Health Insurance

Overview

As an international student, it is a condition of your visa that you purchase and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

OSHC (health insurance) is required so international students have access to the same medical and hospital care as all Australians. As an international student, you must maintain OSHC for the entire duration you are in Australia. If you are taking any dependents (e.g., spouses and children younger than 18 years old), they must be covered as well.

Each university has a preferred OSHC provider that they offer coverage through. You can purchase coverage via your university when you accept your offer, or directly from an OSHC provider.

All OzTREKK applicants will receive additional OSHC resources and information during the “predeparture” stage, once they have received an offer.

OSHC FAQs

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required so international students have access to the same medical and hospital care as all Australians. Overseas students must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of time they are in Australia. If you are taking any dependents (e.g., spouses and children younger than 18 years old), they must be covered as well.

You can purchase coverage via your university when you accept your offer, or directly from an OSHC provider.

Only primary student visa holders (you, the student) are eligible to purchase “Single” OSHC. If you plan to take a dependent with you (e.g., your spouse or de facto partner), then you must purchase “Dual/Couple” coverage. You need “Family” coverage if more than one dependent will be coming with you to Australia (e.g., spouse and child(ren)).

What is OSHC and why do I have to purchase it?

To get an Australian student visa, you must have purchased OSHC.

OSHC is insurance to assist international students meet the costs of medical and hospital care that they may need while in Australia. OSHC will also pay limited benefits for pharmaceuticals and ambulance services.

People who must take out OSHC are overseas students undertaking formal studies in Australia and their dependents (for example, spouses and children younger than 18 years old).

The Department of Home Affairs requires international students to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia. For further information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Who offers OSHC?

OSHC is only offered by the following approved providers:

I already have health coverage here in Canada. Can I use this coverage in Australia?

Unless the coverage is offered by one of the preferred providers listed above, it will not be approved by the Australian Government as meeting the necessary requirements for your time in Australia. As this is the case, you can maintain any coverage you currently have if it will cover travel and any other requirements you need, but you will need to purchase a proper OSHC policy from one of the approved providers to meet the requirements of an Australian student visa.

What does OSHC cover?

OSHC provides a safety net for international students. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).

OSHC insurers usually offer two types of policies – basic or additional coverage.

You may choose to compare policies from different OSHC insurers before selecting your insurer. Before purchasing the policy, check the costs and benefits to ensure that it meets your needs. Please visit OSHC Australia for more information.

What does OSHC not cover?

Each policy does offer slightly different options, though the basics required for a person studying in Australia are typically the same. Standard/basic OSHC typically doesn’t cover dental, optical, physiotherapy, or other extras treatments. You can arrange additional (“extras” or “ancillary”) coverage with your OSHC provider at an additional cost.

Most OSHC policies will not cover

  • treatment arranged before coming to Australia;
  • treatment needed while travelling to or from Australia;
  • transportation of an overseas student or dependent into or out of Australia for any reason; or
  • treatment covered by provisions for compensation and damages.

Some policies have waiting periods on pre-existing conditions. This means you cannot claim for costs arising during the waiting period if such costs arise from a pre-existing condition.

How much does OSHC cost?

The costs associated with OSHC will vary depending on individual insurers and their policies, the type of cover required, and the duration.

Having OSHC is mandatory for all international students and is required when applying for your student visa. OSHC for the full duration of your studies will be outlined in your offer letter and must be paid in full when you accept your offer. The annual costs you can expect to pay up front can range from $750 (single) up to $4,000 (family), per year of your degree.

How do I purchase OSHC?

Most international students arrange to pay for their OSHC through their educational institution when they accept their offer; however, you can purchase OSHC from a preferred provider on your own. If you choose to compare prices and purchase your own OSHC, you can get additional information on the OSHC Australia website.