OSHC Requirements for International Students in Australia: What You Must Know (2025–2028)

Genre Eve Carbajosa
3 days ago
2 min read

If you’re an international student planning to study in Australia, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is not optional. The latest OSHC Deed (effective 1 July 2025–30 June 2028) outlines exactly what insurers must cover, your entitlements, and your rights as a student.

Here’s a quick, easy-to-read summary of what the Deed means for you.

What OSHC Must Cover

Under the Deed, OSHC insurers are required to provide nationwide cover for students and their dependants. Base OSHC must include:

Emergency ambulance services
Pharmaceutical benefits (PBS-listed items with minimum annual limits)
GP and specialist visits (Medicare Benefits Schedule rates)
Hospital services in public and private hospitals
No-gap or permitted-gap medical devices

These benefits ensure international students can access affordable medical care while studying in Australia.

Optional Additional Coverage

Insurers may also offer higher-level plans that include extra services such as:

General treatment (e.g., dental, optical)
Assisted reproductive services
Pre-arranged treatment before OSHC start date
Medical repatriation

These extras vary between insurers, making comparison important.

Waiting Periods You Should Know

The Deed specifies mandatory waiting periods for certain services, including:

0 months: Emergency and many basic MBS services
2 months: Some hospital treatments
12 months: Pre-existing conditions and certain pregnancy-related services

If you switch OSHC providers, waiting periods are credited as long as you maintain continuous cover.

Refunds You May Be Eligible For

You may receive a partial or full refund if:

Your visa is refused
You don’t arrive in Australia
You leave Australia early
You obtain another visa or permanent residency
You have overlapping OSHC from another provider

All refund rules are clearly set out in Schedule 5 of the Deed.

Why OSHC Matters

The OSHC Deed exists to:

Protect students from high medical costs
Prevent financial hardship
Ensure transparent, affordable health services
Support visa compliance

Having OSHC and choosing the right policy ensures you remain fully protected and meet all Australian visa conditions.

Need OSHC Done the Right Way? Legacy Migration Can Help

Choosing the right OSHC can feel overwhelming. Legacy Migration makes it simple by:

✔ Comparing all government-approved insurers for you

✔ Ensuring your policy matches your student visa dates

✔ Assisting with singles, couples, and family OSHC

✔ Guiding you through claims, updates, refunds, and policy changes

✔ Integrating OSHC seamlessly into your visa application

📞 Get compliant, affordable OSHC with expert support. Contact Legacy Migration today and secure your cover with confidence.

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

QEAC Number: S041