Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory requirement for international students in Australia. It ensures you have access to healthcare services during your stay, giving you peace of mind while you focus on your studies and enjoy your time in Australia.
This health insurance is a visa requirement for your Student Visa (Subclass 500) and must cover the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is the Australia’s public healthcare system, providing essential medical services to Australian citizens and permanent residents. It ensures access to a range of healthcare services, including visits to general practitioners (GPs), hospital care, and some prescription medications, often at little or no cost.
However, international students are not eligible for Medicare under most circumstances, which means you’ll need private health insurance to cover your medical needs while studying in Australia. This is where Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) becomes essential.
OSHC is designed to mirror many of Medicare’s benefits, ensuring that international students have access to the same basic healthcare services as Australian residents. This includes coverage for general medical consultations, hospital treatments, and emergency services.
It acts as a safety net, protecting you from potentially high out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
What's covered
Private insurance under OSHC typically covers 85-100% of the services Medicare offers, ensuring you’re protected for:
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Doctor Visits (GPs and specialists): Consultations for general health issues.
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Hospital Treatment: Public or private hospital care.
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Prescription Medicines: Partial reimbursement for prescribed medications.
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Emergency Ambulance Services: Transport in case of emergencies.
What's not covered
OSHC generally does not cover:
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Dental care.
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Optical services (e.g., glasses or contact lenses).
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Physiotherapy, chiropractic, or other allied health services.
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Medical treatment outside Australia.
These can be added through extras cover, available separately from most providers.
Check details with the insurance provider.
Which provider to choose?
Australia has several government-approved OSHC providers, including Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care Australia, nib, and AHM.
Among these, we highly recommend Bupa, not just because we are partners, but because we’ve personally used this insurance and trust it above others.
Through our Education Agency, you can access the exclusive Bupa Advantage product, available only to selected institutions.
Bupa Advantage offers the highest coverage levels and provides discounted rates for couples and family policies, making it a standout choice for students and their dependents.
Contact us today for a personalized quote and let us help you secure the best coverage for your Australian journey!