Most students know about OSHC long before they even get into the Student Visa process. You hear of it during counselling, your offer letter lists it as a requirement, and the visa won’t move ahead without it.
But almost nobody tells you what it actually feels like to use OSHC once you arrive in Australia.

Let’s understand the basics and see how OSHC works in real student life.

 

OSHC in Simple Words

OSHC or Overseas Student Health Cover is health insurance designed only for international students in Australia.

If you’re coming on a Student Visa (subclass 500), you don’t get Medicare, which is what locals and PR holders use to cover their medical expenses. Without OSHC, even a quick doctor visit can cost somewhere between $60–$100. A hospital bill? Don’t even ask. OSHC steps in to protect you from those costs.

It’s compulsory. And it must be active from the day you enter Australia until the day your visa expires. This rule is not flexible. Immigration checks it very seriously.

 

Who Actually Needs OSHC?

If your visa lets you study full-time in Australia, you’re expected to carry OSHC.

You need OSHC if you’re:

  • A student on subclass 500.
  • A dependent spouse or children of a student.
  • Doing a packaged course (like an English course + diploma + degree).
  • Extending your student visa.
  • Switching from a visitor or working visa to a student visa inside Australia.

If you’re coming on a tourist, visitor, or work visa, you’ll need an OVHC, not OSHC.

 

What OSHC Typically Covers and What It Doesn’t

Let’s be honest, an OSHC does not cover everything. It focuses on essential medical care, not extras.

Here’s what a basic OSHC plan covers:

 

  • Everyday GP visits: The standard ‘I have a fever, cough, stomach issue’ type appointments.
  • Specialists: Dermatologists, gynaecologists, cardiologists — but only after a GP referral.
  • Hospital treatment: Accidents, fractures, surgeries, emergency cases. This is the part that saves students from massive bills.
  • Ambulance: Most OSHC plans include emergency ambulance transport.
  • Prescription medicines: You get reimbursed up to a limit per year.

 

What it doesn’t cover:

  • Dental
  • Optical
  • Physiotherapy
  • Elective procedures
  • Non-prescription medicines
  • Pregnancy has 12-month waiting period (unless your policy includes it)

Many students do not check these details beforehand and are surprised to later find out that they only get the essentials; everything else is an add-on that goes out-of-pocket.

 

OSHC Plan Costs

Australia has very few major government-approved OSHC providers — Medibank, Bupa, ahm, Allianz Care, and nib. OSHC cost isn’t impacted by factors like pricing, pharmacy benefits, claim processing speed, and hospital partnerships. As the policy structure and benefits vary for each provider, the premiums vary too.

 

You can expect a typical 2-year OSHC policy for a single student to cost around AUD 1,000 to AUD 1,300. Premiums for couple and family plans go even higher.

 

Students can use platforms like OSHC Policy to compare OSHC plans and see which one is cheapest, offers better coverage and fits them the best. This is the best way to save.

 

Why is Comparing OSHC So Important

Two policies might look the same on paper but feel very different in real life. It is therefore good to check a few things in advance:

  • Does the provider have clinics that bulk bill?
  • How fast is their claim processing?
  • What is their benefit limit?
  • Do they have strong hospital network?
  • Do they offer better value if your visa is long, like 2–3 years?

 

A particular OSHC plan might fit your friend but not you. The reason is simple — Both of you have different medical needs.

 

When Should You Buy OSHC

You need to get your OSHC sorted before you submit your student visa application.

Your CoE will also list the exact OSHC start and end dates. Your policy should cover your entire course duration, plus buffer months before and after the course.

 

This means that if you’re doing a 2-year master’s degree, a 12-month policy won’t be enough. You’d need something like a 24-month plan, plus around 2 extra months to cover the pre-arrival and post-course period. Anything shorter, and your visa won’t be accepted.

 

Claiming with OSHC

The steps for the claims process are more or less the same for most providers. The process is simple, but you need to do it right.

 

  • Book a GP appointment.
  • Pay the consultation fee at the clinic.
  • Keep the receipt & invoice.
  • Upload it to your OSHC app/portal.

Reimbursement reflects in your bank account.

Some clinics directly bill your OSHC provider, so you pay nothing. These are called direct billing clinics.

 

Remember, not maintaining continuous OSHC is considered a visa breach. So, never let it lapse.

 

Final Thoughts

OSHC is something you’ll surely need in medical emergencies. It is not just one of those boring visa requirements you tick off and forget. You’ll find yourself caught in situations when you need GP visits, prescriptions, and occasional emergencies. Picking the right OSHC plan means:

 

  • Less stress when you fall sick.
  • Fewer out-of-pocket surprises.
  • Smoother visa processing.
  • Peace of mind during your entire course.

OSHC Policy can help you make the right choice.