Choosing Overseas Student Health Cover involves more than finding a low premium. The right policy should fit your visa dates, family situation and healthcare needs, while helping you manage unexpected medical bills.
This guide compares OSHC costs, provider features and the details worth checking before you buy.
Updated: 02 November 2026. All prices are in Australian dollars.
What Is OSHC, and Who Needs It?
OSHC is health insurance designed for international students in Australia. Most student visa holders must maintain it for their required stay, and accompanying student-visa dependants also need appropriate cover. Limited exemptions apply under particular arrangements.
Your policy dates should cover your required stay, including time outside the teaching period. Confirm the dates against your visa requirements rather than using your course dates alone.
How Much Does OSHC Cost in Australia?
Premiums depend on the product, policy length, number of insured people and purchasing arrangement. Family cover can cost substantially more than single cover.
These are published 12-month price examples from university arrangements. Their products and effective dates differ; obtain matching quotes for your own circumstances.
| Published policy arrangement | Single | Dual/couple or single parent* | Family* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medibank Comprehensive, education-partner schedule from 1 May 2026 | $821 | $4,018 | $6,775 |
| Allianz Care, ANU-arranged schedule from 1 July 2026 | $838 | $5,516 | $9,809 |
Sources: Medibank’s education-partner premium sheet and ANU’s published Allianz Care schedule.
Medibank’s schedule uses Couple/Single Parent and Family; ANU’s uses Dual Family and Multi Family. Check that the quoted category includes everyone you need covered. These examples are not guaranteed retail prices.
OSHC is generally purchased upfront for the required visa period. Longer policies are not necessarily priced by multiplying a one-year premium, so request a quote using your exact dates.
OSHC Providers: Benefits Worth Comparing
The government’s current OSHC fact sheet lists Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, Medibank, ahm and nib. Medibank and ahm belong to the same group, but their products should be compared individually.
| Provider or product | Features to compare |
|---|---|
| Allianz Care Standard and Essentials | Both list GP benefits at 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee. Essentials offers higher annual medicine limits and additional psychology and repatriation benefits, subject to conditions. |
| Bupa OSHC | Hospital and medical benefits, myBupa access and a 24/7 student advice line. Compare your product’s exclusions, pharmacy limits and local providers. |
| Medibank Comprehensive | GP benefits at 100% of the MBS fee, a direct-billing network and a 24/7 student health and support line. Gap payments can still apply. |
| ahm OSHC | An app for claims, a digital membership card and finding direct-billing providers. Check benefit amounts in the current cover summary. |
| nib OSHC | App-based policy management and no out-of-pocket costs for eligible appointments with nib telehealth GPs for members with GP benefits. |
What Does OSHC Usually Cover?
Basic OSHC includes benefits towards eligible doctor and specialist consultations, hospital treatment, blood tests, x-rays, emergency ambulance transport and some prescription medicines. Limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply.
Routine dental check-ups, glasses and outpatient physiotherapy are generally outside basic OSHC. Additional cover or a separate extras policy may help with these expenses.
Understanding Gap Fees and Waiting Periods
100% of the MBS fee does not mean 100% of every doctor’s bill. The Medicare Benefits Schedule is a government fee benchmark. A doctor can charge above that amount, leaving you to pay the difference.
For example, if a consultation costs $90 and your policy pays $45, your gap is $45. This is an illustration, not a current MBS item price. Ask the clinic about billing and expected gaps before your appointment.
Pre-existing conditions can attract waiting periods. Pregnancy rules also vary: Bupa currently states that its 12-month pregnancy waiting period does not apply when the OSHC policy duration is at least 24 months. Confirm the rules for the product and dates you purchase.
How to Compare OSHC Quotes Fairly
- Match the dates: Request the same required coverage period from every insurer.
- Match the people: Include your partner and children in the correct category.
- Check nearby clinics: Confirm which accept your exact policy and whether gaps apply.
- Compare benefits: Review specialist payments, medicine limits, exclusions and waiting periods.
- Check total cost: Consider the premium alongside likely out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I use my university’s preferred OSHC provider?
No. You can choose your own eligible OSHC insurer. Compare the university-arranged policy with other suitable options before purchasing.
Can I switch OSHC providers?
Yes, provided you maintain continuous cover. Confirm the replacement start date, refund conditions and recognition of previously served waiting periods before cancelling your existing policy.
Which OSHC provider is cheapest?
There is no reliable universal answer. Prices vary by dates, policy, family category and purchasing arrangement. Compare current quotes for identical circumstances instead of relying on a general cheapest-provider claim.
Choosing Your OSHC Policy
Request at least three quotes using the same dates and family details. Compare the premium, practical access to care and potential gaps, then read the policy documents before paying.