OSHC for Couples and Families

Single OSHC cover

Single OSHC covers one person only — typically the student on the visa. This is the most common and most affordable OSHC option. If you're a single student with no dependents, single cover is what you need.

Couple OSHC cover

Couple OSHC covers two people: typically a student visa holder and a spouse or de facto partner. Both people are covered by the same policy and the same policy number. Couple cover costs more than single cover — the exact amount varies by provider and plan tier.

If your partner is accompanying you to Australia on your student visa, they need to be on a valid visa themselves (usually a dependent student visa, 500 subclass with a 'dependent of student' notation). If they're not on a visa or are on a different visa type, they may need separate health insurance arrangements.

Only a spouse or de facto partner can be included on couple cover. Adult children, parents, or other relatives would require family cover or separate policies.

Family OSHC cover

Family OSHC covers a student visa holder, a spouse or partner, and dependent children. The cost increases with each child added. All family members are covered under the same policy.

A dependent child on family OSHC is usually your biological child, adopted child, or stepchild aged under 21 (or under 25 if in full-time study). Age limits and the definition of dependent vary slightly by provider — check with your chosen provider.

Cost differences between single, couple, and family

Single OSHC starts from around AUD 500 per year, depending on the provider and plan tier. Couple cover typically costs 50–80% more than single cover — roughly AUD 750–900 per year. Family cover with one or two children costs significantly more, and each additional child increases the cost further. Get quotes from all five approved providers (Allianz Care, ahm, Bupa, Medibank, nib) to compare.

Adding dependents

If you start on single cover and later marry or have a child, you can add them to your policy. You don't usually need a refund from your single policy — you can simply upgrade to couple or family cover. The provider will calculate the cost difference and bill you accordingly.

However, upgrading does not reset waiting periods. If you upgrade to include maternity and you're already pregnant, the 12-month maternity waiting period still applies to your entire policy from the original start date.

Newborn cover

When your baby is born, the newborn is usually automatically covered on your family or couple OSHC policy at no extra cost for the first 12 weeks. This automatic cover typically includes the cost of delivery and hospital stay.

After 12 weeks, you must formally add your baby as a dependent on your policy. Contact your provider to do this — there is usually an additional cost (the cost of adding a dependent), and your policy number and dates may change. If you don't add your baby before the 12-week period ends, they'll no longer be covered.

Dependent children on student visas

If you have dependent children who are also in Australia, they may be eligible for their own student visas (if they're studying) or dependent visas. Some children may be covered by your family OSHC; others may need separate health insurance. Check with the Department of Home Affairs about visa requirements for your children and discuss coverage with your OSHC provider.

De facto partners and unmarried couples

De facto partners (couples in a committed relationship but not married) are usually eligible for couple OSHC cover in the same way as married couples. Your OSHC provider may ask for evidence of the relationship (joint tenancy, statutory declaration, etc.) when applying for couple cover. Check your provider's requirements before applying.

If your partner or child doesn't have a student visa

If your spouse or child is not on a valid Australian visa, they are generally not eligible for OSHC. They would need to obtain their own visa and health insurance, or you may need to explore other options (such as your partner applying for their own student visa with OSHC, or purchasing private health insurance).

Speak with your education provider and your OSHC provider about your partner's visa status and coverage options.

Does my spouse need their own visa if I'm on a student visa?

Yes. Your spouse or partner needs to be on a valid Australian visa to be included on your couple OSHC cover. They're usually on a dependent student visa (500 subclass with 'dependent of student' notation). Check with the Department of Home Affairs about visa requirements for your partner.

Can I cover my adult children on OSHC?

Adult children aged 21 or over are generally not covered as dependents on family OSHC. Age limits and definitions vary by provider. If your adult child needs health insurance in Australia, they may need their own student visa and OSHC, or other health insurance arrangements.

How much does couple OSHC cost compared to single?

Couple cover typically costs 50–80% more than single cover. Get quotes from all five approved providers to compare exact costs. Prices vary by provider and plan tier.

What happens to my baby's OSHC cover after 12 weeks?

Automatic newborn cover ends after 12 weeks. You must add your baby as a dependent on your family or couple policy before the 12 weeks end. Contact your provider with your baby's birth certificate or birth notification to formalise the addition. There is usually a cost for adding a dependent.

Can I add my spouse to my OSHC policy partway through the year?

Yes, but it depends on your provider. Some allow mid-year changes; others may require you to wait until policy renewal. Contact your OSHC provider to discuss your options. The cost difference between single and couple cover will usually be calculated pro-rata from the addition date.

If I upgrade to couple cover when I'm already pregnant, does the maternity waiting period apply?

Yes. The 12-month maternity waiting period applies from your original policy start date, not from when you upgrade. Upgrading when pregnant does not remove or shorten the maternity waiting period.

What health insurance does my spouse need if we're not on a student visa together?

If your spouse is not eligible for OSHC (e.g. they're on a different visa type or not on a visa at all), they need their own health insurance. This might be OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) for temporary visa holders, private health insurance, or they may be eligible for Medicare or an RHCA if they hold a qualifying visa. Check with the Department of Home Affairs about your spouse's visa options and health insurance requirements.