Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for Australia
OSHC Insurance, also known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), is mandatory for international students studying in Australia. It helps cover eligible medical expenses and is required for most Student Visa holders. Compare OSHC Insurance from leading providers to find the best cover for your needs.
The government clearly states that OSHC is a must-have, which is why students are expected to buy OSHC online before they even apply for the visa.
Who Needs OSHC Insurance in Australia?
OSHC Insurance is required for most international students applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Every international student and their accompanying family members must stay covered for their entire time in Australia. You can purchase it yourself from a visa-compliant insurer or ask your education or migration consultant to arrange it for you. Either way, the rule stays the same — you must maintain continuous cover from the day you arrive.
What Does OSHC Insurance Cover?
Before purchasing OSHC Insurance, always review the policy inclusions, exclusions, and waiting periods. OSHC helps pay for medical treatment at hospitals or clinics and supports you with certain prescribed medicines. Multiple providers offer OSHC. This makes choosing the right plan tricky. Moreover, coverage can vary from plan to plan. Compare OSHC prices before choosing a policy. Also check for waiting periods and exclusions to ensure you choose a plan that is in line with your needs.
Physio, dental, optical, and other specific services fall under ‘extras’. These services aren’t included in a basic cover. If you need any of these, look for a comprehensive or a separate extras cover.
Why choose Budget Policy to purchase your Australia Overseas Student Health Cover?
Budget Policy makes it simple to find the right cover. You get access to plans from the best OSHC providers in Australia, including Bupa, AHM, Medibank, Allianz Care, and NIB — all in one place. This makes the best OSHC provider comparison quick and easy.
You can check the OSHC 2-year policy price, browse the OSHC price list for couples or families, and get the best deal to buy the plan that fits. Once you pick a plan, you receive an instant OSHC certificate in your inbox, usually within 10 to 30 minutes.
Get the Best Price on Your OSHC
If you’re looking for the cheapest OSHC policy Australia offers without compromising on basics, comparing plans on Budget Policy is the easiest way to see all your options side by side. Check prices from Bupa, AHM, Medibank, Allianz Care, and NIB. Compare benefits, and buy OSHC online in just a few minutes.
Compare and save with Budget Policy.
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- 2026-08-13
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FAQs
OSHC Insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover) is health insurance designed for international students studying in Australia. It helps cover eligible medical and hospital expenses while meeting Student Visa (Subclass 500) requirements.
Most international students need OSHC Insurance to meet Australian student visa requirements and access eligible healthcare services during their stay in Australia.
Yes. You can compare OSHC Insurance plans from approved providers online, review policy benefits, and purchase the policy that best suits your needs.
Most providers issue your OSHC certificate shortly after your purchase is confirmed. The exact time depends on the provider and payment verification.
Yes. If your course duration changes or you need different coverage, you can usually extend or switch your OSHC Insurance while maintaining continuous cover.
Standard OSHC Insurance generally covers eligible GP visits, hospital treatment, prescription medicines, specialist services, and emergency ambulance services, depending on your policy.
Standard OSHC Insurance usually doesn't cover routine dental treatment. Some providers offer optional Extras Cover that includes dental and other additional healthcare services.
Yes. You can choose from Australian Government-approved OSHC Insurance providers such as Bupa, Medibank, nib, ahm, Allianz Care Australia, and CBHS International Health.
The cost of OSHC Insurance depends on your provider, course duration, cover type (single, couple, or family), and the policy you choose.
Compare OSHC Insurance providers based on policy benefits, waiting periods, claims process, customer support, digital services, and overall value—not just the price.
