For any international student arriving in Australia, getting health insurance isn’t just a smart choice — it’s a mandatory requirement. The Department of Home Affairs requires all student visa (subclass 500) holders to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. But with several OSHC providers in the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide breaks down the six most recognised OSHC providers in Australia — Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, nib, AHM, and CBHS International Health — based on features, value, and student support. We’ll also walk through how to compare plans and select one that suits your personal, academic, and medical needs — especially if you’re living in Adelaide, South Australia.
Why OSHC Matters
Australia’s public health system, Medicare, is only available to Australian citizens and some visa holders from reciprocal countries (e.g., UK, New Zealand, Sweden). Most international students don’t qualify. That’s where OSHC steps in.
It helps cover:
- Doctor visits (GPs)
- Hospital admissions
- Ambulance services
- Prescription medications (limited amount)
But here’s the catch — OSHC does not automatically cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy. For those, you’ll either need extras or a combined plan.
🌟 The 6 Leading OSHC Providers in Australia
1. Allianz Care Australia (OSHC)
Allianz Care is one of the most widely recognised names in student health insurance, with a reputation for ease of use and digital support.
Key Features:
- 24/7 Emergency & Assistance Line
- Access to a wide hospital and GP network
- Digital app (MyHealth) to manage claims and find providers
- Telehealth included
- Quick Certificate of Insurance issuance
What it’s great for:
Students who value strong digital support, quick paperwork for visa processing, and a reputable brand.
Good to know:
Extras like dental and optical aren’t included in the base OSHC. If you think you’ll need glasses or dental checkups, consider their Extras add-on.
2. Bupa Australia (OSHC for International Students)
Bupa is one of Australia’s healthcare giants, with a global reputation and vast resources.
Key Features:
- 24-hour student advice line in multiple languages
- Wide hospital and medical provider network
- Comprehensive online account and mobile app
- Orientation packs for new students
What it’s great for:
Students who want a well-established provider with multilingual support and broad coverage across regional and metro Australia.
Special mention:
Bupa has physical centres near many major universities, which is a plus if you want face-to-face support.
3. Medibank Private (OSHC)
Medibank has been in the health insurance business for decades and offers tailored plans for overseas students.
Key Features:
- Coverage for doctors, hospital care, and limited prescriptions
- 24/7 Nurse Phone Line for medical advice
- Simple claims via their Medibank OSHC app
- Strong focus on preventative care and student health tips
What it’s great for:
Students who prefer dealing with a local powerhouse in health insurance. They also own AHM, another provider on this list.
Extra benefit:
Their partnership with many universities makes them a default provider in some admissions processes.
4. nib Health Funds (OSHC)
nib is known for making insurance more user-friendly and budget-conscious.
Key Features:
- Unlimited emergency ambulance cover (included in many plans)
- 24/7 telehealth access
- Easy claims via mobile app or portal
- Dental and optical extras available as add-ons
What it’s great for:
Students who value tech-enabled service, easy navigation, and don’t want to worry about ambulance costs.
Good to know:
nib often partners with education agents to offer bundled deals. Ask your agent or provider if any discounts are available.
5. AHM (Australian Health Management)
🔗 www.ahm.com.au/oshc
Owned by Medibank, AHM offers flexible OSHC options tailored to students.
Key Features:
- Plans for singles, couples, and families
- Low-cost cover with optional add-ons
- Fast claims processing
- 24/7 digital access
What it’s great for:
Students on a budget, couples, or those with dependent children. If you’re bringing family, AHM’s family OSHC is often more competitive.
Quick Tip:
Because it shares infrastructure with Medibank, you often get access to the same wide network of providers.
6. CBHS International Health (OSHC)
🔗 www.cbhsinternationalhealth.com.au
A newer but increasingly popular option, CBHS focuses solely on international students and visitors.
Key Features:
- Fast online quotes and instant Certificate of Insurance
- GP and hospital networks
- Basic Essentials and Comprehensive cover tiers
- Cost-effective compared to bigger players
What it’s great for:
Students looking for affordable, no-frills OSHC that still meets visa requirements.
Noteworthy:
CBHS doesn’t yet have the same scale as Allianz or Bupa, but reviews suggest responsive service and easy claims.
Why Only Six OSHC Providers?
