Health Insurance (OSHC & OVHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
When you study in Australia as an international student, protecting your health is essential—both for your wellbeing and your visa compliance. Medical treatment in Australia can be expensive, and most international students are not eligible for Medicare, which is why Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for most Student Visa holders.
OSHC is a private health insurance policy designed specifically for international students. It helps cover essential medical and hospital services during your time in Australia, giving you confidence and financial protection throughout your studies.
Why OSHC Is Required
The Australian Government requires students to hold OSHC to ensure access to healthcare and protection from unexpected medical costs.
Your OSHC policy must generally:
- Cover your full course duration
- Start from your arrival or visa start date
- Include dependants (if they are on your visa)
What OSHC Typically Covers
Most OSHC policies include:
- GP consultations
- Specialist visits (partial rebates)
- Hospital treatment and accommodation
- (eligible services)
- Emergency ambulance (policy dependent)
- Limited prescription medication benefits
What OSHC Usually Does Not Cover
Standard OSHC typically does not include extras such as:
- Dental services
- Optical care (glasses and eye tests)
- Physiotherapy or chiropractic services
Optional OSHC Extras may be available depending on the provider.
OSHC Policy Types
- Single – one student
- Couple – student + partner
- Family – student + dependants
Choosing the correct cover is important, especially when dependants are included.
Approved OSHC Providers
OSHC must be purchased from an approved provider such as:
Bupa, Medibank, ahm, nib, and Allianz Care Australia.
Pricing and benefits vary, so comparing options is recommended.
How StudyHub Pro Can Help
OSHC can feel confusing—especially while managing university offers, documentation, and visa timelines. StudyHub Pro makes it simple by helping you:
- Select the right policy to meet visa requirements
- Compare providers based on price and benefits
- Arrange OSHC for students and dependants
- Ensure policy dates match your course duration
- Stay compliant, protected, and confident—without unnecessary stress
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
If you are in Australia on certain visitor, work, or bridging visas, Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) may be required or strongly recommended to meet health cover expectations.
OVHC is commonly used for:
- Visitor visas
- Bridging visas
- Work visas (including Subclass 482 and Subclass 485)
- Working Holiday visas (Subclass 417 / 462)
If you move from study to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you will typically need to switch from OSHC to OVHC.
OVHC policies vary, but most include hospital treatment and partial doctor benefits, with optional general treatment cover for dental, optical, and physiotherapy. Unlike OSHC (often paid upfront), OVHC may offer flexible monthly payment options.
