Frequently Asked Questions

What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance designed for international students in Australia. It helps cover medical treatments, hospital visits, and other healthcare costs while they study in Australia.

• Ensures you meet your visa requirements - 8501 Visa Condition of Student Visa Subclass 500
• Protects you from unexpected medical bills in Australia
• Mandatory for all Student Visa holders and their dependents.

Do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

Yes 100%, if you’re studying in Australia on a Student Visa Subclass 500, you need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It gives you access to healthcare services and ensures you’re financially protected if something unexpected happens.

• Covers medical treatment and hospital care.
• Provides peace of mind during your stay.
• Also required for your spouse and children if they’re included on your visa.

Who else can be covered under Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

OSHC is not just for students only rather it can also cover your spouse or children. The coverage depends on the provider and the type of policy you choose.

• Family or couple policies usually cost more than single policies.
• Coverage includes medical treatment and hospital care for dependents.
• It’s important to check exactly what’s included before buying.

How long do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

You need OSHC for the entire duration of your studies in Australia and for any additional approved stay. Generally, students buy OSHC for 2–3 months longer than the duration on their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to cover any course extensions or delays.

• Missing coverage could breach your visa conditions.
• Your policy should align with your visa start and end dates.
• Make sure to renew it if your course is extended.

What does a standard OSHC policy cover?

A basic OSHC policy generally covers essential healthcare:

• Visits to doctors and specialists (with referrals)
• Hospital treatment as a public patient
• Emergency ambulance services and some prescription medications
• Some policies may include limited allied health services, but dental, optical, and private hospital treatment usually need upgrades

When will I receive the policy certificate?

Once you pay for your OSHC, the insurer usually emails your certificate immediately.

• If you’re extending or changing your policy, it can take 24–48 business hours.
• Keep the certificate safe—it’s important for your visa and any future claims.

Can dependents buy a separate policy?

Yes, dependents with separate student visas can get their own policies. If they’re listed on your visa, you may opt for a family or couple policy.

• Couple and Family policies tend to be more expensive.
• Providers price them higher due to increased claim risk.

Can I switch my OSHC provider?

Yes, you can switch to another approved provider anytime if you want.

• Make sure there’s no gap in coverage i.e., there must not be any gap between the end date of the first policy and start date of the new policy from new provider
• Compare benefits, waiting periods, and premiums first.
• Always purchase the new policy before cancelling your old one.

How do I switch my OSHC provider?

Switching is simple but must be done carefully:

• Buy a new policy first, then cancel your current one.
• Refunds are usually calculated pro-rata for unused days.
• Keep proof of continuous coverage for visa compliance of 8501 Visa Condition.

Can I cancel my OSHC?

Cancellation is possible in certain situations:

• If your visa is refused or withdrawn
• If you gain permanent residency (PR) in Australia
• If your personal details were entered incorrectly
• If you weren’t residing in Australia for over three months
• Refunds usually require supporting documents, such as a student visa refusal letter or cancelled CoE etc. Insurance provider may ask you further documents or clarification.

I am on a bridging visa. What insurance do I need?

If your previous visa was a Student Visa, OSHC is still required.

• You can purchase one year if you’re unsure about the duration.
• If your visa changes, you can get a refund for the unused portion.
• For TR visa applicants, a special OVHC may be required. For TR Visa subclass 485, insurance can be compared and purchased from www.485VisaInsurance.com.au

What happens if my OSHC expires?

If your OSHC lapses, you breach visa condition 8501 of your student visa, which could lead to visa cancellation.

• You become fully responsible for any medical costs.
• Renew immediately to avoid gaps and maintain compliance.

Can I maintain my OSHC?

Maintaining your OSHC is straightforward:

• Keep it active and pay premiums on time.
• Renew before expiry or if your course is extended.
• Continuous coverage is required for making claims.

Where can OSHC be purchased?

You must buy OSHC from an approved insurer such as Allianz Care, BUPA, NIB, AHM, Medibank etc. It can be compared and purchased at www.500VisaInsurance.com.au

• You can call or send whatsapp message on +61479070270.
• Your coverage must match your visa start and end dates.