There’s a reason you keep seeing these same six names.
According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Study Australia portal, there are only a few approved OSHC insurers registered to offer visa-compliant cover to international students.
So even though there are dozens of other private insurers (for expats, backpackers, visitors, etc.), only these six can legally issue OSHC for student visas.
List of government-registered OSHC providers:
- Allianz Care Australia
- Bupa Australia
- Medibank (includes AHM)
- nib
- CBHS International Health
These providers meet strict criteria for:
- Visa support
- Minimum required services
- Government reporting obligations
- Safety net policies for international students
📍 Special Recommendation for Students in Adelaide (South Australia)
Adelaide is a beautiful, student-friendly city with a growing international population. But like anywhere, your experience will partly depend on how easy it is to access healthcare.
Here are five targeted tips if you’re studying in Adelaide:
1. Check Local Provider Network
Before buying a policy, visit the provider’s website and check how many doctors and clinics are available in Adelaide and nearby suburbs. This reduces the chances of long wait times or travel hassles.
✅ Example: Allianz, Bupa, and Medibank have large networks in SA.
2. Compare at Least Three Providers Side-by-Side
Don’t just go with the one your university suggests. Use comparison tools or spreadsheets to assess:
| Feature | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
| Monthly Premium | $42 | $38 | $45 |
| Telehealth | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ambulance Coverage | Unlimited | $5,000 cap | Unlimited |
| Extra Dental/Optical | Add-on | Add-on | Included |
This will help you prioritise what matters most (e.g., ambulance, extras, multilingual help).
3. Decide on Coverage Type: Single vs Family
Are you coming alone? Bringing a partner? Kids?
You must choose Single, Couple, or Family cover. If you pick the wrong one, you may risk visa non-compliance.
🧾 Tip: Even if your partner is on a different visa, make sure your health policies align — especially for Medicare ineligible dependents.
4. Think About Extras (Dental/Optical/Physio)
If you wear glasses, need braces, or expect physio after sports, basic OSHC won’t be enough. You’ll need Extras Cover, either from the same provider or a standalone plan.
💡 Some student unions or state health programs offer discounted extras, so explore local options.
5. Check Your Policy Start and End Dates
Your OSHC must cover you from the day you land until your student visa expires (plus a little extra if staying longer). You’ll also need to show proof of insurance when:
- Applying for a visa
- Entering Australia
- Enrolling in classes
📱 Most providers will issue your Visa Certificate of Insurance immediately after payment.
Final Steps Before You Purchase
Here’s a quick OSHC readiness checklist before you hit the payment button:
✅ I compared at least three providers.
✅ I confirmed doctor and hospital network in my city (Adelaide).
✅ I chose the correct coverage type (Single / Couple / Family).
✅ I checked ambulance, telehealth, and extras coverage.
✅ I aligned my start and end dates with visa period.
✅ I received the Certificate of Insurance for visa use.
✅ I saved digital/print copies of my policy and app login.
Summary: Your Health, Your Choice
Choosing OSHC isn’t just a formality. It’s your safety net in a new country. The right policy can make your study journey smoother, healthier, and less stressful.
- Allianz and Bupa stand out for brand trust and support.
- Medibank and AHM offer flexibility with solid infrastructure.
- nib is digital-savvy and ambulance-focused.
- CBHS brings affordability without cutting essential corners.
👉 Remember, these are visa-compliant options — avoid non-registered providers for OSHC purposes.
In Adelaide, focus on provider networks, extras, and claims ease. And always read the fine print before committing.
References (APA 7th Edition)
- Allianz Care Australia. (2025). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). https://www.allianzcare.com.au/en/student-visa-oshc.html
- Bupa Australia. (2025). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc
- Medibank Private. (2025). OSHC for international students. https://www.medibankoshc.com.au
- nib Health Funds. (2025). Overseas Student Health Cover. https://www.nib.com.au/overseas-students
- AHM (Australian Health Management). (2025). Your OSHC – Student Health Cover. https://www.ahm.com.au/oshc
- CBHS International Health. (2025). Student OSHC Plans. https://www.cbhsinternationalhealth.com.au/oshc
- Study Australia. (2025). Health insurance for international students. Australian Trade and Investment Commission. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/insurance
- Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. (2025). Health insurance requirements for overseas students. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/health-insurance
