Health Insurance (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory insurance product for all international students studying in Australia on a Student Visa (Subclass 500). It is a condition of your visa and must be maintained for the full duration of your visa. OSHC covers you for medically necessary treatment as a hospital patient, out-of-hospital medical services (such as GP visits), limited pharmaceuticals, and emergency ambulance transport. A2B Visa & Education Services helps students understand, compare, and arrange OSHC from approved Australian providers — ensuring you are covered from your first day in Australia.

What OSHC Covers

• Hospital treatment as a private patient in a shared ward.
• Visits to Medicare-registered medical practitioners (GPs and specialists).
• Some prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) — within limits.
• Emergency ambulance transport.
• Some limited dental and optical benefits (depending on your provider and plan).

What OSHC Does Not Cover

• Elective or cosmetic procedures.
• Costs above the schedule fee for private specialist consultations (gap payments).
• Most dental, optical, and physiotherapy services beyond basic limits.
• Treatment for pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods depending on the provider.

Choosing the Right OSHC Provider

Australia has several Department of Home Affairs-approved OSHC providers, including Allianz Care Australia, BUPA Australia, Medibank, NIB OSHC, and AHM. Premiums and coverage levels vary between providers. Some Australian educational institutions have a preferred provider arrangement and may include OSHC in your fees — our counsellors help you understand whether to use the institutional arrangement or arrange your own cover independently. We also assist with OSHC for accompanying dependants, which must cover your spouse and children for the same period as your own cover.

Get Covered Before You Arrive

Don't arrive in Australia uninsured. Contact A2B Visa & Education Services in Perth today on 08 6246 6568 or at info@a2bvisa.com and we will help you arrange the right OSHC cover before your departure, so you can focus on your studies from day one.