Health insurance is a crucial requirement for international students in Australia. Understanding coverage options, costs, and benefits will help you choose the right plan. Our team provides expert guidance in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and other cities to ensure you meet visa requirements and stay protected. Health insurers registered in Australia under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 may provide OSHC only if they have been approved by the Department of Health through a Deed of Agreement. Students must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their student visa. Failure to do so may result in a breach of visa conditions. OSHC ensures that unexpected medical expenses do not become a financial burden while studying in Australia.
Australia has a high-quality healthcare system; however, medical treatment can be costly for people whose Medicare does not cover. For this reason, the Australian Government requires most temporary visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. For temporary visa holders, this requirement is generally met through either Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC), depending on the visa type. These health insurance policies ensure access to essential medical services and help protect you from unexpected healthcare expenses while you are in Australia. At Anchor Migration, we assist international students and visitors in selecting the most suitable health insurance policy, ensuring compliance with visa conditions and providing peace of mind throughout your stay.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is private health insurance and is mandatory for international students holding a Subclass 500 Student visa, as well as their eligible family members (such as spouses or de facto partners and dependent children under 18). OSHC is the result of arrangements between the Australian Government and certain registered health insurers for the provision of healthcare services to overseas students. These arrangements allow approved insurers to provide coverage for:
In-hospital medical treatmentPublic and private hospital accommodation costsSome out-of-hospital services, including GP consultationsLimited prescription pharmaceuticalsAmbulance servicesOVHC provides access to medical treatment and hospital care during your stay in Australia. Unlike OSHC, OVHC policies are not standardized and vary depending on the insurer and level of cover selected. Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is designed for temporary visitors who are not students, including:
Tourists Temporary work visa holders Bridging visa holders Bridging visa holders Bridging visa holders Accompanying family members of temporary visa holdersInternational students in Australia must have health insurance to meet visa requirements. It provides access to medical care and protects against unexpected health expenses.
OSHC is mandatory for all student visa holders.Covers doctor visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medicines.Different insurance providers offer varying coverage and pricing.Some policies cover dental and physiotherapy treatments.It’s important to check policy exclusions before purchasing.Allianz Care Australia provides OVHC for a range of eligible visa categories. From visiting visas to working visas, you can find your visa below. If your visa subclass is not listed, then it is not an eligible visa for OVHC purposes.
Health insurance costs depend on the provider, coverage level, and duration of your stay. Compare options to find a plan that suits your needs.
OSHC costs range from AUD 500 - AUD 700 per year.Premiums vary based on provider and coverage options.Additional coverage for dental and optical care may cost extra.Students with families may need higher-tier plans.Compare policies to find the best value for your budget.| Insurance Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic OSHC Plan | AUD 500 - AUD 700 per year |
| Comprehensive OSHC Plan | AUD 800 - AUD 1,200 per year |
| Family OSHC Plan | AUD 2,500 - AUD 4,000 per year |
*Figures are approximate and subject to change based on provider and coverage options.
Learn about Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and why it is mandatory for student visa holders.
Understand what medical services and treatments are covered under your health insurance plan.
Explore different insurance providers and compare costs to find the best plan for your budget.
Learn how to file an insurance claim for medical expenses and hospital visits.
Find out if your OSHC policy can cover your spouse or children while studying in Australia.
Understand policy exclusions and coverage limitations to avoid unexpected costs.
Hear from Syed Asghar Naqvi, President of PACA We are truly thankful to him for sharing his kind words about Muhammad Salman Khan (MARN: 1806993) and the Anchor Migration team.
We’re thrilled to bring you the inspiring journey of Daniyal Ahmed, who placed his trust in Muhammad Salman Khan (MARN: 1806993) and the Anchor Migration team to navigate his visa process.
Yes, OSHC is required for student visa holders to ensure access to healthcare while studying in Australia.