Health Insurance

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – For Students Studying in Australia

Studying in Australia as an international student involves more than just tuition fees and accommodation — your health is equally important. However, Medicare (Australia’s public health system) does not cover international students.

To support international students, Australia offers a specialized health insurance policy called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This cover is mandatory and ensures that your medical and hospital expenses are taken care of during your stay.

What is OSHC?

OSHC is a compulsory health insurance policy designed specifically for international students and their dependents. It helps you cover basic medical services and hospital care while you live and study in Australia.

All international students are required to purchase an OSHC policy that matches the duration of their academic course. If you have dependents (such as a spouse or children), you will need to opt for a couples or family health cover plan.

If your course is less than three months long, you may apply for a tourist visa and purchase a private international insurance policy to cover your short stay.

Trusted OSHC Providers – Our Partners

Skyline Migrationz works with some of the most trusted and government-approved OSHC providers to offer you affordable and comprehensive plans. Our partners include:

BUPA
Medibank
AHM
NIB
Allianz Care Australia

These providers offer flexible options to suit individuals, couples, or families, and our team will help you select the best plan based on your needs and budget.

What OSHC Does Not Cover

Standard OSHC policies do not cover:

Optical (eye care)
Dental treatment
Physiotherapy

To cover these services, students may need to purchase OSHC Extras, which can be obtained from your OSHC provider or a private Australian health insurer.

COVID-19 Coverage

OSHC now also includes coverage for COVID-19-related medical conditions, such as:

Lung and chest infections
Kidney and bladder complications
Dialysis for chronic kidney disease

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) – For Non-Student Visa Holders

If you are coming to Australia for purposes other than study, such as work, visiting, or transitioning between visas, you are required to purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) instead of OSHC.

OVHC applies to visa subclasses such as:

Visitor Visas: 300, 580, 590, 600, 601
Bridging Visas
Working Visas: 482, 485, 400, 401, 476, 489
Working Holiday Visas: 417, 462

For example, if you’re a recent graduate applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you will need to switch from OSHC to OVHC to meet the visa health requirements.

Key Features of OVHC

Covers general treatments like dental, optical, and physiotherapy
Includes basic hospital care and some prescription medications
Offers monthly payment options
Different plans available based on your visa category

Let Skyline Migrationz Help You Choose the Right Policy

With so many options available, selecting the right insurance plan can be overwhelming. Our experienced team at Skyline Migrationz will:

Recommend the best OSHC or OVHC plan based on your visa type and study/work duration
Help you understand your entitlements and responsibilities
Ensure you remain compliant with Australian immigration health regulations
Find affordable plans with trusted providers

Contact us today and let our experts guide you toward the right health insurance solution for your journey to Australia.