Yes, OSHC is mandatory for most international students on a student visa. It’s a visa requirement to help ensure students can access healthcare without facing significant financial hardship.
OSHC is a type of health insurance designed for international students in Australia. It helps cover the costs of medical and hospital care that you might need while studying in Australia.
OSHC usually does not cover pre-existing conditions, dental, optical, or physiotherapy. For these services, you might need additional private health insurance.
Can I choose my overseas student health coverage provider?
You can purchase overseas student health coverage through your educational institution or directly from a health insurance provider. Some agents also offer OSHC services.
Yes, you are allowed to change your Overseas Student Health Cover provider. However, make sure there is no gap in your coverage when switching.
To use your Overseas Student Health Cover, you typically need to show your insurance card at medical centres or hospitals. Some providers also offer direct billing.
Once you successfully purchase a policy through GetMyPolicy, you’ll receive a unique referral link via WhatsApp.
You can share this link with your friends, family or colleagues who are planning to buy an OSHC or OVHC policy in Australia.
Whenever someone uses your referral link to purchase a policy, you’ll receive a $20 GiftPay Card as a reward. 🎁There’s no limit - the more you refer, the more you earn!
International students on a Student Visa (subclass 500) are required by the Australian Government to hold OSHC for the full duration of their visa. The requirement also applies to any dependent family members included in the visa.
OSHC generally covers:
• GP and specialist doctor consultations
• Hospital accommodation & surgery
• Emergency ambulance transport
• Prescription medicines (with caps)
Some policies may include extra benefits like limited dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
A pre-existing condition is an illness or medical issue where signs or symptoms existed in the six months before the policy’s start date. For these conditions, OSHC policies usually impose a waiting period (often 12 months) before treatment can be claimed. Some services (e.g. GP visits, psychiatric/emergency treatment) may have shorter or no waiting period.
OSHC should begin from the date stated for cover (often visa start or arrival date). If you pay before arrival, cover may begin on arrival. Coverage ends when the visa expires or is cancelled, or when you leave Australia.
Yes, many providers allow transferring OSHC. If there is no gap in coverage (often defined as ≤ 30 days), waiting periods already served may be credited to the new policy.
OSHC is usually paid upfront (for the full visa duration) or in large instalments. Payment methods include credit/debit cards and wire transfers. Some providers may allow instalments check the specific policy.
If the policy lapses or is cancelled, you may be in breach of your visa condition, and medical costs incurred during the period without OSHC must be borne by you. You may also need to back-pay premiums for the lapse.
OSHC does not cover:
• Non-emergency ambulance trips
• Dental, optical or physiotherapy (unless extras selected)
• Pre-existing conditions within initial waiting periods
• Elective or cosmetic surgery
• Services provided outside Australia
Yes, if your visa includes dependents (spouse, de facto partner, children under 18), you can have family, couple, or sole-parent family cover under OSHC. These members must be listed on the visa.
OSHC may include some maternity services, but waiting periods and conditions apply. Check with your insurer for details and eligibility.
Buy OVHC before your student visa ends to ensure continuous health insurance. Many providers offer smooth transition options.
Most insurers provide digital cards. Contact them to replace a lost physical card or access your digital version.
Check the policy for details on coverage for pathology, diagnostic imaging, and inpatient/outpatient medical care.