Starting your study journey in Victoria, Australia? One key task on your to-do list is health cover. Buying Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) isn’t just a visa requirement—it’s essential for accessing healthcare during your time in Australia.
Understanding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is health insurance tailored for international students in Australia.
- Access to Healthcare: If you fall sick or have an accident, OSHC allows you to access the Australian healthcare system without incurring high costs.
- Visa Requirement: It’s mandatory to purchase OSHC for your entire stay to meet the conditions of your Student (subclass 500) visa. Coverage starts on or before your arrival and continues until your visa expires.
Exemptions to OSHC
Some exemptions to the requirement to purchase OSHC may apply if you are a student from Sweden, Norway or Belgium. If this applies to you, you may have special arrangements under your own national schemes - check with the Department of Home Affairs to find out if you are exempt from the requirement to purchase OSHC under special arrangements.
For more information on exemptions to OSHC, see the Department of Health and Aged Care's OSHC fact sheet.
What does Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) cover?
OSHC helps you access key medical services during your study in Australia:
- Doctor visits (General Practitioner/GP): Access to medical consultations.
- Emergency care: Including ambulance transport and hospital expenses.
- Optional extras: Depending on your plan, some policies include additional services like physiotherapy, dental care and optical services.
Important
Carefully read your policy terms to understand:
- What services are covered.
- How to use your health cover.
- How to make claims when needed.
If you’re extending your stay
You may need additional health cover. For instance, if you switch to a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, you’ll need to purchase Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC).
Where can I purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is offered by certain insurers under a Deed of Agreement with the Department of Health and Aged Care to provide adequate health insurance to students at a reasonable cost. Only a small number of registered health insurers offer OSHC:
Health Insurer | Insurer website |
|---|---|
ahm OSHC | |
Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare) | |
BUPA Australia | |
CBHS International Health | |
Medibank Private | |
NIB OSHC |
Tips to choose your provider
- Check with your education institution: Your education institution may recommend a preferred provider. Start by contacting them to simplify your search.
- Compare providers: Review different providers and their policies to find the best plan for your needs. You can visit the OSHC Australia website to help with this comparison.
- Look for extras: Some insurers offer additional services, such as 24-hour support lines or retail discounts for international students. Consider these benefits when choosing your provider.
How to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
It’s quick and simple to buy OSHC:
- Visit provider websites: Choose an insurer and complete the purchase online.
- Receive confirmation: Once payment is made, your provider will send you an email confirming your cover.
- Save details: File your confirmation email securely (for example in a “Study Abroad” folder) as you will need it for your visa application.
Using Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
To use OSHC effectively while studying in Australia, follow these steps:
- Activate your policy: Upon arrival, ensure your OSHC policy is activated via your insurer’s website or app to get your member number.
- Carry your membership details: Keep a digital or physical membership card handy for when you need medical services.
- Choose network providers: Visit doctors, specialists, or hospitals in your insurer’s network to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Visit a GP first: For non-emergency situations, start with a visit to a General Practitioner (GP), as this is often more affordable than going to a hospital.
- Hospital services: For emergencies, head to a public hospital and contact your insurer immediately. If you need planned treatment, confirm with your insurer what costs are covered before scheduling the procedure.
- Claims and reimbursements: If you pay upfront for medical services, save your receipts and submit a claim through your insurer’s app, email, or website to get reimbursed.
Additional private health cover
If OSHC doesn’t cover certain needs like specialised treatments or extensive dental care, you may choose to purchase private health insurance for yourself or your family.
Points to consider when choosing private health insurance:
- Costs can vary significantly between providers.
- Confirm that the policy meets your specific needs.
Learn more about OSHC
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
Having Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all student visa holders (subclass 500). It ensures you have access to healthcare during your stay and helps you meet the visa requirements.
How long does my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) coverage need to last?
Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must cover the entire duration of your stay in Australia. It needs to begin on or before the day you arrive and continue until your visa expires. If you extend your visa, you must update your health cover to ensure continuous coverage.
Can I use health insurance from my home country?
No, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be purchased through an Australian health insurance provider to comply with Australian visa requirements. Exemptions apply for students from countries with specific government agreements with Australia, such as Belgium, Norway and Sweden.
What does Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) cover?
OSHC typically covers:
- Visits to a general practitioner (GP) or doctor.
- Emergency care like ambulance services and hospital treatments.
Coverage may vary depending on the policy you choose. Some plans include extras like physiotherapy, dental care andor optical services, but may incur additional costs.
How do I purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
You can easily buy OSHC online directly through your chosen health insurance provider. Your educational institution may also recommend a provider. Once purchased, you’ll receive a confirmation email that must be included with your visa application.
What happens if I need to extend my visa?
If you extend your stay in Australia, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage. Different visas may require different types of health insurance. For example, you’ll need to switch to Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) if you apply for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
What should I consider when selecting an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider?
- Check if your education institution has a preferred provider.
- Compare insurers, plans, prices and coverage details.
- Look for additional benefits, like 24-hour support phone lines or student discounts.
Do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for my family members?
Yes, if you are travelling with your family, they must also be covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for the entire duration of their stay.
Can I get a refund if I don’t study in Australia?
Yes, if you’re unable to study in Australia for any reason, you can contact your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider to request a refund for unused coverage.
How do I activate my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
You can activate your OSHC policy online through your provider’s app or website as soon as you arrive in Australia to access your membership details.
Should I get additional private health insurance?
If your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover certain healthcare services, like extensive dental care or specialised treatments, then you can consider purchasing additional private health insurance. Private insurance can cover additional services for yourself or your family, depending on the plan you select.
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