✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: Student visa.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is one of the first things you need when you apply for an Australian Student visa, and one of the easiest things to get wrong. This guide from Study Mate Migration explains what OSHC is, who needs it, what it usually covers and how to choose a policy.
General information only, current at the date of publishing. Visa rules and fees change often, so always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or get advice before you apply.
What is OSHC?
OSHC is health insurance designed for international students in Australia. It helps pay for doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services and some medicines while you study.
Is OSHC compulsory?
Yes. Student visa (subclass 500) holders must hold OSHC for their whole stay in Australia, unless an exemption applies. Most Student visas carry visa condition 8501, which requires you to keep adequate health insurance while you are in Australia. Letting your cover lapse can put your visa at risk.
Students from a few countries with special arrangements, such as some Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian students, may be treated differently, so check your situation.
What does OSHC usually cover?
- Visits to a GP (general practitioner)
- Treatment in public hospitals, and some private hospital cover depending on the policy
- Emergency ambulance services
- Some prescription medicines
Most OSHC policies do not cover general dental, optical or physiotherapy. Some providers offer extras cover you can add.
Single, couple or family cover?
If your partner or children come with you, they need to be covered too. Choose couple or family cover so everyone on your visa is insured.
How to choose a policy
- Match the dates to your visa. Cover should start when you arrive (or when your visa starts) and last until your visa ends.
- Compare providers. Approved OSHC providers include Bupa, Allianz Care, Medibank, nib and ahm. Prices and extras differ.
- Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related services.
- Check the claims process and whether there are direct-billing clinics near your campus.
After your studies: OVHC
If you move to another temporary visa, such as the Temporary Graduate visa (485), you will usually need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) instead of OSHC.
Get OSHC through Study Mate
We help you compare OSHC from leading providers and choose cover that suits your visa, course dates and budget. Learn more about our OSHC and OVHC service, or read our Student visa checklist.
Talk to Study Mate Migration
Study Mate Migration (also known as StudyMate) is an Adelaide-based education and migration consultancy. Our Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899) can check your eligibility, explain your options and prepare a complete application.
