Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance that meets student visa health cover requirements and helps you pay for medical and hospital services while you’re studying in Australia.
Why do overseas students need OSHC?
Paying for medical treatment in Australia can be expensive
Overseas students may not be eligible for Medicare (the public health system for Australian residents). Without access to Medicare, paying for medical treatment can be expensive.
When you’re away from home, it’s important to know medical treatment is available and affordable if something happens to you.
Student visa requirements
As an international student, you’re required to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
Overseas students who don’t maintain adequate health insurance are at risk of having their visa cancelled.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia
If the country your from has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, you may be able to access some subsidised health services with Medicare while you’re visiting Australia.
Even if your country has an agreement with Australia, your access to cover may be limited and you may still be required to have OSHC.
Find out if your country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.
Who’s eligible for OSHC?
You can get OSHC if you’re an overseas student in Australia with a student visa.
Your spouse, de facto, child or step-child may also be eligible for OSHC under your policy.
To find out more, read the full policy wording
How much does OSHC cost?
How much you pay for OSHC depends on the type of cover you need. We offer OSHC for:
Singles – covering only the overseas student
Dual family – covering the overseas student, and either:
- One adult spouse or de facto partner
- One or more children under the age of 18 years old
Multi-family – covering the overseas student and more than one dependant, which can include:
- Only one adult spouse or de facto partner
- One or more dependent children
The Australian Government requires that you have continuous OSHC for the entire length of your stay in Australia. So when you purchase OSHC, you’ll need to pay your policy premium upfront to cover you for the length of the student visa you’re applying for.
If you decide to extend your study, you can renew you OSHC policy.
Ways to save time and money
Direct-billing medical providers
Using Allianz Global Assistance network of providers makes it easier for you to claim when you visit a doctor. All you need to do is show your valid OSHC membership card or e-membership card from your My OSHC Assistant app on the day of your appointment and the medical provider will bill us directly for the covered amount of your bill.
With direct billing, the doctor makes your claim on your behalf.
Make sure you select a doctor that specifies they can direct bill.
Confirm prices before your appointment
Always check with your doctor or hospital and ask if there are any extra costs you may need to pay. Some medical providers may charge above the MBS fee, leaving you with more out-of-pocket expenses.