What does OSHC cover in Australia?

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) covers GP visits at 100% of the MBS fee, specialist visits at 85% of the MBS fee, public hospital treatment, emergency ambulance, and some prescription medications. It does not cover dental, optical, physiotherapy, or cosmetic procedures unless you purchase extras cover. You may still pay a gap fee if your doctor charges more than the MBS fee.

Can international students access Medicare in Australia?

Most international students cannot access Medicare. OSHC is your health insurance instead. The only exceptions are students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden who may be covered by their national insurance schemes and do not need OSHC. Students from other RHCA countries (UK, Ireland, NZ, etc.) on student visas still need OSHC — the reciprocal agreement does not apply to student visa holders.

How do I find a doctor as an international student?

Check if your university has an on-campus health clinic — many do and they are familiar with OSHC billing. Otherwise, look for GPs in your OSHC insurer's network to minimise gap fees. Use the Healthdirect Service Finder to find GPs near you. When booking, tell reception you have OSHC and give them your membership number. For after-hours care, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

International Student Health Guide

What is OSHC?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance you must have as a condition of your student visa (subclass 500). It covers you for the duration of your studies in Australia. Without OSHC, you'd have to pay the full cost of medical treatment — a single hospital stay can cost $5,000–$50,000+.

OSHC gives you similar coverage to what Australians get through Medicare. You must buy it before your visa is granted and maintain it continuously — any gap can affect your visa.

Medibank Bupa Allianz Care nib CBHS

These are the 5 government-approved OSHC providers. Your university may recommend one, but you can choose any of them.

What OSHC covers — and what it doesn't

✅ Covered

GP visits (100% of MBS fee). Specialist visits if referred by GP (85% of MBS fee). Public hospital treatment. Emergency ambulance. Some prescription medications (with co-payment). Blood tests, X-rays, pathology (85% of MBS fee).

❌ Not covered (basic OSHC)

Dental care. Optical / glasses. Physiotherapy. Chiropractic. Cosmetic surgery. Pre-existing conditions (waiting periods apply). Elective procedures. Non-emergency ambulance.

Gap fees: OSHC covers the MBS fee, but many doctors charge more than this. The difference is called a "gap" and you pay it out of pocket. Example: your GP charges $80 but the MBS fee is $45.05 — OSHC pays $45.05 and you pay the $36.10 gap. To avoid gap fees, look for bulk-billing GPs or doctors in your insurer's network.

📋 Source: Department of Home Affairs — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) requirements.
Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.

Who doesn't need OSHC?

Students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden may be exempt if covered by their national insurance schemes. Norwegian students are covered by the Norwegian Government, Swedish students may be covered by CSN or Kammarkollegiet, and Belgian students are covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. All other international students must have OSHC — even those from other RHCA countries like the UK, Ireland, or New Zealand.

How to find a doctor (GP)

Check your university first. Many universities have on-campus health clinics that are familiar with OSHC and often bulk-bill students. This is usually the easiest option.

Search your insurer's network. Each OSHC provider has a network of preferred GPs. Using a network GP means lower or no gap fees. Check your insurer's website or app.

Use Healthdirect Service Finder. Go to healthdirect.gov.au to find GPs near you. Filter for "bulk billing" if available.

When you book, tell them you have OSHC. Give reception your OSHC membership number and insurer name. Some clinics can bill your insurer directly (direct billing), so you don't pay upfront.

After hours? Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (free, 24/7) for health advice. For emergencies, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.

Mental health support

Adjusting to a new country, language, and study environment can be stressful. Many international students experience anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, or depression. This is normal and help is available:

Your university counselling service — free and confidential, usually available to all enrolled students. You don't need OSHC or a GP referral to access this.

Your GP — can provide a mental health assessment and, if needed, create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for subsidised psychology sessions.

Crisis support:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7, free) — also available in many languages via 13 14 50 (Translating and Interpreting Service).

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Find more support lines at AskMyGP helplines directory

When your student visa ends

If you switch to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), OSHC no longer covers you — you'll need to switch to Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) instead. Contact your insurer to arrange the switch before your OSHC expires. Many insurers can transfer your policy without a break in coverage.

If you get permanent residency, you become eligible for Medicare. Enrol at a Medicare service centre with your passport and permanent residency evidence.

Key numbers to save

Emergency: 000
Healthdirect (24/7 health advice): 1800 022 222
Translating & Interpreting Service: 13 14 50
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Private Health Insurance Ombudsman: 1300 737 299