Learn about the benefits of OSHC, choosing a provider, and what services are included to ensure you're fully supported while studying in Australia.
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.
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.
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.
Students holding Australian Government scholarships (such as Australia Awards) have their health insurance cover paid directly to Allianz Global Assistance.
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.
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)
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.
You can purchase your health cover through one of the additional Australian Government-approved providers:
If you choose to purchase OSHC independently you need to provide evidence of your OSHC membership when you submit your Australian student visa application.
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.