Studying in Australia is a fantastic opportunity for international students. You'll receive an education from a globally recognised institution, experience a vibrant culture, and explore a beautiful country. When embarking on a study abroad adventure in Australia, there's so much to discover.  

However, planning for your well-being, prioritising your health, and remaining compliant with your visa conditions are just as important as choosing the right university program. This is where Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) comes in. OSHC is not just an option, it's an essential component of studying abroad in Australia.

Continue reading below for a breakdown of all the important aspects of OSHC.

Why Do I Need Overseas Student Health Cover?

At this point, you may be wondering, “Is OSHC mandatory in Australia?” Well, not only is OSHC a mandatory requirement for all overseas students studying in Australia, it is also a condition of your visa. 

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, in the absence of Medicare eligibility, all visitors to Australia must make their own private health insurance arrangements (regardless of whether or not it is a visa condition) to ensure they are fully covered for any unplanned medical and or hospital treatment they may need to undertake while in Australia.

Visa condition 8501 for the Subclass 500 Student visa and all other student visa subclasses requires that visa holders have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of their stay in Australia.

Why Is OSHC So Important For Students?

Online we see many questions asking, why is OSHC important? 

Aside from being a requirement of all student visas, OSHC is here to protect overseas students. 

With OSHC, foreign nationals studying in Australia have access to affordable healthcare and emergency services that would be a major expense if paid out of pocket.

Access To Affordable Healthcare

Australia has a world-class healthcare system, but medical services can be expensive. OSHC allows international students to access Australia’s healthcare system at a more affordable rate. 

The insurance covers a significant portion of medical expenses, so international students won't have to hesitate to seek medical attention due to financial hardship.

Basic OSHC typically covers GP visits, hospital admissions, emergency ambulance services, some treatments, and some prescription medications. 

Access To Emergency Services 

With OSHC, students are assured that they will receive the necessary emergency care without facing exorbitant costs during unforeseen circumstances. OSHC provides coverage for emergency services, including ambulance transportation and emergency medical treatment. 

Knowing you're covered for emergency medical services gives you peace of mind if an accident or illness happens unexpectedly. 

Ensure Your Safety & Well-being With A Student Health Cover That’s Right For You

OSHC is an important part of an international student's life in Australia. It’s not only a mandatory visa requirement but it also provides access to affordable healthcare and emergency services.

International students should review and select an OSHC policy that best suits their needs. To compare different OSHC plans and find the one that fits you best, visit OSHC Australia and use our comparison tool to compare policies from various providers and find the right coverage for you.