Health Insurance is Mandatory for International Visitors to Australia
If you're coming to Australia as an international student or on a temporary visa, health insurance is not optional — it's a legal requirement. Unlike Australian citizens who are covered by Medicare, temporary visa holders must arrange their own health cover. Depending on your visa type, you will need either OSHC or OVHC.
What is OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for international students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500). It is a condition of your student visa — you must have OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa, including any family members who join you on a student dependant visa.
What Does OSHC Cover?
- GP (doctor) visits
- Hospital treatment (private and public)
- Emergency ambulance services
- Limited pharmaceuticals (under the PBS equivalent for students)
- Some specialist visits (with Medicare-equivalent benefit)
OSHC does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy unless you purchase additional extras cover.
OSHC Providers in Australia
- Medibank
- BUPA
- Allianz Care Australia
- AHM (a Medibank subsidiary)
- nib
- CBHS Corporate Health
OSHC Cost (2025 estimates)
- Single: Approximately AUD $600 – $800 per year
- Couple: Approximately AUD $1,300 – $1,700 per year
- Family: Approximately AUD $2,000 – $2,800 per year
Many Australian universities have preferred OSHC providers with institutional arrangements — check your university's website for details.
What is OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover)?
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is designed for temporary visa holders who are not students. This includes working holiday makers (Subclass 417/462), skilled workers on Subclass 482/186, tourist visa holders, and other temporary residents.
Some countries have Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with Australia — if your country is included (e.g., UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Malta, Slovenia), you may have access to some Medicare services. However, OVHC still provides broader and more comprehensive coverage.
What Does OVHC Cover?
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance
- Some GP visits (depending on plan)
- Optional extras: dental, optical, physio
OVHC Providers
- nib OSHC (also offers OVHC plans)
- BUPA
- Medibank
- Allianz Care
- HCF
OSHC vs OVHC: Quick Comparison
| Feature | OSHC | OVHC |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it? | Student visa holders (500) | Other temporary visa holders |
| Is it mandatory? | Yes (visa condition) | Recommended; mandatory for some visas |
| Medicare access? | No (OSHC replaces Medicare) | Only if RHCA country |
| Extras cover? | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
Tips for Choosing the Right Health Cover
- Compare premiums and coverage levels across providers before purchasing
- Check if your university has a preferred OSHC arrangement
- Purchase cover for the entire duration of your visa to avoid gaps
- Consider adding extras cover (dental and optical) if you anticipate needing them
- Keep your policy active — a lapse may breach your visa conditions
We Can Help You Choose the Right Cover
At Suvaansh Educational Services, we guide international students and visa holders through the process of selecting and activating the right health insurance for their visa type and circumstances. Reach out to our team today for personalised health cover advice.