Getting Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an important part of preparing for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). International students generally need to arrange appropriate OSHC for the required period of their stay in Australia.
The process involves more than simply choosing an insurer. You need to consider your required cover dates, whether you need single or family cover, the available policy options and the OSHC information required for your Student Visa application.
This step-by-step guide explains how to arrange OSHC, compare available options and maintain your health cover while studying in Australia.
Before purchasing a policy, first determine the OSHC requirements that apply to your Student Visa and circumstances.
Student Visa holders are generally required to maintain appropriate health insurance while in Australia. This is associated with Visa Condition 8501, which requires visa holders subject to the condition to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance.
Your OSHC should cover the required period applicable to your circumstances, so it is important to arrange the correct dates rather than purchasing an arbitrary period of insurance.
For more information about the health insurance requirement, read our Visa Condition 8501 guide for Student Visa holders.
Before comparing or purchasing OSHC, determine the period for which you need health cover. Your OSHC dates are important because the length of cover affects both your Student Visa arrangements and the total cost of your policy.
When entering your details for an OSHC quote, make sure the start and end dates are appropriate for your intended period in Australia and your Student Visa circumstances.
Avoid choosing shorter cover simply to reduce the premium. Your OSHC should cover the period required for your visa circumstances.
If you later extend your studies or apply for another Student Visa, you may also need to extend your OSHC so that you continue to maintain appropriate health insurance.
Once you know the period of cover you require, compare available OSHC policies before purchasing.
OSHC premiums and policy features can vary between insurers. When comparing policies, consider factors such as:
At 500 Visa Insurance, international students can compare available OSHC options from Allianz Care, Bupa and nib in one place.
For a side-by-side comparison, visit our OSHC comparison page.
The type of OSHC you need depends on who will be included on your policy. It is important to select the policy category that correctly reflects your circumstances.
Common OSHC categories include:
The cost can vary considerably between single, couple and family policies and between different insurers. For this reason, compare the available options based on the people who actually need to be covered.
If you are travelling with a partner or dependent children, read our Couple and Family OSHC guide for more information.
After choosing the policy that suits your circumstances, you can proceed with the application and purchase.
The information required can vary by insurer, but you may be asked to provide details such as:
Before making payment, check that your personal details, policy type and cover dates are correct.
After completing the purchase, the insurer will generally issue your policy documentation and OSHC certificate. Keep a copy of this certificate because the policy information may be required as part of your Student Visa application or other visa-related processes.
After purchasing your OSHC policy, you should receive an OSHC certificate or confirmation of cover from the insurer.
Before using the certificate for your Student Visa application, check that the information is correct, including:
If any information is incorrect, contact the insurer or policy provider and have it corrected.
Keep a copy of your OSHC certificate and other policy documents in a safe place. You may need your policy details when dealing with your insurer, making a claim or providing evidence of health insurance.
When applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you may need to provide details of your Overseas Student Health Cover as part of your visa application.
Use the information shown on your OSHC certificate or confirmation of cover and make sure the details entered in your visa application are accurate and consistent with your policy documents.
Depending on your circumstances, the information may include:
Keep your OSHC certificate and policy documents available in case further evidence of your health insurance arrangements is required.
If your education provider has arranged OSHC on your behalf, make sure you have the relevant details before completing the health insurance section of your Student Visa application.
For more information about Student Visa health insurance, read our Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) guide.
Arranging OSHC is not just something you do when applying for your Student Visa. You should maintain the required health insurance throughout the relevant period of your stay in Australia.
While studying, make sure that:
If you change OSHC providers, arrange the new policy carefully so that you continue to maintain the health insurance required for your circumstances.
If your course or Student Visa arrangements are extended, check whether your existing OSHC also needs to be extended.
Maintaining appropriate health insurance is particularly important for visa holders subject to Visa Condition 8501.
If you extend your studies in Australia and apply for another Student Visa (Subclass 500), you may also need to extend your OSHC so that your health insurance continues for the required period.
Before applying for your new Student Visa, check the expiry date of your existing OSHC policy and determine whether additional cover is required.
If you need to extend your OSHC:
You do not necessarily have to remain with the same insurer when arranging future cover, but any change should be managed carefully so that you maintain appropriate health insurance for your circumstances.
For students looking at different options, you can compare Student Visa 500 health insurance before arranging your additional cover.
Your health insurance needs may change when you finish your studies and move to another Australian visa.
If you complete your studies and apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), OSHC may no longer be the appropriate type of health insurance for your new visa circumstances. You may need to arrange suitable Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or other appropriate health insurance.
Students planning to move from a Student Visa to a Temporary Graduate Visa can learn more about 485 visa health insurance.
If you move to another visa type, check the health insurance requirements that apply to that particular visa rather than assuming your existing OSHC will remain appropriate.
Getting OSHC for a Student Visa 500 is easier when you follow the process in the right order. Start by understanding your health insurance requirements and required cover dates, then compare available policies and select the type of cover appropriate for your circumstances.
Before purchasing, check your personal details and policy dates carefully. Once your cover is arranged, keep your OSHC certificate and maintain appropriate health insurance throughout the required period of your stay in Australia.
At 500 Visa Insurance, international students can compare available OSHC options from Allianz Care, Bupa and nib to review prices and policy options before making a decision.
For assistance with comparing available OSHC options:
Email: info@500visainsurance.com.au
Call: 0479 070 270
WhatsApp: +61 479 070 270