basics. Choose a provider, buy your cover, and focus on enjoying your Australian study experience.
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