What if I graduate and stay in Australia?

Once you finish your studies, OSHC ends.

• If you plan to stay, you need to switch to an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). If you are lodging a TR Visa subclass 485, then you can purchase 485 Visa Insurance at www.485VisaInsurance.com.au
• If you are lodging a Visitor Visa subclass 600, then 600 Visa Insurance can be compared and purchased at www.600VisaInsurance.com.au
• OVHC protects you during post-study work or other visa periods.

Who must hold OSHC?

Every primary applicant and their dependents of Student Visa subclass 500 must hold OSHC for the entire stay in Australia.

• Coverage must be continuous i.e., without any gap.
• It ensures both health protection and visa compliance.

Can I work on a Student Visa?

Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. You need to be updated with Department of Home Affairs website to know more.

• Unlimited hours are allowed during official or session breaks.
• Work should not interfere with your study commitments.

Can dependents work on this visa?

Work rights depend on the student’s course:

• Partners of Masters or PhD students may work unlimited hours.
• Other courses may have limits on partner work hours.
• Always check visa conditions attached to your student visa subclass 500.

Can I change course or provider in Australia?

Yes, with a new CRICOS CoE and active OSHC.

• Provider release may be required in the first six months of the course.
• Your new course must align with your Genuine Student intentions.

Can a Student Visa subclass 500 be extended?

You can extend your visa before it expires.

• You need a fresh Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), OSHC, English Language test, financial evidences and other documents are required.
• Apply on time to avoid staying unlawfully.

What is a Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

You must show that your primary reason for being in Australia is to study only.

• Officers assess academic background, career plans, finances and other things.
• Travel and study history are checked for consistency.

What is financial capacity evidence?

You need to prove that you have enough funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, travel, and dependents costs.

• Bank statements, education loans, or parental support are acceptable.
• Funds should be genuine, stable, and accessible.
• Affidavit of Support or Statutory Declaration may also be required.

Do children need school enrolment on this visa?

Yes, children aged 6–17 must attend school.

• Parents must be able to pay school fees.
• OSHC must cover all children during their stay.

What is a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)?

RHCAs allow citizens of certain countries to access some public healthcare services.

• Coverage is limited and does not include private services.
• OSHC is still recommended to ensure full protection.

Are students from all RHCA countries eligible for Medicare?

No. Eligibility depends on nationality and the agreement.

• UK, Sweden, and New Zealand citizens may qualify.
• Others, like Norway and Finland, often do not.

What does RHCA cover for eligible visitors/students?

Coverage may include urgent public hospital care and limited doctor services.

• Some prescription medicines may be subsidised.
• Ambulance, dental, optical, and private care are usually not included.

Should I keep OSHC if eligible for RHCA Medicare?

Yes. OSHC ensures visa compliance and gives broader protection.

• RHCA coverage is limited.
• OSHC includes dependents and additional services.

How do I apply for Medicare under RHCA?

Register onshore with Services Australia using your passport and visa.

• Registration isn’t automatic.
• RHCA may not meet all healthcare or visa requirements, so OSHC is recommended.

Is private hospital covered under OSHC?

Standard OSHC only covers public hospital treatment.

• Full private coverage usually isn’t included.
• Upgraded or premium policies may extend coverage.

Can OSHC cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some pre-existing conditions are covered if medically necessary. Generally, Pre-Existing conditions have a wait period of 12 months. Always check with the provider about this.

• Coverage depends on insurer rules, waiting periods, and limits.
• Elective procedures are usually excluded.

Can I travel outside Australia on this visa?

Yes, most Student Visas allow multiple entries.

• OSHC should remain active while abroad.
• Travel must not interfere with your studies.

Where can I compare OSHC options?

You can compare providers, benefits, and pricing at www.500visainsurance.com.au If you have any questions, you can call or send WhatsApp message on +61479070270.

• Helps you find a plan that suits your needs and budget.
• Ensures the provider is approved for visa compliance.