When planning to study or work in Australia, health insurance is not just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. As an international student or visitor, you’re not eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health system. Instead, you must obtain appropriate private health coverage to ensure you’re protected during your stay.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

For international students, the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory insurance policy designed to help cover medical and hospital expenses while studying in Australia. This specialized health insurance is a requirement for obtaining a student visa and must remain valid for the entire duration of your academic course.

Students also need to ensure that any accompanying dependents, such as a spouse or children, are also covered under an appropriate OSHC plan. Depending on your family situation, you may need to purchase either a single, couple, or family OSHC policy.

If you’re enrolling in a short course of three months or less, you may be eligible to study under a tourist visa. In this case, a private international health insurance plan that matches your travel dates will be more suitable than OSHC.

What Does OSHC Cover?

OSHC typically covers:

• Visits to the doctor (GP)

• Hospital admissions and treatments

• Emergency ambulance services

• Limited pharmaceuticals

However, it does not include services like:

• Dental care

• Optical (eye care)

• Physiotherapy and other allied health treatments

To access those services, students may consider purchasing OSHC Extras—an add-on or separate plan that includes these additional treatments.

COVID-19 Coverage

It’s also important to know that OSHC covers treatment for COVID-19-related illnesses, including conditions like lung and chest complications, kidney and bladder issues, and dialysis for chronic kidney failure.

Trusted OSHC Providers

Choosing the right OSHC policy means finding a plan that offers the right balance of benefits and cost. We’ve partnered with some of Australia’s leading health insurers, giving our clients access to competitive prices and comprehensive plans from providers such as:

• BUPA

• Medibank

• AHM

• NIB

• Allianz Care Australia

Our team is here to help you compare options and secure the best coverage tailored to your needs.

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)

If you’re coming to Australia on a visa other than a student visa—for example, to work, travel, or stay temporarily—you will need to obtain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).

This type of insurance is suitable for visa holders under categories such as:

• Visitor Visas: Subclasses 300, 580, 590, 600, 601

• Working Visas: Subclasses 482, 485, 400, 401, 476, 489, and others

• Working Holiday Visas: Subclasses 417 & 462

• Bridging Visas

Key Differences Between OSHC and OVHC

Unlike OSHC, OVHC is not limited to students and offers more flexibility in coverage. One key benefit is that OVHC plans can include general treatment coverage for services like:

• Dental care

• Optical (glasses and eye exams)

• Physiotherapy

• Chiropractors and more

This means you can receive partial reimbursement for treatments that are not covered under OSHC.

OVHC policies generally cover:

• Medically necessary hospital treatments

• A portion of doctor consultation fees

• Emergency ambulance

• Limited prescription medications

Additionally, while OSHC is usually paid in full upfront for your entire course duration, OVHC can be paid on a monthly or quarterly basis, making it more manageable for many visa holders.

Need Help Choosing?

With numerous policies available and different requirements depending on your visa type, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s where our experienced team comes in. We’ll help you:

• Understand your obligations

• Compare OVHC and OSHC plans

• Choose the right insurance based on your visa, length of stay, and personal health needs

Your health and peace of mind matter as much as your journey to Australia. Contact us today, and let us help you secure the right health insurance policy—whether you’re a student, worker, or visitor.