What is OSHC?

OSHC helps pay for medical care in Australia, including visits to doctors, hospital treatment, and some tests and medicines. 

It’s designed to ensure you can access healthcare while you study, and it meets Australian Government visa requirements.

Do I need OSHC?

Most international students must have OSHC if they:

• hold a student visa
• are studying full-time in Australia
• have dependants (partner or children) joining them.

This cover must be in place before you arrive and remain active for your entire stay.

Changing your visa

Changing the length of your visa will affect your OSHC.

• Finishing your studies early
  If your visa is no longer valid, you can get a refund for the remainder of your OSHC cover.
• Extending your visa
  You’ll need to purchase additional cover. You can organise this by contacting your insurance provider.
• Changing your visa type
  You’ll no longer be covered by OSHC and will need to find alternative types of coverage. Contact your insurance provider to apply for a refund of the unused OSHC coverage.

Arrange OSHC cover

You can arrange your OSHC through the University or through another government approved provider.

Through the University

The University can arrange visa-length OSHC through our preferred provider Bupa. At the time of accepting your offer from the University, you can select the option of the University organising your cover. You will pay for the OSHC at the same time as your tuition fee deposit. 

The OSHC amount quoted on your offer letter is indicative based on Bupa’s fees at the date of your offer letter. Bupa reviews its fees at least annually and the fee payable at the time you accept your offer may be higher than the fee set out in your offer letter. If you elect to change the type of cover from a single to dual or multifamily policy, the fee may also change. A final quote will be calculated when you accept your offer.

The University receives a benefit for Bupa policies purchased through the University. This benefit is used to provide support services to students.  

Through another provider

You have the choice to organise your own OSHC through a government approved provider.

You can arrange this directly with the provider. The University cannot assist with payment or queries if you choose to arrange with another provider. 

If you choose another provider, you will need to provide evidence of your OSHC before the University sends you a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).

Purchasing OSHC from Bupa

The University’s preferred OSHC provider is Bupa Success Overseas Student Health Cover. It includes the standard OSHC benefits required for student visa holders, together with a range of additional support services and student-focused features.

Students are free to choose any Australian government approved OSHC provider, but many students find Bupa Success simpler to use while studying. 

• Simple, no upfront payments on campus
  If you use the University Health Service, your visit can be billed directly to Bupa, so you don’t need to pay on the day.
• Easy access to healthcare
  Large network of doctors across Australia and direct billing available at participating clinics.
• 24/7 digital health support
  Access online doctors anytime, and support available in multiple languages.
• Mental health support 
  Access counselling and psychology services – some services are available without a GP care plan.
• Strong core cover
  Consultations with GPs and specialists, pathology and diagnostic services and hospital treatment when needed.
  
• Extra support when you need it
  Emergency ambulance cover and support for essential travel for treatment.

How Bupa OSHC works

1. Set up your OSHC when you accept your offer to study.
2. If we arranged your Bupa cover, it usually starts one week before your course begins.
3. Visit the University Health Service or a Bupa partner clinic and you may not need to pay upfront. Otherwise, pay on the day and claim a reimbursement later.
4. Use Bupa’s online tools or app to find doctors, submit claims and check your coverage.

Arriving in Australia

If you have chosen to have the University arrange your OSHC through Bupa, your OSHC begins one week before your course starts.

If you plan to arrive in Australia earlier, contact Bupa to adjust your cover.

If you’re already in Australia, visit your Bupa representatives on Level 4 of the Wentworth Building from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Once you've updated your address in myBupa and have arrived in Australia, you will need to order your OSHC membership card that is necessary to use your health cover. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to myBupa.
2. Click the Cover option in the menu on the home page.
3. Select Order a membership card.
4. Check your contact details are correct, then select Order.

Manage your OSHC cover

Bupa representatives on campus

If you have any questions about your insurance or membership card, you can speak with Bupa representatives on Level 4 of the Wentworth Building from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email them at usyd@bupa.com.au.

Allianz overseas student health cover

Students who have OSHC organised by the University of Sydney's previous preferred provider, Allianz, will continue to be supported and can contact the team at Allianz Care.