OSHC – health insurance for international students

If you hold a student visa, you need OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for your whole stay. Here's what it is and how to choose.

What is OSHC?

OSHC is health insurance made for international students. Only a small number of approved Australian insurers can sell it.

Do I need it?

Yes. Having OSHC is a student visa requirement. You must have it before your visa is granted and keep it for your whole stay. If it lapses, you could breach your visa conditions. If your partner or children are on your visa, they need to be covered too.

Some students from Norway, Belgium and Sweden are exempt, because they are covered by their own country's health insurance.

What does it cover?

• Visits to a GP (doctor)
• Most hospital treatment and some ambulance services
• Some prescription medicines

It usually does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy. For those you need "extras" cover, which you can add.

How to choose

• Compare the price for your exact visa dates – single, couple or family.
• Check waiting periods (for example for pregnancy or existing conditions).
• Check whether the insurer has direct billing at clinics near you.
• Many colleges offer OSHC with your enrolment – it's convenient, but compare first.

Changing course or getting a new visa?

Your OSHC must cover the new visa period too. We help you check the dates when you change course or apply for your next visa.