Health and Travel Insurance for Australia
Every Student visa holder must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), health insurance for international students, for their whole stay. It must start on the day you arrive in Australia, not the day classes start.
Student Insurance Plan • Australia
Health Insurance Rules for Students
OSHC helps pay for medical and hospital care while you study in Australia.
Why You Need Health Insurance
- OSHC is a condition of your Student visa.
- You may be refused entry if you cannot prove you have health insurance when you arrive.
- OSHC helps pay for doctor visits and hospital care.
Legal Requirements
- Hold OSHC for your whole stay in Australia.
- Give your OSHC details in your visa application.
- Keep it until you leave Australia.
- Family members on your visa must have cover too.
Insurance Approaches for Different Students
Through your university
Your university or agent can arrange OSHC and put it on your CoE.
Directly from an insurer
Compare plans from the approved OSHC insurers and buy one yourself.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is extra. It can pay if a flight is cancelled.
The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs), Australia's visa office, refuses your visa if you do not give your OSHC details in your application.
University Options
Many universities offer to arrange OSHC for you.
University Health Insurance Costs
| University | Annual Cost | Waiver Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| University of Queensland (UQ) | About AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,400 a year | UQ can help you buy cover from the insurer it works with. |
| University of Sydney | - | You can pay the university when you accept your offer, or buy cover yourself. |
*Costs shown may vary. Always check with your specific university for current rates.
University-Arranged vs. Your Own OSHC
Both meet the visa rules. The difference is who arranges it and what you put on your visa form.
| Comparison Aspect | University-Sponsored Plans | Private Insurance Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Who buys it | Your university, when you accept your offer | You, from an approved insurer |
| On your visa form | Insurer name and policy dates. No policy number needed. | Insurer name, policy dates and policy number |
Your Insurance Options
Only a few registered health insurers sell OSHC. You can buy it yourself, or your university can arrange it.
OSHC arranged by your university
Your university can arrange OSHC when you accept your offer. It shows on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), the letter your university sends after you accept and pay.
OSHC you buy yourself
Buy from an approved insurer. You need the policy number for your visa application.
Extras and travel insurance
OSHC does not pay for dentist visits, eye care or physical therapy. You can buy Extras cover for these. Travel insurance is another way to add cover.
Popular Insurance Providers
ahm OSHC
An approved OSHC insurer
Allianz Care Australia
An approved OSHC insurer
Bupa
An approved OSHC insurer
CBHS International Health
An approved OSHC insurer
Medibank
An approved OSHC insurer
nib
An approved OSHC insurer
Using Your Health Cover
How to get care in Australia.
Healthcare System Basics
- OSHC covers visits to the doctor, some hospital care, ambulance and some medicines.
- Students from some countries get government health care (Medicare). India and Pakistan are not on that list.
Step-by-Step Care Guides
Emergency
- 1Call 000 if someone's life is in danger.
- 2For a bad injury or illness, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Health advice
- 1Call Health Direct for health advice at any time.
Insurance Costs
What OSHC can cost and what it does not pay for.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Medicines
You may pay a lot yourself for some medicines, such as cancer treatment.
Up to AUD 50 an item and AUD 500 a year, if your cover is only for you.
Dentist, eye care and physical therapy
Buy Extras cover if you want this.
Not paid by basic OSHC.
Money-Saving Tips
Helpful Resources
Useful links and emergency numbers.
Official Government Resources
Department of Home Affairs (Australia's visa office): Student visa
The OSHC rules for the Student visa.
Visit Resource →Insurance Comparison Tools
privatehealth.gov.au
The government health insurance site, with the list of OSHC insurers.
Compare Plans →Emergency Contacts
Emergency services
000Police, fire or ambulance. Free, even from a mobile.
Poisons Line
13 11 26Help with bites, stings, plants, medicines and drugs.
Health Direct
1800 022 222Phone line for health questions, open 24 hours a day.
Important: Save the local emergency numbers in your phone before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must my OSHC start?
On the day you arrive in Australia, not the day your course starts. Do not enter Australia before your cover begins.
What if I fall behind on payments?
Your cover stays. But the insurer may not pay for care you got while you were behind on payments.
Does OSHC pay for the dentist or eye care?
No. Only Extras cover pays for these.
I study at two universities or colleges, one after the other. What do I do?
Do not leave a gap. Your second health cover must start as soon as the first one ends.
How much does OSHC cost?
OSHC costs about AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,400 a year at the University of Queensland (UQ). The price depends on the insurer.
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