From Student to Skilled: Transitioning from OSHC to Private Health Insurance in Australia (2026 Guide)

When your student journey in Australia comes to an end, your visa status - and your health-cover needs - change too. For thousands of graduates moving to a Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485), it’s time to switch from OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) to either OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) or a Private Health Insurance plan.

At GetMyPolicy.online, we help you make that transition seamless. Our platform doesn’t sell insurance - it compares real-time quotes from Australia’s trusted health-cover providers: Bupa, nib, Allianz Care Australia, Medibank, AIA (OVHC only), and ahm (OSHC only).

Why the Transition Matters?

Your OSHC expires when your student visa does. If you remain in Australia on a 485 Post-Study Work Visa, the Department of Home Affairs requires that you maintain adequate health insurance under Visa Condition 8501.

That’s where OVHC or Private Health Insurance comes in.

Key Differences Between OSHC and OVHC

	OSHC (Students)	OVHC (Post-Study Workers)
Eligibility	Student Visa (subclass 500)	Work & Temporary Visas (485, 482, 407 etc.)
Coverage Basis	Mandatory for study	Mandatory for work
Duration	Up to course length	Visa validity period
Providers	Bupa, nib, Allianz, Medibank, ahm	Bupa, nib, Allianz, Medibank, AIA
Waiting Periods	2–12 months depending on service	Same period applies to new OVHC unless transferred within 30 days

Leading Providers for 2026 Post-Study Transitions

Provider	Eligible Plans for Post-Study Visa (485)	Hospital & Medical Cover	Waiting Periods	Highlights for Graduates
Bupa	OVHC Working Cover / Visitor Cover	Covers up to 100 % of MBS rates for hospital & out-patient services	2 months for basic, 12 months for maternity or pre-existing	Switch-friendly with no new waiting period if transferred within 30 days
Nib	Advantage Visitor or Budget Visitor Cover	Private & public hospital cover meeting DHA standards	12 months for pre-existing conditions	Optical benefits up to $500 & preventive health extras
Allianz Care Australia	Overseas Visitor Health Cover	Covers hospital & specialist services up to 100 % MBS	12 months for maternity & chronic conditions	24/7 multilingual support & strong partner hospital network
Medibank	Overseas Workers Cover (485 Compliant)	100 % of MBS fees + emergency ambulance	12 months (pre-existing)	24/7 Health Advice Line & digital claim tools
AIA Health	OVHC plans only	Hospital treatment & prescription coverage	12 months (pre-existing)	Wellbeing rewards & mental-health support
ahm	OSHC only (not for post-study use)	Hospital & medical cover for students only	12 months (pregnancy)	Ideal while studying, not for 485 visa holders

How to Transition Smoothly from OSHC to OVHC or Private Health Insurance?

Check your visa expiry. Your OSHC ends the day your student visa expires.
Compare quotes on GetMyPolicy.online at least 30 days before transitioning.
Maintain continuity of coverage. If you switch within 30 days, waiting periods carry over.
Pick based on your needs: If you expect dental or physiotherapy usage, look for plans with allied-health benefits (Bupa, nib, Medibank).
Retain visa compliance. Ensure the policy clearly states compliance with Visa Condition 8501.

Why Use GetMyPolicy.online for Your Post-Study Switch?

Compare instant quotes from verified providers - no bias.
Stay visa-compliant with accurate fund rule data.
Save time & money by finding plans tailored for graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay on my OSHC after finishing studies?

No. Your OSHC is linked to your student visa (subclass 500). When you move to a 485 visa, you must switch to a compliant OVHC or private plan to remain covered and meet Visa Condition 8501.

Will my waiting periods restart after switching to OVHC?

Not if you transfer to a new insurer within 30 days of ending your OSHC policy. For Bupa and nib, continuity applies to the same type of benefits.

Is private health insurance better than OVHC for 485 visa holders?

Private plans offer more extras (e.g., dental, optical, and rehab) but are not mandatory. Most graduates start with a visa-compliant OVHC (Bupa, nib, Medibank, Allianz, AIA) and later upgrade to private cover once they receive permanent residency.

Which providers are most affordable for 485 holders in 2026?

Based on 2025-2026 pricing trends, nib and AIA offer competitive OVHC rates for individual visa holders, while Bupa and Medibank provide strong family plan discounts. Compare live quotes on GetMyPolicy.online for the latest rates.

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Why the Transition Matters?

Leading Providers for 2026 Post-Study Transitions

How to Transition Smoothly from OSHC to OVHC or Private Health Insurance?

Why Use GetMyPolicy.online for Your Post-Study Switch?

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