How Much Does OSHC Cost in Australia?

What OSHC costs — the starting point

None of the five approved OSHC providers (Allianz Care, ahm, Bupa, Medibank, and nib) publishes a single, fixed annual price on its public site. What you pay depends on the provider, your cover tier, your start date and how long your course runs — a quote for the same course length can differ between providers, and between two enrolment dates a few months apart.

There is no published range that stands in for a real quote here. Get a quote directly from each provider for your own course dates and cover tier before comparing on price.

How cover length affects total cost

OSHC isn't sold as an annual subscription you renew each year. Instead, you buy a policy that covers the entire length of your course or visa, and you pay the total cost upfront (or in instalments, depending on the provider). This is a key point: if your course is 18 months long, you'll buy 18 months of cover and pay accordingly. If you're studying for three years, your OSHC policy covers all three years.

Your total OSHC bill is the rate the provider quotes you, multiplied by the number of days or months you're covered. Longer courses mean a higher upfront total, but none of the five approved providers publishes a fixed daily or annual rate — get a quote for your exact course length and start date rather than estimating from a general figure.

Single vs couple and family cover

Single cover (one person) is priced separately from couple and family cover. If you're bringing a partner or children, family cover costs more — the exact additional cost depends on the number of dependants and the provider. Most providers offer pricing calculators on their websites where you can enter your dependants and get an exact figure rather than relying on a general estimate.

Variation between providers

All five approved providers charge different rates for the same cover type and duration. The differences can be meaningful — sometimes $100–200 per year between the cheapest and most expensive option for identical cover. Shopping around across all five providers is worth your time, especially if you're buying multi-year cover where small percentage differences compound over time.

Indexation and annual increases

OSHC premiums are indexed annually, usually around 1 April each year. This means if you're buying a multi-year policy, the annual cost may increase slightly in subsequent years (within the policy terms). When you get a quote, ask the provider about their indexation policy so you know what to expect year on year.

How to get a quote

Visit each of the five approved OSHC providers' websites or contact them directly with your course start date, end date, and cover type (single, couple, or family). Most providers offer instant online quotes. You can also use a free cost-estimator tool that walks you through your visa length and cover needs and gives you a rough ballpark figure before you contact providers directly.

Payment options

Some providers allow you to pay the full annual or course cost upfront; others offer monthly payment plans. If you're paying from overseas, some providers accept international bank transfers or credit card payments. Check the payment methods each provider accepts before you apply, especially if you're paying from your home country.

Why is OSHC so expensive if I only get basic hospital cover?

OSHC is designed to cover the cost of medically necessary treatment in public hospitals, which in Australia is a significant cost. The premium reflects the potential cost of hospital admissions, emergency care, and subsidised medicines. The price also includes admin, claims processing, and compliance with Australian health regulations.

Can I buy OSHC for just part of my course to save money?

No. Under visa condition 8501 for student visas, you must hold valid OSHC for the entire course duration. If you drop below that, you're in breach of your visa conditions. You must buy cover for the full length of your enrolment.

Do all five providers charge the same price?

No. Each provider sets its own rates, and there can be noticeable differences between them. It's worth comparing quotes from all five before you commit. Price isn't the only factor — you should also consider what's covered, excess amounts, and customer service reputation.

Can I get a refund on my OSHC if I leave early?

If you finish your course early, leave Australia, or have your visa refused, you can usually claim a pro-rata refund from your provider (conditions and evidence apply). Contact your provider for details on their refund policy.

Are there any hidden costs in OSHC?

OSHC does not cover dental, optical, physiotherapy, or ambulance services. If you need these, you'll need to buy a separate OSHC Extras policy or arrange private cover. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

What if my course dates change?

If your course start or end date changes, contact your OSHC provider. Depending on the change, you may be able to adjust your policy or claim a partial refund. Some providers are more flexible than others, so it's worth asking.