OSHC Australia — Compare Overseas Student Health Cover Providers
OSHC Australia is mandatory health insurance for all international students. Compare all six approved OSHC providers side by side — monthly premiums, coverage details, and what's not covered. Find the best OSHC Australia policy for your student visa.
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.
OSHC is not optional. Under Condition 8501 of the Australian student visa (subclass 500), you must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay. Letting your cover lapse — even for a single day — is a visa breach that can lead to cancellation. This guide explains exactly what OSHC is, how the system works, and how to choose between the six government-approved providers so you can make an informed decision before purchasing your policy.
Data last reviewed: March 2026
Prices are approximateand based on publicly available data. Actual premiums depend on your visa duration, cover type, and the provider's current rates. Always confirm pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.
| Provider | Single / month | Couple / month | Family / month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBHS | $48 | $112 | $151 |
|
| Allianz Care | $49 | $115 | $155 |
|
| nib | $50 | $117 | $158 |
|
| AHM | $51 | $119 | $161 |
|
| Bupa | $52 | $122 | $165 |
|
| Medibank | $53 | $124 | $168 |
|
Let's Go Study Australia may receive a referral fee if you purchase OSHC through a link on this page. This does not affect the pricing information presented, which is sourced directly from provider websites. Always confirm current pricing with the provider before purchasing.
What Does OSHC Cover?
All six approved OSHC providers cover the same core services required by the Department of Health. The table below summarises what is generally covered. Coverage details are summarised — refer to each provider's current Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full terms. PDSes are available on provider websites.
| Coverage | AHM | Allianz | Bupa | CBHS | Medibank | nib |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital (public) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hospital (private) | Partial | Partial | Partial | Partial | Partial | Partial |
| GP visits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specialist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mental health | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ambulance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dental (emergency) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dental (general) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Optical | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cosmetic procedures | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Choosing the Right OSHC
Check your institution first. If your university has an institutional arrangement with a specific provider, check whether you are required to use it or can opt out. Some institutions include OSHC in your tuition package — confirm before purchasing separately.
If cost is your primary concern, CBHS and Allianz Care typically offer the lowest single-student monthly premiums. Use the price comparison table above to compare current rates across all six providers.
If you have dependants joining you, compare the family policy rates carefully — pricing differences between providers are more significant for couple and family policies than for single student policies.
Need help with your student visa application?
Our free advisor service connects you with registered education agents who can guide you through OSHC selection, university applications, and visa requirements.