OSHC Cost in Australia: Compare the Best Student Health Insurance Plans
Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC, is a major cost international students must include in their Australian study budget.
The price can vary dramatically depending on:
- Insurance provider
- Length of the student visa
- Single or family coverage
- Policy start date
- Additional benefits
A single student may pay less than AUD $1,000 for one year, while a family policy can cost several thousand dollars.
This guide explains OSHC cost in Australia in 2026, compares student health insurance options, and shows how to avoid paying more than necessary.
Quick OSHC Cost Overview
| Type of Cover | Published 2026 Cost Example |
|---|---|
| Low-cost single student cover | From about AUD $643 per year |
| Allianz single cover | AUD $838 for 12 months |
| Lower-cost couple example | From about AUD $2,412 per year |
| Allianz dual-family cover | AUD $5,516 for 12 months |
| Lower-cost family example | From about AUD $3,847 per year |
| Allianz multi-family cover | AUD $9,809 for 12 months |
These are published institutional examples, not national fixed prices.
TAFE NSW currently lists annual OSHC starting from AUD $643 for a single student, AUD $2,412 for a couple, and AUD $3,847 for a family. (tafensw.edu.au)
Monash University publishes Allianz Care rates effective from July 1, 2026, including AUD $838 for a 12-month single policy, AUD $5,516 for dual-family cover, and AUD $9,809 for multi-family cover. (monash.edu)
The huge difference shows why students should compare several quotes before purchasing.
Why Is OSHC Required?
Most international students and their eligible dependants must maintain OSHC for the required duration of their stay in Australia.
OSHC helps pay for medical and hospital services and generally includes:
- Doctor visits
- Some hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance
- Limited prescription medicines
Students must maintain continuous coverage. A gap in insurance can leave the student unable to claim for medical services received while uninsured. (privatehealth.gov.au)
How Much Does Single Student OSHC Cost?
Single coverage is normally the cheapest category because it covers only the main student.
Published 2026 examples
TAFE NSW currently lists single student OSHC:
From AUD $643 for one year
Meanwhile, the Allianz Care policy published through Monash University costs:
AUD $838 for 12 months from July 1, 2026
The same Allianz rate table lists:
- 6 months: AUD $454
- 12 months: AUD $838
- 24 months: AUD $1,624
- 36 months: AUD $2,402
What this means
A student studying for three years may pay more than AUD $2,000 for basic single OSHC.
However, another provider may offer a lower price for the same visa dates.
Always request quotes using identical:
- Start date
- End date
- Policy category
Why Is Couple OSHC So Expensive?
This is one of the biggest financial surprises for international students.
Adding a spouse does not usually mean simply doubling the single student price.
For example, the published Allianz Care rates effective July 1, 2026 are:
- Single, 12 months: AUD $838
- Dual family, 12 months: AUD $5,516
That is a difference of thousands of dollars.
However, TAFE NSW currently lists annual couple OSHC starting from approximately:
AUD $2,412
The difference between these published examples shows why couples should never accept the first quote automatically.
How Much Does Family OSHC Cost?
Family cover can become extremely expensive.
The Allianz Care 2026 rate published by Monash University lists:
AUD $9,809 for 12 months of multi-family coverage
For longer periods:
- 24 months: AUD $19,629
- 36 months: AUD $29,491
By comparison, TAFE NSW lists family OSHC:
From AUD $3,847 per year
These figures should not be treated as guaranteed quotes because policy definitions and providers can differ.
However, they demonstrate one important fact:
Family OSHC must be compared very carefully before purchase.
Single, Dual Family, and Multi-Family Cover
Single cover
Covers only the international student.
Dual-family cover
May cover:
- Student and spouse
or:
- Student and dependent children
The exact policy definition depends on the insurer.
Multi-family cover
Usually covers:
- Student
- Spouse or partner
- Dependent children
Students should select the correct category for their visa and family situation.
Best OSHC Providers to Compare
International students should compare several major providers rather than automatically accepting the insurer arranged by their university.
