Studying in Australia as an international student involves not only covering university fees and accommodation but also medical and hospital expenses. Your health is just as important as your academic goals. However, Medicare, the public healthcare system in Australia, does not cover international students. Instead, a specialized health policy known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) has been established for international applicants.
OSHC is an international student health cover policy that provides coverage for medical and hospital costs. International students must ensure they purchase this health policy to be eligible for medical expense coverage while in Australia.
Both the international student applicant and their dependents, if any, must acquire a health policy that covers the entire academic course duration. Students enrolled in courses of three months or less can obtain a tourist visa and a private international student insurance program covering this duration.
Best OSHC providers in Australia
Choosing the right OSHC policy with relevant benefits and the best price is crucial for our clients. Expert Education is partnered with leading health insurance providers such as BUPA, Medibank, AHM, NIB, and Allianz Care Australia, offering you the flexibility to select the health cover that suits your needs at a competitive price.
It’s important to note that OSHC does not cover general treatments like optical, dental, or physiotherapy. To cover these additional treatments, you may need OSHC Extras, which can be obtained through an OSHC provider or an Australian private health insurer.
It’s also worth noting that OSHC covers COVID-19 related illnesses, primarily falling under categories such as lung and chest, kidney and bladder, and dialysis for chronic kidney failure.
Please consult with our experts today to find the right health insurance policy for your needs.
Compare OSHC Providers (AUD & NPR)
Compare indicative single-student OSHC prices from leading providers. Pick your cover length and see the total in Australian dollars and Nepali rupees.
| Provider & plan | Per month | Total (AUD) | Total (NPR) |
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Key features compared
Indicative prices based on 2026 single-student rates, scaled evenly by month and multiplied by the number of persons (actual couple/family rates can differ). Features are as published by the comparison source and can change. Actual prices vary with visa dates, state and plan, and the NPR amount changes with the daily exchange rate. Contact us for an exact quote.
Below you can select our OSHC Policy Providers
Simply input your details to find the policy best suited to you – at no additional cost.
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
International applicants planning to travel to or work in Australia are required to apply for Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). This policy covers several visa categories, including:
- Visitor Visas: Subclasses 300, 580, 590, 600, 601
- Working Visas: Subclasses 482, 485, 400, 401, 476, 489, etc.
- Working Holiday Visas: Subclasses 417 & 462
If you are a recent international graduate applying for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you will need to switch from OSHC to OVHC to meet the health requirements. Various OVHC policies differ in costs, eligibility, and benefits. Most of these policies cover medically-required hospital admissions and a portion of doctor’s fees.
Unlike OSHC, OVHC allows you to purchase general treatment cover. This cover pays benefits for services provided by healthcare providers in private practice, such as dentists, optometrists, and physiotherapists. The insurance can cover a portion of these costs while you cover the rest.
Most OVHC policies also cover limited pharmaceutical expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right policy that meets your requirements, depending on the nature of your visa application.
Keep in mind that OSHC policies have a pre-purchase scheme covering your entire academic duration and stay, while OVHC policy costs can be paid on a monthly basis.