Medibank OSHC for International Students in Australia
Medibank OSHC for International Students in Australia
Studying in Australia offers international students access to world-class education and exciting career opportunities. To meet Australian student visa requirements, most Subclass 500 Student Visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay.
Medibank is one of Australia's leading health insurance providers and offers OSHC policies specifically designed for international students. Medibank OSHC helps students access medical treatment, hospital care, emergency ambulance services, and prescription medicines while studying in Australia.
Students looking to compare Medibank OSHC with other approved insurers can use our OSHC comparison tool.
What is Medibank OSHC?
Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance designed specifically for international students studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 Student Visa.
OSHC helps students meet visa condition 8501, which requires adequate health insurance throughout their stay in Australia.
Medibank OSHC helps cover a range of healthcare services including:
- Doctor consultations
- Specialist consultations
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance services
- Prescription medicines
- Certain pathology and radiology services
Students can compare Medibank OSHC against other approved providers through our OSHC comparison page.
Why Choose Medibank OSHC?
Medibank is one of Australia's most recognised private health insurers and has extensive experience supporting international students.
Some key benefits include:
- Compliance with Australian student visa requirements
- Access to a large network of healthcare providers
- Convenient digital claims management
- 24/7 health and wellbeing support
- Multilingual customer service assistance
- Access to mental health support services
- Easy policy management through the Medibank App
Medibank OSHC provides peace of mind, allowing students to focus on their studies while having access to healthcare when needed.
Who Can Purchase Medibank OSHC?
Medibank OSHC may be suitable for:
- New international students applying for a Subclass 500 Student Visa
- Existing students extending their studies
- Students renewing their student visa
- Students bringing their spouse or partner to Australia
- Students bringing dependent children
- Families requiring comprehensive OSHC coverage
Maintaining continuous OSHC coverage is important to remain compliant with visa requirements throughout your stay.
Medibank OSHC Plans for Student Visa Holders
Medibank offers several policy options depending on your family situation.
Single OSHC
Provides cover for one international student studying in Australia.
Dual Family OSHC
Provides cover for the student and their spouse or partner, or the student and dependent children.
Multi Family OSHC
Provides cover for the student, partner, and dependent children.
Other Medibank Visa Insurance Products
Medibank also offers health insurance options for other visa categories, including temporary graduates and visitors.
Students completing their studies may require 485 visa health insurance when applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa.
What Does Medibank OSHC Cover?
Medibank OSHC is designed to provide access to essential healthcare services while studying in Australia.
Doctor and Specialist Consultations
Medibank generally covers:
- General Practitioner (GP) consultations
- Specialist consultations
- Referrals to medical specialists
Benefits are generally paid according to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and policy conditions.
Hospital Treatment
Hospital cover may include:
- Inpatient treatment
- Day surgery procedures
- Shared ward accommodation
- Intensive care services
- Theatre fees
- Medically necessary treatment in public and participating private hospitals
Coverage depends on policy terms and hospital arrangements.
Pathology and Radiology Services
Students may be covered for:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Diagnostic imaging
- Pathology services
Benefits are generally based on MBS limits.
Ambulance Services
Medibank OSHC generally covers medically necessary emergency ambulance transport and emergency treatment provided by ambulance services.
Prescription Medicines
OSHC may contribute towards eligible PBS-listed prescription medicines subject to annual limits and policy conditions.
Optional Extras Cover
Standard OSHC focuses on medical and hospital treatment.
Students seeking additional benefits may choose optional extras cover which can assist with:
- Dental treatment
- Optical services
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic services
- Other allied health services
Extras cover may be useful for students planning to stay in Australia for an extended period.
Medibank OSHC for Couples and Families
Many international students travel to Australia with family members.
Medibank offers family-based OSHC options designed to provide cover for eligible spouses, partners, and dependent children included in the visa application.
Family policies may assist with:
- Medical consultations
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance services
- Prescription medicines
Students comparing family policies may also wish to read our guide on Discounted Couple and Family 500 Visa Health Insurance.
Medibank Health and Wellbeing Support Services
One of the advantages of Medibank OSHC is access to additional health support services.
Depending on eligibility and program availability, students may have access to:
- Mental health support services
- Counselling services
- Health information resources
- Wellbeing programs
- Guidance on navigating the Australian healthcare system
These services can be particularly valuable for students adjusting to life in Australia.
Medibank OSHC vs Other Providers
International students often compare Medibank with other approved OSHC providers including:
- Allianz Care
- nib
- Bupa
- ahm
While all approved providers must meet Australian Government requirements, differences can exist in:
- Customer service
- Claims processing
- Mobile app functionality
- Extras cover options
- Family policy pricing
- Additional support services
Students should compare providers carefully before purchasing a policy.
Compare Medibank, Allianz, nib, Bupa and ahm side-by-side using our OSHC Comparison Page.
How to Make a Medibank OSHC Claim
Medibank offers several convenient ways to lodge claims.
Students may:
- Submit claims through the Medibank App
- Lodge claims online through their member account
- Use participating providers that may bill Medibank directly
Keeping receipts and treatment records can help simplify the claims process.
Refunds and Policy Cancellations
Refunds may be available in certain situations, including:
- Student visa refusal
- Not commencing studies
- Leaving Australia earlier than expected
- Obtaining another visa
- Becoming eligible for Medicare
- Receiving permanent residency
Refund requests are assessed according to Medibank policy conditions and supporting documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medibank OSHC satisfy visa condition 8501?
Yes. Medibank OSHC is designed to meet Australian student visa health insurance requirements.
Learn more about visa condition 8501.
Can Medibank OSHC cover my partner and children?
Yes. Medibank offers Dual Family and Multi Family policies for eligible family members.
Can I switch to Medibank OSHC?
Yes. Students can generally switch providers provided there is no gap in coverage.
How quickly can I receive my OSHC certificate?
In most cases, policy certificates are issued shortly after successful purchase.
Does Medibank OSHC cover dental treatment?
Standard OSHC generally focuses on hospital and medical treatment. Dental benefits may be available through optional extras cover.
Compare Medibank OSHC Today
Comparing OSHC policies helps students find suitable health insurance while remaining compliant with Australian visa requirements.
At 500 Visa Insurance, you can:
- Compare Medibank with other approved providers
- Review policies for singles, couples, and families
- Receive your policy certificate quickly after purchase
- Save time by comparing multiple providers in one place
Students applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa can compare 485 visa health insurance.
Parents visiting Australia on a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa can compare visitor visa health insurance.
For assistance:
Email: info@500visainsurance.com.au
Call: 0479 070 270
WhatsApp: +61 479 070 270
Compare Medibank OSHC today and find a policy that suits your needs while studying in Australia.