Partner with OSHC Australia.
Are you an agent? Purchasing the right student health insurance just got easier. Partner with OSHC Australia and take advantage of the benefits.
Why Choose OSHC Australia For Comparing Student Health Insurance
Meet your visa requirements
We only offer policies to fulfill your international student visa requirements, as mandated by the Australian Government.
Lower your cost of OSHC
By comparing with OSHC Australia, you could, on average, save up to $300 on your OSHC policy.
Compare all OSHC providers
OSHC Australia is the only place where you can compare all six Australian government-approved OSHC providers in one place. Explore the features and pricing of all providers to make the right decision for you.
Fast turn-around
In most cases, you can get your OSHC certificate within minutes of purchase, and we can send it out to you in less than 24 hours.
Part of the OSHC Australia Group
The OSHC Australia Group is trusted by thousands of overseas visitors.
If OSHC is not right for you, we also offer:
- Overseas Visitors Health Cover.
- 485 insurance for Temporary Graduate Visas; and
- 457 insurance for Temporary Work (Skilled) Visas.
Multilingual support team
We have a friendly Australia-based team with multilingual customer support. They can assist you over the phone or via email.
Check out our FAQs here.
Save even more with Cohort Go
OSHC Australia is powered by Cohort Go. Pay your OSHC, tuition, and other study-related expenses with Cohort Go to save even more on your policy with competitive foreign exchange rates and no fees, ever!!
Student Visas That Require Health Insurance
An international student must have adequate health insurance for their entire stay in Australia, to satisfy condition 8501 of a student visa.
What’s Included In OSHC Cover
Doctor's Treatment
With your OSHC policy, you are able to visit a GP for consultation. You will have 100% coverage of the Medicare Benefits Scheme fee.
You are also able to have specialist visits, such as x-rays of blood work, where you can claim up to 85% of the MBS fee.
Hospital Treatment
Every OSHC policy covers accidents and emergencies at a minimum of 100%, as determined by each state and territory.
All insurance providers have agreements with private hospitals. You can compare what is included, and what levels of cover you with OSHC.
Ambulance Cover
Most of the OSHC policies have emergency ambulance cover, or emergency on-the-spot treatment coverage.
If you request an ambulance, and it is not deemed an emergency, then that travel will not be covered by OSHC.
Receive Your OSHC Certificate Within Minutes
You can apply for and receive your OSHC certificates in minutes with our online application form. And we can post your certificate to you within 24 hours. Quick, simple and hassle-free
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Overseas Student Health Cover?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a health insurance policy designed for international students in Australia. It provides coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and other healthcare services during their stay, complying with visa requirements.
Do I Need Overseas Student Health Cover?
Yes, if you're an international student in Australia on a student visa, you need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It's a visa requirement and ensures access to healthcare services, including medical treatment and hospital care, while you study in Australia, providing essential financial protection for unexpected health expenses.
Can I Switch My Overseas Student Health Cover Provider?
Yes, international students in Australia can typically switch their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider. However, it's essential to ensure continuous coverage, compare policies, and consider waiting periods and benefits before making the switch to make an informed decision.
What If I Graduate And Stay In Australia?
When you graduate, you are no longer considered a Student, and no longer eligible for an OSHC policy. You'll need to switch your insurance policy over to an Overseas Visitor Health Cover policy. Click HERE and we can help you make the transition if you’re looking to stay in Australia.
Who Else Can Be Covered With OSHC?
OSHC can cover dependents, such as a spouse or children, accompanying international students on a student visa in Australia. Coverage details may vary among providers.
How Long Do I Need OSHC?
You need OSHC for the total duration of your study in Australia, and for any extra time you may be spending in Australia once your studies have finished. If your OSHC lapses, then your visa will be cancelled.
What Does OSHC Cover?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia typically covers medical services such as:
- Doctor's visits
- Hospitalisation
- Surgery
- Prescription medications, and
- Emergency ambulance services.
It may also include some allied health services like physiotherapy and optical services, depending on the chosen policy. Specific coverage can vary among providers.
When am I going to receive the policy certificate?
The insurance policy certificate will be sent by email as soon as your payment is received by Cohort Go. Insurance paid on the credit card is typically received after a few minutes.
If you are extending or changing the dates of your current policy, then it can take up to 24 - 48 business hours to receive the updated policy certificate.
Can I buy a single policy if I am a dependent on someone else's student visa?
If you have separate student visas, then you can purchase 2 single policies. However, if one of you is dependent on the other's student visa, it would be best to purchase a couple's policy.
The couple policy tends to be a lot more expensive than purchasing 2 single policies. Insurers have told us that the reason for this is that they typically have a lot of claims from couples when they come to Australia to study and become pregnant. The insurers, therefore, increase the premiums for couples and families policies to take this risk into account.
I am on a bridging visa, what insurance do I need?
If you are on a bridging visa and your most recent visa is a student visa, then OSHC is the right insurance for you:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc-resources
If you don't know how long you need insurance for, simply purchase 1 year's insurance. If your new visa comes through, then you can cancel your policy and get a refund for the remaining term of your OSHC policy.
If you are looking to get a 485 visa and need to prove that you have health insurance, then there is a special type of insurance that you need to get. Some OVHC policies cover this, but not all. We have some of these on our website: 485insurance.com.au
I don't have my OSHC card
You can activate your membership directly on the insurer's website (see a list below) once you have arrived in Australia. While registering you'll need to use the details exactly as shown on your policy certificate.
Once registered please allow 7-10 business days for the membership card to be delivered at the given address.
Should you require further assistance with your membership registration, please contact your insurer directly at the contacts details below:
- CBHS
Phone: 1300 174 538 or +61 2 8604 3537 (if calling from overseas)
Email: [email protected]
- Medibank and AHM
Phone: 134 148 (within Australia) or +61 3 9862 1095 (from overseas)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
- Bupa
Phone: 1800 888 942 (within Australia)
Email: [email protected]
- NIB
Phone: 1800 775 204 (within Australia) or +61 2 9692 4488 (outside Australia)
Email: [email protected]
- Allianz
Phone: 13 67 42 (within Australia) or +61 7 3305 8841 (from Overseas)
Email: [email protected]
Can I cancel my student health insurance?
You can only cancel your OSHC and get a refund in certain circumstances.
Instances where you are allowed to cancel your OSHC:
- You did not take up studies in Australia
- You have paid the premium on the basis of an extended stay but the extension of authorised stay was not granted by Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection;
- You are obliged to cease studies and leave Australia before the end of a period of approved stay for reasons beyond your control;
- You have been granted permanent residence in Australia, or another Australian visa (other than a Student Visa);
- You can prove to the insurer that you were not resident in Australia for a continuous period of 3 months or more;
- You can provide proof of OSHC provided by another insurer which includes the period covered by your insurer.
- You made a mistake by inputting your name incorrectly;
- Your student visa has been refused;
You should speak directly to your insurer if you need to cancel your insurance for reasons outside of the above.
In case you have purchased an OSHC policy and your visa has been refused, you are eligible for a full refund of the premium you have paid.
Please send an email to [email protected], along with your visa refusal letter, cancelled COE, or a visa withdrawal letter so we can process your cancellation for you with the insurance company.
How can I switch my OSHC insurance provider
If you are looking to switch your policy from the current insurer to another OSHC insurer, first you would need to purchase a policy with the new insurer and then cancel your current OSHC policy with your current insurer.
In terms of how much you would receive a refund from your current insurer, typically you should receive a pro-rata refund of your premium for the days you wish to switch to another provider.