Overseas Student Health Cover

Before you can apply for your international Student Visa to study in Australia, you need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

OSHC allows you to access the wide range of Australian health services while you are here, giving you peace of mind. Below, we’ve provided you with information to help you understand how OSHC works. 

OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover. It's mandatory health insurance for international students that helps cover potential medical costs during your stay in Australia. This can include visits to the doctor, hospital and other health services. 

As an international student completing formal studies in Australia, you and your dependents must have OSHC. For detailed information about OSHC requirements visit the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) website.

Many insurance providers offer OSHC to international students in Australia. We recommend Medibank as our preferred provider, and TAFE NSW International can purchase the insurance for you. You can also choose to purchase your own OSHC policy with another insurance provider if you prefer.

Key considerations when choosing an OSHC provider:

• Always review your policy details, including the product disclosure statement, to understand what is covered.
• Consider extras cover to access a broader range of services—most OSHC providers can offer extras cover for an additional fee.
• Pre-existing medical conditions are generally not covered under most OSHC providers. If you have a serious medical condition, you may prefer to seek treatment before moving to Australia.

Purchase OSHC with Medibank through TAFE NSW International

TAFE NSW International partners with Medibank Private to simplify the process of purchasing OSHC for you. Just follow these two easy steps:

1. Confirm you would like TAFE NSW International to organise your OSHC with Medibank Private as part of your admissions process. 
2. Pay your OSHC fees included in the fee invoice that will be sent to you. 

Comprehensive OSHC with Medibank Private

Medibank Private also offers comprehensive OSHC to their education partners, to provide a range of added services above the government minimum requirements. 

To see what is included in the comprehensive cover that TAFE NSW International can purchase for you, visit the Medibank Comprehensive OSHC website or call Medibank at 134 148.

TAFE NSW will receive an administration fee from Medibank Private for arranging your OSHC. 

Your OSHC membership needs to be current for the whole period of your stay in Australia. This is a student visa requirement and a pre-condition to entry into Australia. It also ensures you are covered if you need any medical help while you are here.

If you have any questions about your OSHC membership, the TAFE NSW International team are here to help.