Health Insurance for International Students in Australia (OSHC)
If you’re planning to study in Australia, it’s important to know that you must have health insurance for the entire duration of your student visa. This insurance is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and it’s a visa requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs.
At Study Gurus, we often receive questions about OSHC from students, so we’ve put together this guide to help you better understand what it is, what it covers, and how we can support you with the process.
✅ Need help with OSHC and student visa application?
Our team will guide you through the process and make sure you have the right cover in place.
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Student Visa Health Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance to study in Australia?
Yes. All international students (and their dependents such as spouses and children under 18) must have an OSHC policy in place for the entire student visa period. You’ll need to show proof of your OSHC when applying for your student visa.
➡️ Students from Norway, Sweden, or Belgium may be exempt.
What does OSHC cover?
Your OSHC helps cover many of the medical costs you may face while studying in Australia, including:
Doctor visits and out-of-hospital medical treatment
In-hospital medical treatment
Prescription medicines
Emergency ambulance services
If you want extras such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, or podiatry, you can purchase additional private health insurance on top of your OSHC.
When should my OSHC start and finish?
Start date:
If you’re applying for a student visa offshore, your OSHC must start from the date your visa is granted (usually before you travel).
If you’re already in Australia, your OSHC must start on or before the day you apply for your student visa.
Finish date:
Your OSHC must cover your entire student visa. The exact end date depends on your course length:
| Course length | Visa usually ends |
|---|---|
| 10 months or less | 1 month after course end |
| More than 10 months, finishing Jan–Oct | 2 months after course end |
| More than 10 months, finishing Nov–Dec | 15 March the following year |
If you’re not sure which dates to select, our team will guide you to ensure your OSHC matches your visa correctly.
Can I pay monthly for OSHC?
No. OSHC must be paid in full upfront for the duration of your visa. This is because the Department of Home Affairs requires you to provide a valid OSHC certificate at the time you apply for your visa.
👉 If you finish your studies early or leave Australia before your visa ends, you can usually request a refund for the unused portion of your policy.
Which providers offer OSHC?
There are six approved OSHC providers in Australia:
ahm OSHC
Allianz Care Australia
BUPA Australia
CBHS International Health
Medibank Private
NIB OSHC
Can I include my partner or children?
Yes. If your spouse or children are included in your student visa application, they must also be covered under your OSHC. This means you’ll need a Couples or Family OSHC policy rather than separate single policies.
How do I purchase OSHC?
You don’t have to worry about arranging this on your own. As your education and visa agents, we take care of organising your OSHC policy with your chosen provider. This ensures your cover is:
Correctly matched to your visa dates
Fully compliant with student visa requirements
Ready for your visa application, avoiding delays
