OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) Explained: Costs, Providers, and How to Claim in 2026

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students on an Australian student visa (Subclass 500). It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and some medicines. This guide covers costs, major providers, what is covered, and how to claim in 2026.

What is OSHC?

OSHC is health insurance specifically designed for international students in Australia. It is a condition of the student visa (condition 8501) that you must hold active OSHC for the entire duration of your visa. OSHC covers essential health services at significantly lower cost than private health insurance for Australian residents.

Unlike Australia’s public Medicare system (which international students cannot access), OSHC is the primary health safety net for student visa holders. You cannot hold a valid student visa without active, continuous OSHC coverage.

OSHC cost for 2026

Annual premiums vary by provider and type of cover:

Important note: Costs vary by provider and are updated annually (usually January–February). Verify current premiums on the provider’s website before purchasing.

These are rough guides for mid-range cover. Basic cover (hospital only) may be cheaper; comprehensive cover (including extras like dental, optical) may be more expensive.

Major OSHC providers in Australia

All major providers are registered with the Australian Department of Home Affairs and meet the OSHC requirements for student visas. You can hold OSHC with any registered provider.

What does OSHC cover?

OSHC typically covers:

Covered services

• Doctor visits (general practice, specialists, allied health like physiotherapy) — usually bulk-billed or with gap payment.
• Hospital accommodation (public and private hospitals) — ward or shared room (depending on plan).
• Prescription medicines — on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and some non-PBS medicines.
• Emergency services — ambulance, emergency department visits.
• Pathology and imaging — blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds (usually bulk-billed).

Often NOT covered

• Dental — most standard OSHC plans do not cover dental. You must purchase separate dental insurance or pay out of pocket. (Comprehensive plans may offer optional dental for extra cost.)
• Optical/vision — glasses, contact lenses, eye exams. (Some comprehensive plans offer a small rebate.)
• Physiotherapy, massage, psychology — may have limited cover or require referral.
• Cosmetic surgery — not covered.
• Pregnancy and childbirth — covered if the pregnancy begins after the OSHC policy is in force; usually covered as hospital care.
• Waiting periods — some exclusions apply for certain conditions (e.g., psychiatric conditions may have a 2-month waiting period).

Tip: When comparing plans, check what extras (dental, optical, psychology, physiotherapy) are included. Some students opt for additional gap cover or extras insurance to fill these gaps.

How to enrol in OSHC

Step 1: Choose a provider

Compare premiums and coverage on the provider websites. Popular student-friendly providers include Allianz Care and nib. You can contact providers directly or use online comparison tools.

Step 2: Apply online or in person

Most providers allow you to apply online via their website. You will be asked for:

• Full name, date of birth, passport number.
• Visa details (Subclass 500, visa grant date, expected end date).
• Australian contact address (if you have one) or home country address.
• Bank details for payment (direct debit, credit card).

Step 3: Pay the premium

Pay the annual or quarterly premium upfront. Most providers accept:

• Credit/debit card.
• Direct bank transfer.
• Direct debit (recurring payment).

Step 4: Receive your membership card

The provider will issue a membership card (physical or digital) with your:

• Member number (this is your OSHC policy number).
• Coverage dates.
• Policy details.

Timing tip: Enrol in OSHC before your visa grant or before you travel to Australia. Your cover should be in place by your course start date. If you arrive before your OSHC is active, you will not be covered for any health costs.

How to claim with OSHC

Bulk-billed claims (no out-of-pocket cost)

When you visit a bulk-billed doctor:

1. Provide your OSHC membership card (or membership number).
2. The doctor bills your OSHC provider directly; you pay nothing.
3. No claim form needed; the process is automatic.

Finding a bulk-billed doctor: Not all doctors are bulk-billed. Contact your OSHC provider for a list of bulk-billed providers in your area, or ask your education provider’s health centre.

Out-of-pocket then claim (gap payment)

If you visit a doctor who does not bulk-bill:

1. Pay the doctor’s fee upfront.
2. Request an itemised invoice.
3. Submit a claim form (paper or online) to your OSHC provider with the invoice.
4. The provider reimburses you within 5–10 business days.

