OSHC for the student visa (500): rules, cost and how to buy

Is OSHC mandatory for the student visa 500?

Yes. OSHC is compulsory for subclass 500 student visa holders under visa condition 8501. The condition requires you to hold valid OSHC for the entire duration of your stay as a student — that means the whole course, not just the first semester. You generally need to arrange the policy and have your policy number before you lodge the visa application, because the form asks for it and the Department checks that cover is in place. There are only a few exemptions (covered below). For almost everyone, no OSHC means no valid student visa.

Who is exempt from OSHC?

The student OSHC exemption is narrow. Citizens of Norway, Sweden and Belgium are not required to buy OSHC, because they are covered under their countries' own arrangements and reciprocal agreements. That is the full list for the standard student exemption. Importantly, citizens of the UK, Ireland and New Zealand must still hold OSHC — even though those countries have reciprocal health care agreements with Australia, those agreements do not remove the student OSHC requirement. If you think you might be exempt, confirm it directly with your provider and your education provider before relying on it.

The five approved OSHC providers

Only five insurers are approved to sell OSHC in Australia:

- Allianz Care
- ahm
- Bupa
- Medibank
- nib

All five offer visa-compliant cover that meets condition 8501. The right choice depends on price for your cover length, the provider's network and digital tools, and how easy it is to claim from where you live — so compare them on the features that matter to you rather than assuming any one is best. Many universities have a preferred provider and can arrange cover as part of enrolment, but you are free to choose your own.

How much does OSHC cost?

Single cover starts from roughly AUD $500 a year. The exact price depends on how long your cover runs (longer courses cost more in total but the annual rate can differ), your start date, and whether you need single, couple or family cover. Couple and family policies cost more because they insure more people. Because rates change and vary by provider, always get a current quote for your specific cover dates before budgeting. Paying for the full course upfront is common and is often required so your policy spans the whole visa period.

What OSHC covers

OSHC is designed to give international students access to the essentials of Australian healthcare. A standard policy covers:

- GP (doctor) visits
- Treatment and accommodation in public hospitals
- Ambulance services
- Limited prescription medicines
- A contribution toward some other services

It mirrors core Medicare-style cover so you can see a doctor and be treated in hospital without facing the full cost. Benefit limits and the exact contribution levels vary by provider and policy, so read the policy document for the specifics.

What OSHC does not cover

OSHC has clear gaps. A standard policy does not cover:

- Dental
- Optical (glasses and eye tests)
- Physiotherapy

If you want those, you need a separate OSHC Extras policy on top of your standard cover. OSHC also will not cover treatment you arranged before arriving, and pregnancy has a waiting period (see below). For dental, optical and physio, budget for either an Extras policy or out-of-pocket costs.

Pregnancy, waiting periods and other limits

If pregnancy is a possibility during your studies, plan ahead. A 12-month waiting period applies for pregnancy and birth, and you must complete those 12 months before you give birth to claim — upgrading after you are already pregnant does not shorten it. Maternity cover usually sits on higher-tier policies, and most plans cover hospital (inpatient) maternity rather than routine antenatal visits. Other standard waiting periods apply too, including 12 months for pre-existing conditions and two months for psychiatric, rehabilitation and palliative care. These are common across providers, so factor them into your timing.

When and how to buy OSHC

Buy OSHC before you lodge your student visa application, because you need the policy number for the form. Set the start date to cover your arrival in Australia, and make sure the policy spans your full course duration so you stay compliant with condition 8501. You can buy directly from any of the five providers online, or arrange it through your education provider during enrolment. Keep your confirmation and policy number safe — you may need them again at the border and when you enrol at your institution.

Refunds and changing providers

Your circumstances can change, and OSHC has some flexibility. If your visa is refused, or you leave Australia early or finish your course early, you can usually claim a pro-rata refund from your provider, subject to their conditions and evidence requirements. You can also switch providers: transfer the remaining cover period to the new policy and avoid any gap, because condition 8501 requires continuous cover. Never let your OSHC lapse mid-course while you sort out a change — a gap could put you in breach of your visa condition.

Is OSHC mandatory for a student visa?

Yes. OSHC is compulsory for subclass 500 student visa holders under condition 8501. You must hold valid cover for the entire duration of your course and generally have the policy number before you lodge the application. The only standard exemption is for citizens of Norway, Sweden and Belgium.

How much does OSHC cost?

Single cover starts from roughly AUD $500 a year, but the figure varies with how long your cover runs, your start date and whether you need single, couple or family cover. Rates change between providers, so always get a current quote for your exact cover dates.

Who are the approved OSHC providers?

Five insurers are approved to sell OSHC in Australia: Allianz Care, ahm, Bupa, Medibank and nib. All offer visa-compliant cover, so compare them on price for your cover length, network and ease of claiming rather than assuming one is best.

Does OSHC cover dental and optical?

No. Standard OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy. To include those, you need a separate OSHC Extras policy on top of your standard cover, or you pay out of pocket for those services.

Can I get a refund if my visa is refused or I leave early?

Usually yes. If your visa is refused, or you leave Australia or finish your course early, you can generally claim a pro-rata refund from your OSHC provider, subject to their conditions and the evidence they require. Contact your provider to start the refund.

Do UK, Irish or New Zealand citizens need OSHC?

Yes. Even though those countries have reciprocal health care agreements with Australia, the agreements do not remove the student OSHC requirement. Only citizens of Norway, Sweden and Belgium are exempt under the standard student exemption.