Compare & Choose OSHC
Compare OSHC insurance for international students in Australia.
Choose who you need to insure, select your cover dates, compare prices, and continue to your OSHC policy.
OSHC questions
FAQs
What is OSHC? +
OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover. It is health insurance for international students studying in Australia.
Who needs OSHC? +
Most student visa holders need OSHC. If your partner or children are included in your student visa, they usually need to be covered too.
When do I need to buy OSHC? +
You should buy OSHC before you arrive in Australia and keep it for the whole time you study.
Why is OSHC important? +
Medical care in Australia can be expensive. OSHC helps pay for doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance services, and some medicines.
How do I compare OSHC prices on OSHC Checker? +
Use the Compare OSHC Now button to open the comparison page. You can enter your cover type and policy dates to review available options.
Can I choose my own OSHC provider? +
Yes. You can compare approved OSHC providers and choose the one that suits your needs. You do not have to use the provider recommended by your school.
Can my education provider arrange OSHC for me? +
Yes. Some schools can arrange OSHC for students. You can also buy OSHC directly from a provider, or through an education or migration agent.
What types of OSHC policies are available? +
Common policy types include single, couple, single-parent, and family cover. Your policy should match who is included on your student visa.
What does basic OSHC usually cover? +
Basic OSHC usually helps with GP visits, specialist visits, hospital treatment, surgery, emergency ambulance transport, blood tests, x-rays, and some prescription medicines.
Does OSHC cover everything? +
No. You may still need to pay some costs yourself. The amount you pay after your insurer pays their part is often called a gap fee.
What is a waiting period? +
A waiting period is the time you must wait before you can claim for some treatments. Waiting periods often apply to pre-existing conditions or certain types of care.
Can I buy extra cover? +
Yes. Some insurers offer additional cover for services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, psychology, counselling, or repatriation. Benefits vary by provider.
What start date should I choose for OSHC? +
Your OSHC should start before or when you arrive in Australia, not just when your course starts.
What end date should I choose for OSHC? +
Your OSHC should cover your full planned stay in Australia. It is safer to cover the full visa period, not only the course dates.
Can I change OSHC providers later? +
Yes. You can change OSHC providers, but you must make sure there is no gap between your old policy and your new policy.
Can I use overseas health insurance instead of OSHC? +
Usually no. Overseas health or travel insurance generally does not replace OSHC for student visa purposes.
Are any students exempt from OSHC? +
Some students from Norway, Belgium, and Sweden may be covered by special arrangements and may not need OSHC. Some scholarship or government-sponsored students may also have cover arranged for them.
What should I do in a medical emergency? +
Call 000 or go to an emergency department. Contact your OSHC insurer when you can to check costs and claim options.
What should I do before non-emergency treatment? +
Check your OSHC policy, ask the doctor or health provider about the cost, and confirm how much your insurer may pay.
How do I make a claim? +
Your OSHC provider will explain the claim process. Some providers let you claim online or through an app. Some doctors may bill the insurer directly, so you only pay the gap.
What if I have a problem with my OSHC provider? +
Contact your OSHC provider first. If the issue is not resolved, you can make a complaint to the relevant health insurance complaints service.