Visa Requirements for OSHC

We only partner with officially recognized OSHC providers who have signed the Deed for the Provision of Overseas Student Health Cover with the Australian Government. This means every policy we offer automatically satisfies your visa conditions.

Learn more about OSHC basics in our complete OSHC guide or find answers to common questions in our FAQ section.

Condition 8501 - Mandatory Health Insurance

If you hold a subclass 500 student visa, you must:

• Maintain OSHC for your entire stay - from arrival until departure or visa expiry
• Cover all dependents listed on your visa application
• Ensure continuous coverage - no gaps in insurance allowed
• Use only approved providers - all our plans qualify

Coverage Timeline Requirements:

• Start Date: Must begin on or before your arrival in Australia
• End Date: Must cover until your departure or visa expiry, whichever is later
• Extensions: If you extend your studies, you must extend your OSHC

Family Members on Your Visa

If you have dependents (spouse/partner and children) listed on your student visa:

• All dependents must have OSHC - this is not optional
• Same coverage period as the primary visa holder
• Can be covered under family policies or separate individual policies
• Coverage required even if dependents arrive later

Policy Options for Families:

• Couple Policy: For visa holder + spouse/partner
• Single Parent Policy: For visa holder + children
• Family Policy: For visa holder + spouse + children
• Separate Individual Policies: If each person has their own visa

Bridging Visa A, B, C & E

If you're on a bridging visa and your previous visa was a student visa (subclass 500), you must continue to hold OSHC until:

• Your new visa is granted (if it doesn't require health insurance)
• You depart Australia
• Your bridging visa expires

Common Bridging Visa Situations:

• Waiting for 485 Graduate visa: Continue OSHC until decision
• Applying for permanent residency: OSHC required until grant
• Changing to visitor visa: OSHC required until approved
• Appealing a visa refusal: OSHC must be maintained

From Student to Graduate Visa

When transitioning from a student visa to a 485 graduate visa:

• Continue OSHC during application - required on bridging visa
• After 485 grant: OSHC is no longer mandatory
• Consider OVHC instead: Overseas Visitor Health Cover may be more suitable
• Or continue OSHC: You can keep your existing policy if preferred

Health Insurance Options on 485 Visa:

• OVHC: Designed for temporary visa holders
• Private Health Insurance: Australian resident options
• Continue OSHC: Keep your student coverage
• No insurance: Not recommended due to high medical costs

Visitor Visas (Subclass 600, 601, 651)

Tourist and visitor visas do not require OSHC, but health insurance is strongly recommended:

• Travel Insurance: More suitable for short visits
• OVHC: If staying longer or prefer comprehensive cover
• High medical costs: Without insurance, emergency treatment can cost thousands

Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417, 462)

• Not mandatory: But highly recommended
• OVHC options available: Contact us for suitable plans
• Consider work requirements: Some employers may require health insurance

Other Temporary Visas

Requirements vary by visa type. Contact us to confirm your specific obligations.

How the Government Monitors OSHC Compliance

• Regular data sharing: Insurance providers report to Department of Home Affairs
• Automatic alerts: Government notified if your policy lapses
• Visa condition checks: Compliance reviewed during applications and renewals
• Border checks: OSHC status may be verified at entry/exit

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Visa cancellation: Automatic cancellation possible for condition breaches
• Future visa impacts: Non-compliance affects future applications
• No access to Medicare: International students aren't covered by public healthcare
• High medical costs: Hospital treatment can cost $50,000+ without insurance

Can I switch OSHC providers?

Yes, you can change providers at any time. Just ensure there's no gap in coverage during the transition.

What if my visa is extended?

You must extend your OSHC to cover the new visa period. We can help you extend or switch to a longer policy.

Can I travel outside Australia?

Yes, but your OSHC must remain active for your entire visa period, even when overseas.

What if I change my course or institution?

Your OSHC requirements remain the same. You don't need to change your health insurance when changing courses.

Do I need OSHC before arriving in Australia?

Yes, your policy must be active from your arrival date. You cannot enter Australia without valid OSHC.