🎉 Exclusive Offer: Get A$20 Gift card After policy purchased
%201.svg)
.svg)
If you're planning to study in Australia, one of the first things you must organise is OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). But with so many insurers, prices, and policies, students often ask:
“What does a good OSHC actually look like?”
“How do I know if my OSHC is strong enough for real healthcare needs?”
A good OSHC is not just the cheapest one or the one your agent suggests - it's the one that meets the OSHC Deed 2025 requirements, gives you strong protection against hospital costs, and makes everyday healthcare simple and affordable during your stay.
This blog breaks down exactly what makes OSHC “good,” “adequate,” and “worth it,” using real rules from the OSHC Deed and the fund rules of Australia’s major OSHC insurers.
A good OSHC is built around three pillars:
Every OSHC provider must follow the OSHC Deed, which sets the minimum required cover for all students. But good OSHC goes beyond the minimum.
(This sets the baseline for what “good” should look like.)
The OSHC Policy Norms requires insurers to cover:
Hospital Treatment
Medical Services
Emergency Ambulance
All OSHC policies cover emergency ambulance transport.
Pharmaceuticals
If an OSHC policy fails to meet these standards, it is not compliant.
A “good” OSHC meets these requirements and includes strong service features.
Students want OSHC that protects them during emergencies, but also makes everyday living smoother.
Here’s what a good OSHC includes:
While all OSHC must cover hospital treatment, good OSHC ensures:
For example:
Good OSHC reduces surprises in hospital billing.
Good OSHC includes:
This is guaranteed under the Deed, but the experience varies between insurers.
Policies like nib OSHC Standard, Bupa OSHC Standard, and Medibank OSHC generally offer smooth GP claims and strong digital processing.
Mental health is a critical part of student life.
While OSHC Deed covers inpatient psychiatric services, good OSHC providers make access easier:
This is particularly clear in nib’s and Bupa’s OSHC psychiatric coverage (inpatient psychiatric services under Hospital Treatment definitions).
The Deed requires OSHC to cover pharmaceuticals up to annual limits.
But a good OSHC offers:
This helps students manage chronic or unexpected conditions.
Today’s students expect:
Insurers such as nib, Bupa, Medibank, AHM, and Allianz Care offer digital platforms that simplify the OSHC experience.
What Makes a Good OSHC? (Quick Comparison Guide)
For trust and authenticity, these are the OSHC plans students commonly compare:
All these policies comply with the OSHC Deed but differ in service experience, digital tools, networks, and pharmacy limits — which is why choosing the right one matters.
Through feedback, behaviour trends, and high-search student queries, we see clear priorities:
A good OSHC delivers peace of mind and convenience - not just paperwork to satisfy visa rules.
1. How do I know if my OSHC is good enough?
A good OSHC must comply with the OSHC Deed and also provide strong support for real healthcare needs like GP visits, mental health support, and fast claims. Check hospital networks, digital features, and medicine limits to judge quality.
2. Is the cheapest OSHC always the best?
Not necessarily. Cheaper policies meet the minimum Deed requirements but may have fewer service features, slower processing, or lower pharmacy limits. The “best” OSHC balances price, coverage, and experience.
3. What hospital cover should good OSHC include?
Good OSHC should offer smooth access to public hospitals and clear conditions for private hospitals. Read your policy carefully to understand how your insurer handles accommodation, theatre fees, and emergency admissions.
4. What waiting periods should I expect in OSHC?
Most services are available immediately, except for psychiatric, obstetrics, and pre-existing conditions, which carry up to a 12-month waiting period. A good OSHC explains these clearly and helps you understand your timeline.
5. Does OSHC cover medicines properly?
Yes - all OSHC must cover prescription medicines, but each insurer sets different limits and co-payments. Good OSHC offers generous annual limits and transparent rules.
A good OSHC is more than a box you tick for your visa. It’s a health partner that:
Whether you choose nib, Bupa, Medibank, AHM, or Allianz, the best OSHC is the one that aligns with your health needs, budget, and expectations as an international student.
You can explore and compare OSHC options from all these leading insurers on GetMyPolicy.online, helping you confidently choose an OSHC that truly supports your time in Australia.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
%202.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
