Overseas Student Health Cover

Your health cover, explained

OSHC is a condition of your student visa. Here's what it actually pays for, and how to see a doctor without getting a bill.

Every student visa holder must have it

If you're here on a Subclass 500 student visa, you're required to hold OSHC for the whole length of your visa — and so is any spouse or child under 18 who came with you.

Most students buy it through their university at enrolment, which means you probably already have a policy you've never opened.

PHOTO 1200×900
student on a phone
with a health app open

Do this today, before you read the rest

Open your provider's app and check your policy end date. It needs to run past your visa expiry, not just past the end of your course. A gap in cover breaches your visa conditions and can follow you into future applications.

The six approved providers

You can switch at any time and transfer your remaining cover. You don't have to stay with whoever your university signed you up with.

What it covers — and what it doesn't

Usually covered

  • GP (doctor) visits
  • Public hospital treatment
  • Ambulance
  • Some prescription medicines
  • Limited specialist care on referral

Usually not covered

  • Dental
  • Optical — eye tests and glasses
  • Physio and allied health
  • Pre-existing conditions in the waiting period
  • Elective and cosmetic procedures

Need dental, optical or physio? Look at an Extras add-on, or check your university health service first — campus clinics usually charge students far less than a private practice.

How to actually use it

01

Find a direct-billing GP

Some clinics bill your insurer straight away, so you pay nothing on the day. Search your provider's app for one near campus.

02

Bring your card

The digital membership card in the app is fine. Take your passport or student ID as well.

03

Pay, then claim

If they don't direct-bill, keep the receipt and upload it in the app. The refund usually lands within a few days.

04

Emergency: call 000

Ambulance and public emergency care are covered. Never hesitate because you're worried about the cost.

Questions students actually ask

Can I use Medicare instead?

No. Australia has reciprocal health agreements with a handful of countries and Malaysia isn't one of them. OSHC is your cover.

What's a waiting period?

A set time after you join before certain things can be claimed. Check your own policy for the exact periods — and note that time you've already served usually carries over when you switch provider.

Can I change providers partway through?

Yes, at any time. The new provider takes over your remaining cover. Don't cancel the old policy until the new one has started, or you'll create a gap.

Does it cover my spouse or child?

Only on a couple or family policy. If they arrive later, contact your provider and upgrade before they land.

I'm going home early — can I get a refund?

You may be entitled to a refund on the unused part of your policy. Contact your provider before you leave Australia; it's much harder to sort out once you've gone.

This page is general information put together by student volunteers, not financial or medical advice. Check the details against your own policy and your provider before you act on them.

Got a bill you don't understand?

Or a claim that came back rejected? Send it to the welfare team — we've seen most of them before and we can tell you whether it's worth disputing.

Ask the Welfare team