Moving to Australia to study is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with practical responsibilities, one of the most important being your health cover. International students are required by the Department of Home Affairs to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay. While many students view OSHC simply as a visa requirement, it’s actually a valuable safety net that can help you save a significant amount of money on healthcare costs in Australia.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how oshc works, what it covers, and the many ways it helps students manage their health expenses without breaking the bank.
Understanding Australia’s Healthcare System
Australia has a world-class healthcare system, with public hospitals funded by the Australian Government through Medicare. However, Medicare is generally not available to international students, except for those from select countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs), such as students coming from the UK or Sweden via the National Health Service.
For everyone else, OSHC is the main way to access affordable medical care. Without it, you would need to pay full private fees upfront, and these costs can be surprisingly high.
What OSHC Covers (and Why That Saves You Money)
OSHC is designed to give international students access to required medical services at a cost similar to what Australians pay through Medicare. Although each provider offers slightly different plans, most OSHC policies cover:
Doctor (GP) visits
A standard consultation with a general practitioner in Australia can cost between $70 and $120. With OSHC, your insurer typically pays all or most of this fee, depending on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Hospital treatment
Hospital care can be extremely expensive, often costing thousands of dollars per day. OSHC generally covers:
- Accommodation fees in a public hospital
- Theatre fees for surgeries
- Some inpatient medical services
These benefits alone can save you from crippling medical bills in the event of illness or an accident.
Emergency ambulance services
Ambulance rides in Australia can cost over $1,000 in some states. OSHC usually includes ambulance cover, ensuring you’re protected in emergencies.
Limited pharmaceuticals
Prescription medicines in Australia can be costly without subsidies. OSHC helps by covering part of the cost of approved medications.
Extras depending on the provider
Some providers, such as Bupa, Medibank or Allianz Care Australia, may offer benefits like mental-health support, telehealth services, and discounts on optical or dental services when you purchase upgraded cover.
Real Cost Savings: What International Students Typically Save
OSHC can save international students hundreds, even thousands, of dollars throughout their studies. Consider these examples:
- GP consultation
- Without OSHC: $90 average
- With OSHC: Often no out-of-pocket cost
- Without OSHC: $90 average
- Emergency ambulance
- Without OSHC: $800–$1,200
- With OSHC: $0 (covered)
- Without OSHC: $800–$1,200
- Hospital admission (per night)
- Without OSHC: $2,000–$5,000
- With OSHC: Mostly or fully covered
- Without OSHC: $2,000–$5,000
Even a single hospital visit could exceed the cost of one full year of OSHC premiums.
OSHC Encourages Preventative Healthcare
Many international students avoid visiting the doctor because they fear the cost. With OSHC, you’re more likely to seek medical advice early. Early treatment often prevents small health issues from turning into expensive emergencies later on.
Most OSHC providers also offer:
- 24/7 health advice lines
- Telehealth appointments
- Mental-health support services
These additional benefits help you stay healthy without paying extra.
OSHC Protects Your Budget While Living Abroad
International students already juggle tuition fees, rent, transport, and everyday living costs. OSHC ensures that unexpected medical expenses don’t derail your budget.
It helps you:
- Avoid large surprise medical bills
- Plan for regular healthcare needs
- Focus on studying instead of worrying about finances
For many students, this peace of mind alone is worth the investment.
Choosing the Right OSHC Provider
Not all OSHC policies are the same, and comparing providers can lead to extra savings. When choosing a provider, look at:
Price
Premiums vary across insurers, so always compare yearly costs.
Direct-billing networks
Some providers have partnerships with medical centres that allow you to pay $0 upfront.
Extras and member perks
Discounts on dental, optical, gyms, and wellbeing programs can save you money in the long run.
Support in multiple languages
This is especially helpful if English isn’t your first language.
Final Thoughts
OSHC isn’t just another administrative step in your student-visa process. It’s a practical, money-saving tool that protects you from Australia’s high medical costs and ensures that you receive quality healthcare when you need it most.
Also Read: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare: Current Trends and Future Scope
