Overseas student health cover

Learn about the benefits of OSHC, choosing a provider, and what services are included to ensure you're fully supported while studying in Australia.

What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

Overseas student health cover (OSHC) is insurance that covers your expenses when using public health services such as going to the doctor at the University Health Service, or attending a public hospital. 

Waiting periods apply for some health treatments. Higher-level cover, which can give you access to private hospitals, for example, is your responsibility.

The cost of your cover will depend on your circumstances and the duration of your stay. 

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Who requires OSHC?

International students undertaking formal studies in Australia and their dependents (including spouses and children under 18) must have OSHC. It is a condition of your student visa that you maintain OSHC for the duration of your studies. This cover needs to be arranged about the same time you accept your offer to study.

Please note that membership of a health insurance scheme in your home country does not exempt you from paying OSHC. 

Inter-governmental arrangements

There are special inter-governmental arrangements that cover you whilst you study in Australia. For information on such arrangements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have appropriate health cover arrangements in place for the duration of your studies.

Australian government scholarships

Students holding Australian Government scholarships (such as Australia Awards) have their health insurance cover paid directly to Allianz Global Assistance.

Non student visas

Study abroad or exchange students arriving in Sydney on non-student visas (such as the 417 Working Holiday Visa), are not eligible for Overseas Student Health Cover.

However, we still strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive insurance before you depart for Australia. Our preferred insurance provider, Bupa, offers overseas visitors health cover for students not eligible for OSHC.

Purchasing OSHC

OSHC through BUPA

OSHC can be purchased from our preferred provider, Bupa. 

Bupa representatives will be available on campus if you have questions about your insurance. (Level 4, Wentworth Building, 9 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri)

Information about what is covered through the health cover can be found in the Bupa OSHC information guide (PDF, 600kb)

Get quote | bupa.com.au

Payments

The University will then schedule your first payment to Bupa, and will advise the Australian Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. You will be personally responsible for all future renewal payments to Bupa OSHC.

Imporant information

  • Disclosure of personal details: If you insure through the University then you consent to us disclosing your relevant personal details (for example, your family name, given name, sex, date of birth, start date and campus code) to Bupa OSHC so your cover can be registered.
  • Order your membership card: When you arrive in Australia, you’ll need to arrange for your OSHC membership card to be posted to your residential address. To do this, order your card on the Bupa website. You should receive your card within five business days.
  • Please note: 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. 

Approved providers

You can purchase your health cover through one of the additional Australian Government-approved providers:

Provide evidence in your application

If you choose to purchase OSHC independently you need to provide evidence of your OSHC membership when you submit your Australian student visa application.

Declare in Acceptance of Offer

If you already have valid OSHC or if you wish to buy it independently from an approved provider, please complete the appropriate section on your Acceptance of Offer and do not include the OSHC amount in your first fee payment to the University of Sydney.