Overseas Student
Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 

Australia has a special health insurance system for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). All student visa holders must have OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. You are required to purchase OSHC before you arrive, and to maintain it while you hold a student visa. This is a condition set by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. 

OSHC Providers 

There are several approved OSHC providers, including: 

• Australian Health Management (AHM) 

• Bupa Australia 

• Medibank Private 

• Allianz Care Australia (subcontracted by Lysaght Peoplecare) 

• nib OSHC 

How to Purchase OSHC 

You have the right to choose your own OSHC provider. You can: 

• Purchase OSHC online directly through the insurer’s website, or 

• Request ACTB to arrange OSHC on your behalf. 

If you ask ACTB to arrange cover, we currently use Bupa as the preferred provider. 

What OSHC Covers 

OSHC helps pay for: 

• Medical and hospital treatment while you are in Australia 

• Most prescription medicines 

• Ambulance services in an emergency 

OSHC generally does not cover, however can be purchased as Add-Ons: 

• Dental 

• Optical 

• Physiotherapy 

If you would like cover for these treatments, you will need to purchase additional private health insurance, such as: 

• Extended OSHC options offered by some providers 

• International travel insurance 

• General treatment (ancillary) cover from an Australian private health insurer 

You can compare health insurance policies and find a provider that suits your needs at: 

• www.privatehealth.gov.au 

• www.iselect.com.au