Countries

Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover

International students on an Australian student visa must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their whole stay. This is a condition of the visa, known as condition 8501, and a gap in cover can put the visa at risk.

What OSHC covers

OSHC is designed to cover a set of basic medical costs: visits to a doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance services and some prescription medicines. Policies differ in the details, and most have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions and for pregnancy.

Buying it

Students can buy OSHC from one of the approved insurers. Many universities offer to arrange a policy with the offer of a place. You can choose a different approved insurer if you prefer.

Keep it continuous

Cover has to start when you arrive and run until you leave or change to a visa that does not require it. If you extend your course, extend your cover. If you switch insurers, make sure the new policy starts the day the old one ends.

What it does not cover

OSHC is not travel insurance. It does not cover belongings, flights or treatment overseas, and it usually does not cover dental or optical care unless you add extras.

Universities

The Universities DB Australia page lists universities across the country.

This page is general information, last reviewed in October 2026. It is not advice, and rules change. Check the official source for your visa and your university's own guidance before you buy anything.