Understanding 500 Student Visa Health Insurance Requirements:Why OSHC Matters

• byBudgetpolicy
• 2025-05-07

Are you planning to study in Australia on a subclass 500 student visa? Well, you will mandatorily need to get an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This is not just a mandatory guideline requirement; rather, it ensures you stay protected even when you are away from home. OSHC lets you access essential health services in Australia.
There are various providers like AHM OSHC, OSHC NIB, etc. This leaves you baffled as to which policy to choose. It is definitely a daunting task to compare and choose the best out of the pool. This blog is a guide to breaks down the points you need to know. We will also discuss why a Budget Policy might be the smart choice for international students.

What is OSHC and Why Do You Need It?
OSHC is a health insurance policy mandatory for all international students in Australia. As per the government guidelines, this cover is required throughout the duration of your student visa. OSHC aims to help students access healthcare services without having to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for doctor visits, emergency services, hospital stays, and prescription medications. OSHC bridges that gap and protects your health without punching a hole in your pocket while you're studying abroad.

What Does OSHC Cover?

Inclusions of the cover might vary for each provider. However, standard OSHC policies include:
Visits to general practitioners (GPs)
In-hospital treatment and accommodation
Ambulance services
Limited medications
Emergency medical care

It is crucial to remember that the OSHC cover doesn't usually cover extras like dental, optical, or physiotherapy. You can, however, add these services on with an extended or combined policy. This is where providers come into the picture. You would now want to compare offers/ quotes from various AHM providers or options from OSHC NIB.

Comparing OSHC Providers:
In Australia, there are many government-approved OSHC providers. Their levels of service, pricing, and policy features vary. You may want to compare the popular ones:
AHM OSHC is a well-known option offering competitive pricing and a wide network of direct billing doctors. They are known for being user-friendly, especially for students who are new to navigating healthcare systems.

OSHC NIB is also a reputable provider. They offer straightforward cover, a solid online claims process, and a useful mobile app. In addition to this, they offer 24/7 helplines for assistance. This makes them a sought-after choice for many students.

Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, and Medibank are among other reliable options. Each one of them offers its own set of benefits. However, comparing their offerings can help you choose what suits your needs the best.

To make an informed decision, it's wise to compare OSHC plans. You can easily compare quotes from various providers on our website—Budget Policy. Comparing helps you identify policies that balance cost, coverage, and convenience. You can then choose the best option for yourself.

Why OSHC Matters: Real-World Scenarios
Still not able to wrap your head around the importance of an OSHC cover? Let us walk through some real-life scenarios that highlight the importance of having the right policy:
Scenario 1-
Emergency Appendectomy: The cost of around $10,000 surgery and hospitalisation is mostly covered with OSHC.
Scenario 2-
GP Visits: A routine doctor’s visit in Australia can cost between $70 and $100. OSHC generally covers most of this amount.
Scenario 3-
Prescription Medications: OSHC policies usually cover at least a part of your medication costs, which can otherwise add up quickly over time.
OSHC gives you peace of not having to choose between your health and your finances.

Budget Policy: Affordable OSHC Without Compromise
Preparing for your studies in Australia? Remember, choosing the right OSHC plan is a crucial step too. It is not just a visa requirement. It goes beyond that, it is about your protection.

For students looking to balance cost and coverage, Budget Policy is an excellent option. It focuses on providing essential coverage at a lower cost, without compromising on the core services you need. You get to compare and evaluate plans from AHM providers, OSHC NIB, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, and Medibank—all in one place.

Save yourself from the hassle, and choose the best.