Hospital claims

If you are admitted to hospital:

1. Notify your OSHC provider as soon as possible (many have emergency hotlines).
2. Provide your membership number to the hospital.
3. The hospital coordinates with your OSHC provider; you should not receive a large bill.
4. Some private hospitals may require upfront payment; claim the reimbursement from your OSHC provider.

Pharmacy claims

Prescription medicines on the PBS are significantly subsidised (often a A$15 co-payment for students). For non-PBS medicines, you may need to submit a claim to your OSHC provider for partial reimbursement.

OSHC renewal and changes

Annual renewal

Your OSHC premium is usually charged annually on the policy anniversary date. Most providers auto-renew unless you cancel. Set a reminder to:

• Confirm your provider’s renewal cost.
• Update your visa end date (if extended).
• Change dependants (if your family situation changes).

Changes to your policy

If your circumstances change (e.g., your spouse leaves Australia, you have a child, you extend your course):

1. Contact your OSHC provider immediately.
2. Provide updated information (family status, visa end date).
3. Your premium may increase or decrease.

Switching providers

You can switch OSHC providers between policy anniversaries, but there may be waiting periods for certain conditions. It is usually easier to switch at annual renewal. Notify both providers of the change.

OSHC and dependants

If you are bringing a spouse and/or children:

• Each dependant must be included on your OSHC policy (or have their own separate policy).
• Combined premium for family cover is usually cheaper than individual policies for each person.
• Dependants on family OSHC have the same coverage as the primary student.

OSHC and visa condition 8501

Condition 8501 on your student visa requires you to hold adequate health insurance. Home Affairs defines “adequate” OSHC as cover that meets the OSHC standards (coverage of hospital, doctor, and essential medicines). If your OSHC lapses (you do not renew), your visa will be automatically cancelled.

What if you do not have OSHC?

Consequences of not holding active OSHC:

• Visa cancellation: Home Affairs can cancel your student visa for breach of condition 8501.
• Medical debt: If you need medical care without OSHC, you will be charged the full cost (doctor visits: A$100–$300; hospital: A$1,000+/day).
• Deportation: If your visa is cancelled for breach of OSHC condition, you may be required to depart Australia or face deportation action.

Never let your OSHC lapse. If you cannot afford the premium, contact your OSHC provider about payment plans or cheaper basic-cover options.

OSHC and pre-existing conditions

OSHC policies typically have waiting periods for certain pre-existing conditions (e.g., mental health, pregnancy). If you have a significant medical condition, declare it when applying and ask about waiting periods. Some conditions may not be covered if they existed before your policy start date.

FAQ

Q: Can I use my home country’s health insurance instead of OSHC? A: No. Australian student visa law requires OSHC specifically. Foreign health insurance is not accepted as a substitute.

Q: What if I already have private health insurance as an Australian resident? A: You must hold OSHC if you are on a student visa. If you become a permanent resident or citizen, you can hold standard Australian health insurance instead.

Q: Can I claim OSHC on my tax return? A: No. OSHC is a visa requirement, not a deductible expense for most students. However, if you are working in Australia and paying income tax, you may be able to claim some health costs in limited circumstances.

Q: Does OSHC cover mental health? A: Most OSHC plans cover psychology sessions, but there may be limits (e.g., 10 sessions per year) and waiting periods. Check your provider’s details.

Q: What if I become pregnant while on a student visa? A: Pregnancy and maternity care (including hospital birth) are covered by OSHC if the pregnancy began after your policy start date. Make sure to declare the pregnancy to your provider.

Q: Do I need to pay a gap if I see a doctor? A: Bulk-billed doctors: no gap. Non-bulk-billed doctors: you pay upfront and claim back from your OSHC provider. The reimbursement amount depends on the provider’s benefit schedule.

Q: Can I cancel OSHC early if I leave Australia? A: Yes. If you depart before your policy end date, you can cancel and request a pro-rata refund of unused premium. Notify your provider at least 2 weeks before departure.

Sources

• OSHC providers: Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care, nib, ahm
• Department of Home Affairs OSHC info: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/student-oshc
• Student visa (Subclass 500): immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-visa-500

Last reviewed: April 2026. Visa rules and charges change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.