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Rockdale
NSW 2216 Australia
Tel: +61-2-7257 7924
Email: info@sbsconsultant.com.au
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Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-01-4525382
Email: ktm@sbsconsultant.com.au
Overseas Student Health Cover
OSHC: Your Essential Health Protection in Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students studying in Australia. This specialised coverage ensures you can access medical and hospital care, ambulance services, and essential pharmaceuticals without facing potentially overwhelming costs during your studies.
Why OSHC is Crucial for International Students
As an international student, you’re not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance system. Without OSHC, you would face the full cost of medical treatment, which can be substantial.
Typical Costs Without OSHC, you face full medical costs:
Doctor Consultations
$80 - $200
Emergency visits
$600 - $1500
Ambulance
$500 - $1,200
** Depending on your location and the distance
Hospital Stay
$1500 - $3000
** Per Night
OSHC protects you from these unexpected expenses, allowing you to focus on your education rather than worrying about potential medical bills that could severely impact your student budget.
Comprehensive OSHC Coverage
OSHC provides extensive coverage for essential healthcare services, including doctors’ consultations for illness and injury, hospital admissions for both emergency and planned treatments, emergency ambulance transportation, and prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme with subsidised costs.
Many OSHC policies also include limited coverage for dental services (typically emergency dental treatment), optical services including eye examinations, and some allied health services like physiotherapy, though these often come with annual limits and waiting periods.
OSHC Coverage Types
Minimum Cover
Budget-Friendly Protection
- Essential medical services
- Hospital treatments
- Emergency ambulance services
- Prescription medications (PBS listed)
- Meets government requirements
Perfect for budget-conscious students who want fundamental protection at the lowest cost.
Extra Cover
Comprehensive Protection
- All minimum cover benefits
- Routine dental check-ups and treatments
- Comprehensive optical services with glass
- Physiotherapy & allied health
- International emergency coverage
- Prescription glasses coverage
Ideal for students with existing dental or optical needs who want comprehensive coverage and some international emergency will be coverage when travelling outside Australia during study breaks.
Coverage Notes
The choice between minimum and extra cover depends on your health needs, budget, and personal preferences. Students with existing dental or optical needs often find extra coverage provides better value despite higher premiums.
Cost and Duration
OSHC costs vary based on your age, coverage type, and policy duration. Compare not just premiums but also coverage benefits, hospital networks, claim processes, and customer service quality when selecting a provider.
Minimum Cover
$450 - $650
per year for single students
Extra Cover
$850 - $1,200
per year for single students
Family Coverage
Higher Rates
available for dependents
Duration Requirements
You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa. Your educational institution will typically arrange initial coverage, but you’re responsible for ensuring continuous coverage throughout your studies, including any visa extensions.
OSHC Providers
Allianz Care Australia
Government-approved OSHC provider with comprehensive coverage options
BUPA Australia
Leading health insurer with extensive hospital networks
Medibank Private
Australia’s largest health insurer with student-focused services
NIB OSHC
Specialized in overseas student health cover with competitive rates
Purchasing Options
Through Your Institution
Most students purchase OSHC through their educational institution, which often has partnerships with approved providers offering competitive rates.
Direct from Providers
You can also buy directly from government-approved OSHC providers for more control over your policy selection.
What to Compare
When selecting a provider, compare premiums, coverage benefits, hospital networks, claim processes, and customer service quality. Many providers offer online portals and mobile apps for easy policy management.
Claims & Accessing Services
Direct Billing
Many providers offer direct billing arrangements with preferred doctors and hospitals, meaning you won’t need to pay upfront for covered services.
Claim Requirements
For services requiring payment, keep all receipts and submit claims through your provider's online portal or mobile app. Most providers offer user-friendly claim submission processes.
Waiting Periods
Some services, like dental and optical, may have waiting periods. Understanding these limitations helps you plan accordingly and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical Services
Direct billing with preferred providers means no upfront payment required
Claims Process
Submit claims through online portals or mobile apps with receipt uploads
Emergency Services
Typically covered immediately with no waiting periods
Ready to Secure Your Health Coverage?
OSHC is more than just a visa requirement—it’s essential protection for your health and finances during your Australian education journey.