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

Q: What is the cheapest OSHC in Australia in 2026?

As of 1 November 2026, AHM OSHC has the cheapest basic single OSHC on OSHC Australia at $660.28 for 12 months (1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027), including a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia. Allianz Care is a close second for single students at $665 and the cheapest for couples and single parents ($5,351) and families ($9,515).

The cheapest Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia in November 2026 is AHM OSHC, at $660.28 for 12 months for a single student, followed by Allianz Care at $665. AHM’s price includes a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia (T&Cs apply). Allianz Care is the cheapest for couples ($5,351) and families ($9,515). Here you can compare and get the cheapest Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your Student visa in Australia, with instant quotes from Allianz Care, AHM, Bupa and Medibank in one place. Our students usually prefer Allianz Care and AHM OSHC because they are the most affordable.

Quick answer: compare every OSHC provider for your exact visa dates before you buy, because the cheapest insurer depends on your cover type. For the full comparison of providers, cover lengths and what each policy covers, read our cheapest OSHC in Australia guide. To price your own dates, use the OSHC calculator.

Need a different policy length or cover type? Use our OSHC price calculator to compare OSHC prices for 1 to 60 months, for singles, couples and families.

Last updated: 13 November 2026. Prices updated 13 November 2026 from OSHC Australia for basic cover from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027, in Australian dollars. Prices can change, so your final price is shown when you get a quote on OSHC Australia.

Disclosure: Study Anywhere may earn a commission if you buy OSHC through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. Prices through our link are the same as on OSHC Australia's own website.

OSHC Australia: the cheapest health insurance for international students in November 2026

All overseas student health covers available on OSHC Australia are compared below for a 12-month policy. Click to see an instant quote and comparison for your specific dates, with the option to purchase and instantly receive your OSHC policy, ready for your Australian student visa application.

OSHC prices for 12 months (basic cover, 1 Nov 2026 to 31 Oct 2027)
OSHC provider	Single student	Couple or single parent	Family
Allianz Care	$665.00	$5,351.00 (cheapest)	$9,515.00 (cheapest)
AHM OSHC	$660.28 (cheapest)	$7,126.61	$15,092.76
Bupa	$713.00	$5,528.00	$13,692.00
Medibank	$683.05	$6,302.40	$15,427.19

AHM OSHC and Medibank prices include a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia (T&Cs apply). Regular 12-month prices without the discount: AHM OSHC $681.40 (single), $7,354.60 (couple), $15,575.60 (family); Medibank $719.00, $6,634.10 and $16,239.15.

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Are you not sure what the correct duration of your OSHC should be? Check this answer in our FAQs.

Compare OSHC in Australia for a single student

In November 2026, the cheapest OSHC for single international students in Australia is offered by AHM OSHC at $660.28 for one year, including a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia (the regular price is $681.40). Allianz Care is a close second, at $665.00 for one year, and covers you in public hospitals and in private hospitals it has an agreement with. Medibank costs $683.05 with its discount (regular price $719.00). The difference between the cheapest and the most expensive single policy (Bupa, $713.00) is $52.72 a year.

Single OSHC prices by policy length (basic cover from 1 Nov 2026)
OSHC provider	6 months	12 months	24 months
Allianz Care	$334.00	$665.00	$1,350.00
AHM OSHC	$330.14	$660.28	$1,341.19
Bupa	$357.00	$713.00	$1,449.00
Medibank	$341.53	$683.05	$1,384.15

AHM OSHC and Medibank prices include a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia (T&Cs apply). Regular single prices: AHM OSHC $340.70, $681.40 and $1,384.10; Medibank $359.50, $719.00 and $1,457.00 for 6, 12 and 24 months.

You can get the cheapest single OSHC here.

Compare OSHC in Australia for a couple or single parent

If you’re applying for an Australian Student visa with your partner in 2026, Allianz Care is the most affordable option for couples, with a 12-month plan costing $5,351.00, followed by Bupa at $5,528.00. AHM, the cheapest for single students, is the most expensive for couples at $7,126.61 even with its limited-time discount. A single parent with one child pays the same price as a couple with every provider.

