OSHC Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — Compare Providers
All 5 government-approved OSHC providers compared. Find the best cover for your study in Australia — from AUD 623/year.
ahm OSHC
ahm
Cheapest single OSHC cover in Australia — backed by Medibank's hospital network
- Lowest single price (AUD 623/yr — AUD 52/month)
- Same hospital network as Medibank (parent company)
- All hospitals covered for A&E (not just public)
- Simple, student-friendly online portal
Allianz Care OSHC
Allianz Care
Cheapest OSHC for couples and families — no mental health waiting period
- Cheapest couple plan (AUD 4,597/yr)
- Cheapest family plan (AUD 8,917/yr)
- No mental health waiting period
- 24/7 support hotline
Best CoverageView Details →
Bupa OSHC
Bupa
Best OSHC coverage — only provider with dental/optical extras and 100% specialist cover
- ONLY provider with optional extras (dental, optical, physio)
- 100% specialist and pathology cover (others only 85% MBS)
- Free online doctor service (Blua app)
- Mental health waiting period waived
Medibank OSHC
Medibank
Australia's largest health insurer — biggest hospital network and highest medication limit
- Largest hospital network in Australia
- All hospitals covered for A&E (not just public)
- Highest medication limit (AUD 70/item vs AUD 50 at others)
- No mental health waiting period
nib OSHC
nib
Second cheapest OSHC — best app experience and fast claims processing
- Second cheapest single price (AUD 680/yr — AUD 57/month)
- Best app experience among OSHC providers
- Fast claims processing
- Good national hospital coverage
Related Comparisons
Explore more insurance comparisons:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students on a student visa (subclass 500) in Australia. It covers hospital treatment, doctor visits, some prescription medicines, and emergency ambulance services.
OSHC for a single student costs between AUD 623–806 per year (2026 rates). Prices vary by provider but coverage is standardized by the Australian government. The cheapest provider is ahm at AUD 623/year.
All 5 government-approved OSHC providers cover the same minimum benefits mandated by law. However, they differ in extras like mental health waiting periods, dental limits, prescription medicine caps, and hospital choice.
Yes, you can choose any of the 5 approved providers: ahm, Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, or nib. Your university may recommend one, but you are free to select and switch providers.
OSHC does not cover dental (except accident-related), optical, physiotherapy, pre-existing conditions (12-month wait), or treatment in your home country. For these, you need separate extras cover.
Need Help Choosing?
Compare plans side-by-side or take our quiz to find your best match.