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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Enrolment

Time-sensitive

Mandatory health insurance that all international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must purchase before their visa is granted, covering the full duration of their study in Australia.

Issuing authority

Private health insurers approved by the Australian Government (ahm, Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, CBHS International Health, Medibank, nib); overseen by Department of Home Affairs

Official source

studyaustralia.gov.au

Cost

Varies by provider, coverage period, and number of dependants (typically AUD $600–$900/year for a single student)

Deadline

Must be purchased before lodging Subclass 500 visa application

How to apply

  1. Confirm you require OSHC — most Student visa (Subclass 500) holders are required; check if your home country has a reciprocal arrangement (Sweden, Norway, or Belgium may be exempt).
  2. Compare plans and prices across the six government-approved OSHC providers: ahm OSHC, Allianz Care Australia, Bupa Australia, CBHS International Health, Medibank Private, and nib OSHC.
  3. Select a policy that covers your full intended study period, including any dependants (spouse or children under 18) who will join you.
  4. Purchase the policy online through the chosen provider's website; you will receive a Certificate of Insurance or similar evidence of cover.
  5. Include the OSHC policy details (provider name, policy number, and coverage dates) in your Student visa (Subclass 500) application on ImmiAccount.
  6. Ensure cover starts on or before your arrival date in Australia and does not lapse before your visa expires.
  7. If your course is extended, renew OSHC immediately to avoid a gap in cover, which may breach visa condition 8501.
  8. Use your OSHC card to access covered services (GP visits, hospital, ambulance, and PBS medicines) throughout your study.

Related topics

OSHCoverseas student health coverinternational student health insurancestudent visa health coversubclass 500 health insurancemandatory health cover Australiavisa condition 8501Medibank OSHCBupa OSHCnib OSHCAllianz OSHCCBHS international healthahm OSHCstudy Australia health insurance

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