Dhiraj Kandel
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a compulsory health insurance for international students studying in Australia. It is a legal requirement that often confuses Nepalese students, and it is separate from visa costs, tuition fees, and travel expenses.
This guide explains why OSHC is mandatory, how much it costs, and what it covers. It also compares OSHC insurance providers in Australia to estimate OSHC costs based on your visa type and study duration.
What is OSHC Australia?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory health insurance that covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medication for international students studying in Australia.
OSHC is required for the full duration of your student visa and is essential to meet visa conditions and reduce the financial risk of healthcare expenses while studying. OSHC is legally required for all international students on a subclass 500 student visa. Without OSHC, students are not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Is OSHC Insurance Mandatory in Australia?
Yes, OSHC is mandatory because the Department of Home Affairs will reject your visa if you do not provide proof of OSHC coverage from a registered provider.
What Does OSHC Cover for International Students in Australia?
Every approved OSHC policy includes a minimum level of health cover set by the Australian government to help international students access essential medical care during their stay.
| Coverage Area | Details |
| Doctor visits (GPs) | Full or partial cost of consultations. Medicare rebate: AUD $30-$80 per visit. |
| Hospital stays | Shared ward accommodation, surgery, and medical services. Coverage: 100% of public rates. |
| Ambulance | 100% of emergency ambulance transport costs covered. |
| Prescription medication | Partial cover up to AUD $50 per item, with an annual limit of AUD $300-$500. |
| Pathology & X-rays | Covered if listed under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). |
Note: OSHC does not cover dental, optical, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care. To get these, choose a plan with extras or upgrade your base OSHC policy.
OSHC Australia Cost for International Students
The OSHC Australia cost depends on your visa duration and whether you are on a single, couple, or family policy.
| Provider | 12-Month Single Policy | Couple | Family |
| NIB OSHC Australia | AUD $680 – $720 | AUD $2,400-$3,000 | AUD $4,700+ |
| OSHC Bupa Australia | AUD $600-$750 | AUD $2,700-$5000 | AUD $5,500+ |
| Allianz OSHC Australia | AUD $800-$1350 | AUD $3200-$6200 | AUD $6500+ |
| Medibank OSHC | AUD $770-$1350 | AUD $3500-$6500 | AUD $7500+ |
| AHM OSHC | AUD $570-$650 | AUD $2,350-$4600 | AUD $5500+ |
Summary of OSHC Fees Australia (2026):
- Single visa holder: AUD $570-$1,350 per year (NPR 49,600-117,500+)
- Couple policy: AUD $2,350-$6,500+ per year (NPR 204,500-565,500+)
- Family coverage: AUD $4,700-$7,500+ per year (NPR 408,900-652,500+)
Use a trusted OSHC cost calculator to get an exact quote based on your stay.
Comparing the Top OSHC Providers in Australia
The 5 government-approved OSHC insurance Australia providers include:
- NIB OSHC Australia: Easy online management, multilingual support
- Allianz OSHC Australia: Great for direct billing at partnered clinics
- OSHC Bupa Australia: Wide hospital network, app-based claims
- Medibank OSHC: Good extras options and mobile support
- AHM OSHC: Affordable and straightforward policies
Since each provider offers slightly different features and pricing, you must always compare:
- Claims process
- Hospital partnerships
- App usability
- Cost vs. inclusions
- Available extras
How Much does OSHC Cost in Australia?
OSHC costs AUD 500-$800 per year for a single student, with costs varying by provider, policy, and duration. Couples’ policies range from roughly AUD 2,600 to $6,000+ per year, while family policies can exceed AUD 8,900-$12,000+ annually.
OSHC premiums are set according to visa duration, not academic semesters. Expect to pay more if your course includes postgraduate research or if you are adding dependents.
OSHC Must Cover:
- Entire visa duration (not just course end)
- Additional months after graduation (1-6 months, depending on course type)
Note: OSHC fees in Australia may rise annually, so lock in rates early when possible.
How to Buy OSHC Insurance Australia Online?
You can buy OSHC insurance in 5 steps:
- Compare plans on trusted OSHC comparison websites.
- Choose the right provider based on price, coverage, and visa needs.
- Enter visa details and study duration to get accurate pricing.
- Pay online and receive your Certificate of Insurance (CoI) instantly.
- Submit CoI (Certificate of Insurance (CoI)) with your visa application to comply with immigration rules.
Pro Tip: Look for student deals or promo codes offered by comparison sites or universities.
Can You Switch OSHC Providers in Australia?
Yes, you can switch OSHC providers at any time and request a refund for the unused portion of the policy.
Here is how to switch your OSHC provider in Australia:
- Purchase a new OSHC policy
- Cancel your old policy
- Request a refund (minus admin fee)
- Ensure there is no gap in coverage
Switching is useful if you find better pricing or services from another insurer, such as NIB OSHC Australia or Allianz OSHC Australia, later in your stay.
Claiming from Your OSHC Policy
To claim eligible expenses of OSHC in Australia, follow these simple steps:
- Visit a doctor or hospital and pay upfront.
- Collect itemised receipts and treatment details.
- Submit a claim online via your OSHC provider’s portal or app.
- Receive reimbursement within 3-10 business days.
Some providers like OSHC, Bupa Australia, and Allianz OSHC Australia offer direct billing, meaning you won’t need to pay out-of-pocket at specific clinics.
Choosing the Right OSHC for Your Student Journey
Not sure which OSHC best fits your visa and budget? Whichever OSHC provider you go with, what matters most is that your plan matches your needs, visa duration, and budget.
Explore trusted providers, compare coverage, and get the right support from a reliable education consultancy for studying in Australia.
FAQs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance that covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medication for international students. OSHC is required for the full duration of your student visa and is essential to meet visa conditions and reduce the financial risk of healthcare expenses while studying.
OSHC costs AUD 500-$800 per year for a single student, with costs varying by provider, policy, and duration. Couples’ policies range from roughly AUD 2,600 to $6,000+ per year, while family policies can exceed AUD 8,900-$12,000+ annually.
No, private insurance does not meet Australian visa requirements unless it is OSHC-approved. You must hold a valid OSHC to comply with your student visa conditions.
NIB, Bupa, and Allianz are all reliable OSHC providers, but each fits different priorities. NIB often provides lower pricing and flexible plans, while Bupa and Allianz may offer wider hospital networks and more direct billing options.
Yes, you must maintain continuous OSHC coverage for the entire duration of your course or student visa, with no gaps, to remain visa-compliant. If your course or visa extends beyond one year, your OSHC must be renewed or extended accordingly.
