OSHC Australia 2026: Everything International Students Need to Know About Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500). It is not optional. Your university will require proof of OSHC before you arrive, and the Department of Home Affairs requires it for your visa application.

Here is everything you need to know about OSHC in 2026.

What Is OSHC?

OSHC is a health insurance product specifically designed for international students in Australia. It covers:

• Medical and hospital treatment — visits to a doctor (GP), specialist consultations, treatment in hospital
• Emergency ambulance — ambulance transport to hospital in emergencies
• Limited pharmaceuticals — some prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
• Mental health services — GP referrals and limited specialist visits for mental health

What OSHC Does NOT Cover

• Dental treatment: Not covered under standard OSHC. Dental extras can be purchased separately.
• Optical: Eye tests and glasses are not covered in standard OSHC.
• Pre-existing conditions (in some cases): Some treatments for pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods.
• Elective cosmetic procedures: Not covered.
• Ambulance in all situations: Routine medical transport not covered — only emergencies.

Many students are surprised to find that dental is not covered. If you need regular dental treatment, consider adding a dental extension to your OSHC or purchasing a separate dental plan.

OSHC Providers in 2026

There are five approved OSHC providers in Australia:

University arrangements: Many Australian universities have negotiated OSHC arrangements with a specific provider (usually Bupa or Medibank). If your university has an arrangement, you may be automatically enrolled and charged. You can opt out and choose your own provider, but check with your institution first.

How Much Does OSHC Cost?

OSHC premiums are regulated by the government. All approved providers must charge the same regulated base rate, but add-ons and benefit levels vary.

Approximate 2026 annual rates (single student):

• Standard single cover: AUD 600–700/year
• Enhanced single cover: AUD 700–900/year

Family cover (you + spouse + children):

• Standard: AUD 2,000–3,500/year
• Premium: AUD 3,000–4,500/year

Couple cover (no children):

• Standard: AUD 1,200–1,600/year

For a typical 2-year master's student, OSHC costs AUD 1,200–1,400 total for the full two years of cover.

When to Buy OSHC

Your OSHC must start from your arrival date in Australia (or earlier) and must cover you for the full period of your student visa. Most students purchase OSHC when they receive their Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).

Important: Your OSHC card should arrive before you travel, or at least be accessible digitally on arrival. You may need to show it at the airport, at your university registration, or when attending a GP or hospital.

How to Use Your OSHC

Seeing a GP (general practitioner):

1. Register with a GP near your university or accommodation

2. Show your OSHC card or membership number

3. If the GP bulk-bills OSHC patients, your visit may cost nothing. If not, you pay and claim the rebate.

Going to hospital:

1. Show your OSHC card at the hospital registration desk

2. For emergencies, go directly — OSHC covers emergency treatment

3. For planned admission (elective surgery etc.), confirm with your OSHC provider first

Making a claim:

• Most claims are processed directly by the GP or hospital (they bill the insurer)
• For out-of-pocket costs, submit your receipt via the provider's app or website
• Claims are typically processed within 5–10 business days

OSHC for Dependants

If your spouse or children are accompanying you to Australia, they must also have OSHC. Family/couple OSHC covers dependants. Each provider has slightly different definitions of "dependant" — check before purchasing.

Children under 18 studying in Australian schools also require OSHC (or OVHC if they have a different visa type).

OSHC vs OVHC

OSHC: For student visa holders (subclass 500). Mandatory.

OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover): For working holiday visa holders and other temporary visa holders. Similar product but different rules.

If your visa changes (e.g., from student to graduate 485), your OSHC continues to apply during the 485 period until it expires. You do not need to switch to OVHC.

Gaps in OSHC Coverage

Despite OSHC being mandatory, gaps in coverage can leave students with unexpected costs:

GP gap fees: If a GP does not bulk-bill OSHC patients, you may pay AUD 30–80 per visit out of pocket (claiming a rebate but not recovering 100%).

Specialist gap fees: Specialist consultations often have significant gap fees that OSHC only partially covers.

Dental: As mentioned, not covered in standard OSHC. A dental check-up costs AUD 150–300 privately.

Mental health: OSHC covers some mental health services but may not cover extended therapy. Many universities offer free counselling services to students — use these.

Pharmaceuticals: Only specific PBS-listed medications are covered. Some common medicines must be paid for out of pocket.

Tips for International Students

1. Check if your university has an OSHC arrangement — some negotiate preferential rates with providers

2. Download the provider app — manage claims, find nearby doctors, check your cover digitally

3. Register with a GP early — don't wait until you're sick to find a doctor

4. Know what is bulk-billed — ask your GP practice if they bulk-bill OSHC before your appointment

5. Keep all receipts — for any out-of-pocket medical expenses; you may be able to claim a rebate

Related: How to Study in Australia from Nepal | Showing Funds for Australia Student Visa

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