What is OSHC - and why do you need it?

OSHC helps cover the cost of medically necessary treatment while you study in Australia - think GP visits, specialists, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance (policy-dependent), and prescription medicines (with caps). It’s designed for international students and their eligible dependents (partner/children).

You must buy and keep OSHC for your entire visa duration. Case officers typically check:

• Your policy certificate (not just a payment receipt)
• Start/end dates (no gaps; start on/just before arrival)
• Correct policy type (student OSHC, not visitor cover)
• Names matching your passport (including dependents)

Where can you buy OSHC?

You have three main options:

1. Directly from insurers : Major Australian OSHC insurers include Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, Medibank, ahm, and Nib. Buying direct can work - but comparing each site, benefit table, and pricing takes time.
2. Through your university: Some institutions offer OSHC during enrolment. It’s convenient but not always the cheapest or most flexible (e.g., changing start dates or family composition later).
3. Via a comparison platform (recommended): A platform like GetMyPolicy lets you compare multiple insurers side-by-side, select the right policy type (single/couple/family), set precise dates for 8501 compliance, and download the certificate instantly for your visa application. It’s faster and makes switching/extension easier later.

Step-by-step: How to buy OSHC (in 5 minutes)

Step 1: Gather your details

• Passport name(s) and date(s) of birth
• Course duration and planned arrival date
• Family members (if any) who need cover
• Contact email to receive policy documents

Step 2: Choose the right policy type

• Single: just you
• Couple: you + partner
• Family: you + partner + child/children

Tip: Make sure every dependent who will come to Australia is included from day one - updating later is possible but can delay documents you need for visa or enrolment.

Step 3: Set compliant dates

• Start date: the same day or earlier than your flight arrival
• End date: at least until your visa end date (often longer than course end to cover graduation/admin time)

No gaps. If you change flights, ask to adjust your start date before you depart.

Step 4: Compare benefits, not just price

Look beyond the headline premium and check:

• Hospital benefits & private vs public arrangements
• Ambulance coverage rules
• Pharmacy limits (per script and annual)
• Specialists & outpatient benefits (MBS fees vs potential gaps)
• Waiting periods (e.g., for psychiatric inpatient, pregnancy)

A policy that’s marginally cheaper but has tighter limits could cost more later.

Step 5: Pay and download your documents

Once you purchase, you should receive:

• Policy Certificate/Confirmation (shows names, policy number, dates, insurer)
• Payment receipt

Save these PDFs in your visa folder (and share with your agent/university if needed).

Why buy through GetMyPolicy?

• All major student insurers in one place: Compare Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, Ahm, Nib without tab-hopping.
• Date accuracy for 8501: Start/end date controls help avoid “gap in cover” RFIs.
• Instant documentation: Download the OSHC certificate immediately - ready for your visa file.
• Easy changes later: Need to shift your start date or add a partner? Managing updates is simpler when everything’s in one dashboard.
• Transparent value: See inclusions, typical gaps, and waiting periods clearly so you’re not surprised when claiming.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1) Picking the wrong start date

If OSHC starts after you land, you’re technically uninsured.

Fix: Set start date to arrival day or earlier.

2) Choosing the wrong policy type

For Student Visa 500, you need OSHC (not OVHC).

Fix: Always select the student category.

3) Missing dependents

Forgetting to include your partner/child leaves them uninsured and non-compliant.

Fix: Use couple/family cover and list everyone by full passport name.

4) Not checking pharmacy & gaps

Non-PBS or brand-name drugs and doctor fees above the MBS amount can lead to out-of-pocket costs.

Fix: Ask for PBS alternatives and no-gap/known-gap providers when possible.

5) Buying extras you won’t use

Dental/optical/physio aren’t standard OSHC inclusions; extras cost more.

Fix: Add extras only if you realistically plan to use them.

Extending, switching, or adding family later

• Extending: If your course/visa extends, extend OSHC and keep the new certificate.
• Switching: You can switch providers for price/benefits - just ensure no coverage gap; keep both old and new certificates.
• Adding family: Upgrading from single to couple/family mid-policy is common; notify the insurer promptly and obtain updated documents.