Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You must have health cover for the duration of your enrolment as a condition of your visa requirements. OSHC will help you pay for any medical or hospital care you may need while you’re studying in Australia, and will contribute towards the cost of prescription medicines and an ambulance in an emergency. Dental, optical and physiotherapy are not covered.
Your institution arranges OSHC for you. When you arrive in Australia you must register with an insurance company to get your membership card.
OSHC providers
The cost of OSHC depends on how long you will be in Australia and your OSHC provider. Generally, premiums start at about A$75 for three months’ insurance (A$312 a year). If your spouse and/or dependent children accompany you to Australia you will need to pay a family premium.
If you come to Australia on a visa other than a student visa, and your course of study is under three months’ duration, you will not be eligible for OSHC. In this case travel insurance is recommended.