What is OSHC and why does it matter?
If you’re planning to study in Australia on a student visa, you’ll likely come across the term Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Simply put, OSHC is a health insurance policy designed specifically for international students to ensure they have access to healthcare while studying in Australia. It covers things like doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, and sometimes ambulance services.
Why is it important? Because having OSHC is a requirement under certain visa conditions (such as the student visa), and not having it can put your visa status at risk. In other words, it’s not just about protecting your health—it’s also about protecting your study plans and staying in Australia. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to review your options and do an oshc compare before choosing a provider.
What does OSHC cover — and what does it not?
What’s included
Generally, an OSHC policy will offer coverage for:
- Visits to a general practitioner (GP) and sometimes specialists, with part or full payment of related fees.
- Hospital treatment for accidents and illnesses, including emergency care in private or public hospitals.
- Ambulance services (though often only when it’s a true emergency).
- Some associated services, like pathology (blood tests) or radiology (x-rays) depending on the insurer.
What’s less likely or requires checking
- Coverage may exclude non-urgent ambulance travel. If it’s not deemed an emergency, you may not be covered.
- Allied health services (like physiotherapy, optical care, dental) may be limited or excluded depending on the provider.
- You’ll want to check waiting periods, exclusions, and whether family or dependents are covered (if applicable).
- If you graduate, change your visa type, or remain in Australia under a different visa, your OSHC may no longer be appropriate. Then you may need to transition to another form of visitor health cover.
Choosing and comparing OSHC: key considerations
Since OSHC is required (and quite critical), choosing a policy that fits your needs (and visa requirements) is important. Here are some guidelines:
Policy duration
Your OSHC must cover the full period of your visa. If your student visa runs for two years, your OSHC should match that period. If you extend your studies or visa, you’ll need to extend or switch your OSHC accordingly.
Provider and features
There are government-approved OSHC providers in Australia. It’s wise to compare them in terms of:
- Premiums (how much you’ll pay)
- What exactly is covered (doctor visits vs specialists vs hospital vs ambulance)
- Waiting periods for particular services
- Whether dependents (such as a partner or children) are covered
- Switching or cancellation policies (for example, if you change your visa or finish your studies).
Certificates and proof
You’ll often need a certificate of insurance for your visa application or enrolment process. Many providers allow you to apply online and receive your certificate quickly. Make sure you keep your certificate safe and have access to your insurer’s membership card when needed.
How to switch or cancel if your situation changes
During your stay, your circumstances may change: your course might extend, you might finish and move onto another visa, or you might bring dependents into your cover. When that happens:
- Switching providers: If you find a better policy with another provider, you can usually buy the new policy first, then cancel the old one (and get a pro-rata refund for unused time).
- Cancelling: There are specific conditions under which you can cancel and be eligible for a refund. These might include visa refusal, early departure from Australia, or being granted a different visa (such as permanent residency).
- Keep in mind that if your OSHC policy lapses (i.e., you don’t have continuous cover), this may affect your visa status.
Practical tips for international students
- Start early: As soon as your visa is approved or you enrol, arrange your OSHC so you’re covered from your date of entry into Australia.
- Match the policy to your visa length: Don’t purchase a short‐term policy if your visa covers a longer period. That could lead to gaps in cover.
- Read the fine print: Understand what’s included, what’s not, and any waiting periods or exclusions.
- Keep documents handy: Certificate of cover, membership card, policy number—all will help if you need medical care.
- Budget for extras: Even with OSHC, you may have out-of-pocket costs (such as dental, optical, and allied health). It’s smart to budget for these.
- If you bring dependents: Make sure your chosen OSHC plan allows dependents (if your visa allows them) and that you understand any additional costs or limitations.
Why comparing matters
When you compare OSHC policies, you might find that:
- Some policies are significantly cheaper for similar cover.
- Some insurers provide faster processing of certificates or better customer service (important if you’re arriving from overseas).
- There may be features that suit your particular needs (for example, coverage for dependents or better ambulance coverage).
By investing a little time in comparing options rather than simply picking the first available plan, you could end up saving money and finding cover that’s more closely aligned to your situation.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an exciting time, full of new experiences and opportunities. But it also comes with responsibilities—among them ensuring you’re protected with the right health cover. OSHC is not optional if you’re on a student visa in Australia; it’s a requirement that also helps provide peace of mind.
Taking the time to understand what OSHC covers, comparing the available providers, and making sure your policy matches your visa duration and personal circumstances will help you focus on your studies and life in Australia, rather than worrying about “what if” scenarios.
Your health, your journey, and your visas all deserve the same attention you give to choosing your course.
