Health Insurance for International Students in Australia 2024-25

Getting appropriate health insurance in Australia is a crucial part of international students who are aiming to pursue an academic career in the country. Australia is a culturally vibrant country that offers a world-class education and career opportunities for international students through its dynamic job market. However, candidates who wish to study in Australia are mandated to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to cover their essential medical services during their stay in the country.

This Story also Contains

1. Can International Students Get Health Insurance in Australia?
2. Do international students need health insurance in Australia?
3. What is OSHC?
4. OSHC Australia cost for international students 2024
5. Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in Australia
6. Where Can I Buy OSHC?
7. How to Cancel Health Insurance for Foreigners in Australia?

There is only one type of health insurance for international students in Australia i.e., Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Australia offers a public health insurance system funded by taxes, however, international students are not eligible for the public medicare system in Australia. As per the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, all overseas students with an Australia student visa must maintain OSHC for the full duration of their stay in the country.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is designed to help international students cover the costs of medical and hospital care while living in the country. All international students must mandatorily purchase the OSHC health cover prior to departing their home country. The OSHC Australia cost for international students 2024 can range from AUD 478 per year for a single student. The range may vary depending on the type of cover required and the number of dependants. International students can buy their health insurance for foreigners in Australia from 5 registered insurers. Read the complete article to learn more about health insurance for international students in Australia, coverage, cost, and more.

Can International Students Get Health Insurance in Australia?

Yes, international students with an Australia student visa holder status can get health insurance in Australia. The health insurance for international students in Australia is called OSHC. Students can purchase their required OSHC plans from their education provider or directly from the OSHC insurers before leaving their home country.

Do international students need health insurance in Australia?

Yes, all international students need health insurance in Australia to satisfy condition 8501 of a student visa. As per the Australian Government, all student visa holders and dependants must buy medical insurance for international students in Australia to access necessary medical services without prohibitive costs. The special health insurance coverage for international students in Australia is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

What is OSHC?

The full form of OSHC is Overseas Student Health Cover. It is health insurance for international students in Australia designed to cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, and other healthcare services during their stay in Australia.

What does OSHC cover?

An OSHC mainly covers the cost of hospital and medical treatment including ambulance services for emergencies. OSHC can also cover dependents, such as a spouse or children, accompanying the students. The coverage may vary depending on the plan you purchase. The compulsory minimum OSHC plan will usually cover:

• Visits to the doctor (GP)

• Some hospital treatments

• Ambulance

• Limited pharmaceuticals (medicines)

However, OSHC does not cover treatments such as dental, optical, or physiotherapy. Students can purchase Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider to cover these treatments. Contact each of the 5 OSHC providers to collect information about waiting periods, exclusions, and other limitations on the plan.

OSHC Australia cost for international students 2024

The health insurance cost for international students in Australia varies depending on the type of coverage students buy. Students can buy their OSHC cover from their educational institution or purchase it online through the OSHC provider’s website before they depart from their home country. The usual OSHC Australia cost for international students is around AUD 478 for a single student visa holder. The health insurance cost for international students in Australia is mentioned below:

Health Insurance for International Students in Australia Cost

Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in Australia

Students can find the cheapest health insurance for international students in Australia 2024 by comparing the prices of OSHC plans from different providers. Students are advised to get quotes from all 5 OSHC providers to make a proper comparison of their prices. Many top universities in Australia for Indian students offer partnerships with OSHC insurers which can offer significant discounts for international students. However, students who wish to purchase extra OSHC covers might required to pay comparatively high amounts to cover their needs.

Medical insurance for international students in Australia Processing Time

Once the payment is received by Cohort Go, the insurance policy certificate will be sent by email to students. In case of any extension or change of your policy, it might take up to 24 - 48 business hours to receive the updated policy certificate.

Where Can I Buy OSHC?

Students can purchase their overseas health insurance for international students in Australia from 5 registered health insurers. However, students can switch their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider while studying in Australia. Students can compare plans and prices of different insurers by visiting their official websites mentioned below.

OSHC Insurers

How to Cancel Health Insurance for Foreigners in Australia?

Candidates who wish to cancel their overseas health insurance for international students in Australia can directly contact their insurer. Students can send an email to support@oshcaustralia.com.au, along with their visa refusal letter, cancelled COE, or a visa withdrawal letter to apply for health insurance for international students in Australia.

Conditions to cancel your OSHC:

• If the students did not take up studies in Australia.

• If the extension of authorised stay is not granted by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

• If the candidate ceases studies and leaves Australia before the end of a period of approved stay.

• In case the student is granted permanent residence in Australia, or another Australian visa.

• You can prove to the insurer that you were not resident in Australia for a continuous period of 3 months or more;

• You can provide proof of OSHC provided by another insurer which includes the period covered by your insurer.

• You made a mistake by inputting your name incorrectly;

• Your student visa has been refused;