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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance specifically designed for international students in Australia. It is a mandatory requirement for all holders of a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and must be maintained for the full duration of your visa.
OSHC covers you for many of the same services as Medicare, which international students are not eligible for — including GP visits, hospital stays, emergency treatment, and some prescription medications.
There are currently five approved OSHC providers in Australia:
Each provider offers different pricing, coverage levels, and claim processes. Some universities have preferred OSHC agreements with specific providers and may require you to use their nominated insurer.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is specifically for Student Visa holders. It is different from OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover), which is for other temporary visa holders. OnePoint can assist with both — ensuring you are never covered by the wrong product.
A: No. International students on a Student Visa are not eligible for Medicare, Australia's public health scheme. OSHC is a private insurance product specifically designed to provide comparable cover for international students. It covers GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency services, and some prescription medications — but it is a separate system with its own providers, claim processes, and coverage rules.
A: OSHC premiums depend on the length of cover, the number of people covered (single, couple, or family), and the provider you choose. As a rough guide, single student cover costs between AUD 600 and AUD 900 per year, though this varies. Some universities have bulk-negotiated rates with specific providers. OnePoint compares current provider pricing as part of your enrolment process.
A: Some universities have a nominated OSHC provider and require all international students to use that provider as a condition of enrolment. Others allow you to choose from the five approved providers. If your university mandates a specific provider, you cannot substitute an alternative. OnePoint confirms your institution's OSHC policy early in the enrolment process so there are no surprises.
A: Allowing your OSHC to lapse while you remain on a Student Visa is a breach of your visa conditions and could have consequences for future visa applications. If your course extends or your visa is renewed, you must extend your OSHC to match. OnePoint maintains records of your policy expiry and proactively reminds you to renew before your cover ends.
A: Yes — most OSHC providers offer couple and family policies that cover your accompanying dependants. You must add them to your policy before their arrival. Family OSHC premiums are higher than single cover. OnePoint arranges family policies as a standard part of the dependent visa application process.
This FAQ is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered migration agent at OnePoint Education & Migration Services.
Book a free consultation with our Hobart or Sydney team today and take the first step toward reuniting with your parents in Australia.