You can get the cheapest couple OSHC here.

Compare OSHC in Australia for a family

If you and your partner are bringing children with you to study in Australia, Allianz Care also offers the most affordable family OSHC, with a 12-month plan costing $9,515.00, more than $5,900 cheaper than Medibank, the most expensive provider at $15,427.19 including its limited-time discount. The family price was the same for one or two children.

You can get the cheapest family OSHC here.

How to get the cheapest OSHC: 5 tips

Compare all providers before you buy. The cheapest provider depends on your cover type: AHM is cheap for singles but the most expensive for couples. Compare OSHC quotes here.
Match your visa dates exactly. The price grows with the length of cover (for example $334 for 6 months and $665 for 12 months with Allianz Care), so do not buy more months than your Student visa needs.
Choose basic cover if it meets your needs. Every basic OSHC policy meets the Student visa requirement (visa condition 8501).
Check current offers. AHM OSHC and Medibank have a limited-time discount on OSHC Australia (T&Cs apply). Get a quote on OSHC Australia to see the final price before you pay.
You don’t have to take your school’s OSHC. Your education provider may recommend an insurer, but you can choose your own and switch later without a break in cover.

What does OSHC cover in Australia?

The compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan usually covers:

visits to the doctor (GP), at 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee with all four providers above
some hospital treatments, including accident and emergency
emergency ambulance
limited pharmaceuticals (prescription medicines), usually up to $500 per person a year

Waiting periods apply: usually 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related services. Specialists, pathology and X-rays are covered at 85% of the MBS fee with Allianz Care, AHM and Medibank, and at 100% with Bupa.

OSHC doesn’t cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy treatments. You can find out more about OSHC on the website of the Australian Department of Health.

OSHC frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest OSHC in Australia in 2026?

As of 13 November 2026, AHM OSHC has the cheapest basic single OSHC on OSHC Australia at $660.28 for 12 months (1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027), including a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia. Allianz Care is a close second for single students at $665 and the cheapest for couples and single parents ($5,351) and families ($9,515).

How much is OSHC for one year for a single student?

A 12-month basic OSHC policy for one international student costs between $660.28 (AHM OSHC) and $713 (Bupa) on OSHC Australia as of 1 November 2026. Allianz Care costs $665 and Medibank $683.05. The AHM and Medibank prices include a limited-time discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia.

How much does OSHC cost for a couple or a family?

For 12 months, couple and single-parent OSHC costs from $5,351 (Allianz Care) to $7,126.61 (AHM), and family OSHC costs from $9,515 (Allianz Care) to $15,427.19 (Medibank), with the AHM and Medibank limited-time discounts included. The family price was the same whether we quoted one or two children.

Which companies sell OSHC in Australia?

Five insurers sell OSHC, according to the Australian Department of Health: Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, Medibank, ahm (part of Medibank) and nib. OSHC Australia compares Allianz Care, AHM, Bupa and Medibank; nib was not listed in its comparison, so get a nib quote directly from nib if you want to compare all five.

How long does my OSHC need to be?

Your OSHC must cover your whole stay on your Student visa (subclass 500), not only your course. Buy cover for the exact dates of your visa: a longer policy costs more, and a shorter one can cause problems with your visa. Read more about the correct OSHC duration.

Can I switch to a cheaper OSHC provider later?

Yes. You can change your OSHC insurer at any time during your studies, as long as there is no break in your cover. Check the waiting periods and refund rules before you switch.

Does OSHC cover dental, optical or physiotherapy?

No. Basic OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy treatment. You need separate extras cover for those.

Related Student visa guides

Source: prices updated 13 November 2026 from OSHC Australia (oshcaustralia.com.au, powered by Flywire) for basic cover from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027. On OSHC Australia, Allianz Care’s basic policy is shown under the Worldcare logo, Allianz Care’s original name. List of OSHC insurers: Australian Department of Health OSHC fact sheet (August 2026). AHM OSHC and Medibank prices include their promotional discount for policies bought via OSHC Australia for a limited time. Prices are in Australian dollars and can change.