Frequently Asked Questions

• What is OSHC and why do I need it?

  OSHC, meaning Overseas Student Health Cover, is mandatory health insurance required for those applying for a Student visa in Australia. Through OSHC Australia you can compare four OSHC providers: AHM OSHC, Allianz Care, Bupa and Medibank.

  See what OSHC will cost for your visa length with our OSHC price calculator, which compares Allianz Care, AHM OSHC, Bupa and Medibank side by side.

  OSHC Australia in November 2026: This is the cheapest Overseas Student Health Cover

  Compare Allianz Care, AHM OSHC, Bupa and Medibank and buy the cheapest OSHC that meets your Student visa requirements:

  Compare and buy the cheapest OSHC on OSHC Australia →

  The cost of OSHC in Australia varies depending on the duration of your course and provider. For 12 months, the cheapest single cover currently starts at approximately $660.28 with AHM OSHC, including a limited-time AHM and Medibank discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia until 28 February 2027 (T&Cs apply). Without the discount, the cheapest is Allianz Care at $665. Prices updated 1 November 2026. See our full, regularly updated OSHC price comparison. You are not required to pay for OSHC before enroling; however, payment must be made before we process your Student visa application. Should you choose to leave Australia before completing your course, change your visa, or experience a Student visa refusal, you may request a refund for any unused portion of your policy.

  Cheapest OSHC for couples in November 2026

  What is the cost for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for couples? If you are applying for your Australian Student visa, you may want to consider a couple's OSHC. Allianz Care offers the most affordable health insurance for couples and a 12-month coverage will cost you $5,351. You can get the cheapest OSHC for couples here.

  Cheapest OSHC for families in November 2026

  If you're bringing your partner and children to Australia for your studies, family OSHC is worth comparing carefully, as prices vary significantly between providers. Allianz Care currently offers the most affordable family OSHC, with a 12-month policy costing $9,515. That is more than $5,900 cheaper than Medibank, the most expensive provider at $15,427.19 (including its limited-time discount). You can get the cheapest OSHC for families here.

  OSHC Australia: Choose the right duration of your cover

  Student visas are typically granted for a duration slightly longer than the actual course length. It's important to ensure that even if you opt for the cheapest OSHC for your Student visa, it doesn't expire on your course completion date. How much longer should you aim for? Based on our experience, here's a guideline for OSHC duration when the course is 10 months or longer:

  • If your course ends between January and October, your OSHC should extend 2 months beyond your course duration.
  • If your course ends in November or December, get your OSHC until March 15th of the following year.

  What is the best OSHC in Australia for international students?

  Now that you know what OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) means, you can get a free quote here to compare the four OSHC providers available through OSHC Australia: AHM OSHC, Allianz Care, Medibank and Bupa. This will help you determine which provider offers the most comprehensive and cost-effective cover for your specific circumstances and how much you can save. For a side-by-side table of today’s prices, see our cheapest OSHC comparison.

  Note: Certain Belgian, Norwegian, and Swedish students are exempt from obtaining Australian OSHC when applying for a Student visa.

  Last updated: 10 November 2026

• How to get the cheapest Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

• How much does an Australian Student visa cost in 2026?

• What exactly do I need to pay if I want to apply for a Student visa in Australia?

• How to enrol in a course eligible for a Student visa in Australia?

• How many hours can international students work in Australia?

• How long does it take until my Student visa is granted?

• How much bank balance is required for an Australian Student visa in 2026?

• Do you only offer courses in Sydney? How do I find a course in other cities?

• What is the cheapest course you offer?

• I’m in Australia already. Can I apply for a Student visa?

• What’s the longest Student visa I can apply for?

• As an international student, how much do I have to study? Can I study online?

• Is there an age limit to apply for a Student visa in Australia?

• What’s the holiday schedule?

• How long is each term?

• How much does the onshore Student visa extension fee cost?

• What is the Genuine Student requirement for a Student visa in Australia?

• OSHC meaning: What is OSHC and why is it important for international students in Australia?

• What is a Student visa and how do I apply for one in Australia?