Medibank OSHC
~AUD 52/month
Best for: Largest provider with wide hospital network
Covers hospital, medical, ambulance, and some pharmaceuticals. Extras available.
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in Australia
Australia requires all international students on a Student Visa (subclass 500) to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
5 requirements 5 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- OSHC is mandatory for all Student Visa (subclass 500) holders
- Must be maintained for the entire duration of your visa
- Only 5 government-approved OSHC providers
- Coverage must start from the day you arrive in Australia
- Required for visa application and renewal
Available Insurance Options
Bupa OSHC
~AUD 50/month
Best for: Popular with university partnerships
Comprehensive hospital and medical cover. Online claims portal.
Learn moreAllianz Care OSHC
~AUD 48/month
Best for: Competitive pricing
Full OSHC coverage with optional extras. 24/7 support hotline.
Learn moreahm OSHC
~AUD 47/month
Best for: Budget-conscious students
Owned by Medibank. Same coverage, often lower price. Simple online portal.
Learn morenib OSHC
~AUD 49/month
Best for: Good digital experience
App-based claims, fast processing. Covers hospital + GP visits.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| OSHC (Single) | AUD 550–650/year | Varies slightly by provider. Most universities have preferred partners. |
| OSHC (Couple) | AUD 2,800–3,200/year | Covers you and your partner on the same visa. |
| OSHC (Family) | AUD 4,500–5,500/year | Covers you, partner, and dependent children. |
| Extras Cover (Optional) | AUD 150–300/year | Dental, optical, physiotherapy — not included in standard OSHC. |
Item
OSHC (Single)
Cost
AUD 550–650/year
Details
Varies slightly by provider. Most universities have preferred partners.
Item
OSHC (Couple)
Cost
AUD 2,800–3,200/year
Details
Covers you and your partner on the same visa.
Item
OSHC (Family)
Cost
AUD 4,500–5,500/year
Details
Covers you, partner, and dependent children.
Item
Extras Cover (Optional)
Cost
AUD 150–300/year
Details
Dental, optical, physiotherapy — not included in standard OSHC.
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- OSHC proof required for Student Visa (subclass 500) application
- Coverage must match the full visa duration
- Must be from a government-approved provider
- Can be arranged before or immediately upon arrival
- University may arrange OSHC as part of enrollment
How to Get Insured
Choose an OSHC Provider
Compare the 5 approved providers: Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, ahm, and nib. Check if your university has a preferred partner.
Purchase Your Cover
Buy OSHC online for your entire visa duration. You'll receive a confirmation letter and membership number.
Apply for Your Visa
Include your OSHC confirmation in your Student Visa (subclass 500) application.
Activate Upon Arrival
Your cover starts from your arrival date. Register with a local GP and download your provider's app.
Claim When Needed
Visit a doctor, pay upfront or use direct billing, then claim through your provider's portal or app.
Studying in Australia: Health Insurance Guide
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations, welcoming over 700,000 international students each year. The country’s healthcare system is excellent, but international students need their own coverage through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
What is OSHC?
OSHC is a special type of health insurance designed specifically for international students in Australia. It covers:
- Hospital treatment — accommodation, theatre fees, intensive care
- Medical services — GP visits, specialist consultations, pathology
- Ambulance services — emergency ambulance transport
- Prescription medicines — listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The 5 Approved Providers
The Australian government licenses only 5 insurers to offer OSHC. All provide similar base coverage, so your choice often comes down to price, university partnerships, and digital experience.
Tips for International Students
- Many universities have partnerships with specific OSHC providers — check before buying separately
- Download your provider’s app for easy claiming
- Register with a bulk-billing GP to minimize out-of-pocket costs
- Keep all receipts for claiming
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any health insurance in Australia?
No. International students on a Visa 500 must use one of the 5 government-approved OSHC providers. Other insurance won't satisfy visa requirements.
Does OSHC cover dental and optical?
Standard OSHC covers hospital and medical services only. Dental and optical require separate extras cover.
What if I arrive before my course starts?
Your OSHC should start from your arrival date, not your course start date. Adjust your cover period accordingly.
Can I switch OSHC providers?
Yes, you can switch providers during your stay. The new provider will need proof of your previous cover.
What's the waiting period?
OSHC has no general waiting period for hospital and medical services. Pre-existing conditions may have a 12-month waiting period.
Get Your Australian OSHC
Compare all 5 approved OSHC providers and apply online. Get covered before your visa application.
Compare OSHC Providers