Allianz Care Australia
Best for: 24/7 support and healthcare network
Features include:
- Medical provider network
- Telehealth
- MyHealth app
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Sonder medical, safety, and mental health support
Bupa
Best for: Multilingual support
Bupa offers:
- 24/7 student advice
- Support in multiple languages
- Healthcare provider access
- Digital services
nib
Best for: Mobile app and digital services
nib provides:
- App-based claims
- Digital membership card
- Telehealth
- Mental health and wellbeing tools
ahm OSHC
Best for: Straightforward student services
ahm offers:
- Online medical consultations
- Direct-billing doctor search
- Mobile claims
- Multilingual 24/7 support
Medibank
Best for: Comparing standard and broader coverage
Medibank offers both:
- Standard OSHC
- Comprehensive OSHC
Why OSHC Prices Differ
Two policies that meet student visa requirements can have very different prices.
Differences may include:
- Doctor consultation benefits
- Hospital arrangements
- Prescription limits
- Mental health services
- Telehealth access
- Direct-billing networks
- Waiting periods
- Family pricing
Study Australia specifically warns that each OSHC policy has a different cost structure and may pay different amounts for services and treatments. Students can also face a gap fee when the medical provider charges more than the insurance benefit. (studyaustralia.gov.au)
What Is a Gap Fee?
OSHC does not always pay the entire medical bill.
For example:
- A doctor charges AUD $120.
- Your insurer pays only the eligible scheduled benefit.
- You pay the remaining difference.
This difference is called the gap fee.
Therefore, the cheapest policy is not automatically the cheapest option when you actually need healthcare.
Does OSHC Cover Dental and Glasses?
Basic OSHC generally does not cover:
- Dental treatment
- Glasses
- Contact lenses
- Physiotherapy
Students may purchase:
- Extras cover
- Separate private insurance
Before buying Extras, calculate whether the annual premium is worth the expected benefits.
How to Find the Cheapest OSHC
1. Compare at least five providers
Check:
- Allianz
- Bupa
- nib
- ahm
- Medibank
2. Use exactly the same dates
A comparison is meaningless when one quote covers 24 months and another covers 26 months.
3. Compare family categories carefully
This is where the biggest savings may be possible.
4. Check your university offer
Your institution may automatically arrange OSHC, but students may be allowed to choose another approved provider.
For example, UWA states that Medibank is its preferred provider but students may obtain OSHC from the provider of their choice. (uwa.edu.au)
5. Compare medical access, not only premiums
Look for:
- Nearby direct-billing doctors
- Telehealth
- Claims app
- Ambulance coverage
- Mental health support
Can You Change OSHC Providers?
Students can generally switch providers, but continuous coverage is essential.
Before changing:
- Confirm the new start date.
- Check waiting-period rules.
- Do not cancel the old plan too early.
- Ask about any eligible refund.
- Keep evidence of continuous coverage.
A lapse in OSHC can affect both healthcare claims and compliance with student visa conditions. (privatehealth.gov.au)
Which OSHC Plan Offers the Best Value?
Best for a single student seeking low cost:
Compare live quotes from all major providers
Published examples show annual single prices starting around AUD $643, but rates can change.
Best for couples and families:
Compare every available provider before paying
The difference between published examples can be several thousand dollars.
Best for 24/7 support:
Allianz Care
Best multilingual service:
Bupa
Best digital experience:
nib
Best simple student services:
ahm
Best for broader coverage choices:
Medibank
Final Thoughts
OSHC cost in Australia varies much more than many international students expect.
Current published 2026 examples show:
- Single cover from about AUD $643 per year
- Allianz single cover at AUD $838 for 12 months
- Couple examples from about AUD $2,412 per year
- Allianz dual-family cover at AUD $5,516
- Family examples from about AUD $3,847
- Allianz multi-family cover at AUD $9,809
These are examples rather than fixed national prices.
The smartest strategy is to request quotes from several providers using the exact same dates and family structure.
For single students, the savings may be hundreds of dollars.
For couples and families, comparing OSHC before buying can potentially make a difference of thousands of Australian dollars.
Official Sources
- Study Australia – Overseas Student Health Cover
- Study Australia – Understanding OSHC Costs and Gap Fees
- Australian Government – OSHC Information
- Monash University – 2026 OSHC Price List
- TAFE NSW – International Student Non-Tuition Costs
- Allianz Care Australia – OSHC
- Bupa – OSHC
- nib – OSHC
- ahm – OSHC
- Medibank – OSHC
