🎓 OSHC Comparison 2025 – Overseas Student Health Cover Guide
Choosing your OSHC is a major part of your Australian student visa (Subclass 500). This guide helps you compare Medibank, ahm, Allianz, nib, and Bupa easily so you can pick the best option for your budget and health needs.
What is OSHC & Why It Is Important?
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for all international students coming to Australia. It protects you against expensive medical treatment and is required by the Australian Government for visa approval.
✔ OSHC Covers:
- Doctor (GP) visits
- Hospital treatment
- Ambulance services
- Prescription medicines
- Mental health support
📊 OSHC Provider Comparison (2025)
| Feature | Medibank | Allianz Care | nib | ahm | Bupa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Price (Single) | $1368* | $1350* | $1273* | $1262* | $1419* |
| Hospital Cover (Public) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hospital Cover (Private) | Agreement | Agreement | Agreement | Partner | Members First |
| GP Visits | 100% MBS | 100% MBS | 100% MBS | 100% MBS | 100% MBS |
| Specialist Visits | 85% MBS | 85% MBS | 85% MBS | 85% MBS | 100% MBS |
| Ambulance | Unlimited | 100% | 100% | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Medicine Limit | $70/item – $500/year | $50/item – $500/year | $50/item – $300/year | $50/item – $500/year | $50/item – $500/year |
| Mental Health | Included | Included | 2-month wait | Included | No waiting period |
| Online Doctor | ✔ | Limited | Limited | ✔ | ✔ Blua 100% free |
| Extras (Dental/Optical) | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ Optional |
🏆 Our Recommendation for Students (2025)
Best Value: ahm OSHC & nib OSHC (lowest price + good benefits)
Best Coverage: Bupa OSHC (best mental health & free online doctor)
Best Pharmacy: Medibank ($70 per prescription item)
💉 Does OSHC Cover Vaccinations?
No. OSHC generally does NOT cover vaccines required for a course (e.g., Nursing, Healthcare, Childcare, Social Work).
Students must pay for vaccinations themselves. OSHC only covers treatment once you fall sick, not preventive immunisation unless it has an MBS item (very rare).
Common paid vaccines for courses:
- Hepatitis B
- MMR
- DTP
- Flu shot
- COVID booster (if required)
Tip: Take as many vaccinations as possible from India before departure — it’s cheaper.
✨ Best OSHC by Student Needs
Best Budget
nib OSHC or ahm OSHC
Best Network
Medibank & Bupa
Best Medicine Cover
Medibank
Best Digital Care
Bupa Blua Online Doctor
Best for Mental Health
Bupa OSHC
Best for Extra Benefits
Bupa Extras Cover
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which OSHC is the cheapest?
ahm OSHC and nib OSHC usually offer the lowest annual cost for single students.
2. Which OSHC is best overall?
For best all-round coverage, Bupa OSHC is the strongest option with premium features.
3. Which OSHC covers online doctor consultations?
Bupa provides 100% free online doctor through Blua. Medibank and ahm also offer online GP support.
4. Is OSHC mandatory for the student visa?
Yes. OSHC is compulsory and must cover your entire visa duration.
5. Can I change my OSHC after arriving in Australia?
Yes. You can switch to another provider anytime and get a refund for unused months.
6. Does OSHC cover dental and eye check-ups?
No, except Bupa which allows optional Extras add-on for dental and optical.
7. Does OSHC cover pregnancy?
Yes, but only after a 12-month waiting period across all providers.
8. Is mental health covered?
Yes. Bupa has no waiting period, while others may have 2-month waiting.
9. Will OSHC cover medicines for common illness?
Yes, up to your annual pharmacy limit (varies by provider).
10. Are vaccinations free under OSHC?
No. Vaccinations for university courses or placements must be paid by the student.
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