Student Visa OSHC Requirements 2025–2028: What You Must Know Before Applying

If you are an international student planning to study in Australia, there is one requirement you cannot skip. Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC, is mandatory for your student visa. It protects you from high medical costs while you live and study in Australia, and your visa will not be approved without it. 

From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028, a new OSHC Deed outlines exactly what insurance providers must cover and what students are entitled to. Understanding these rules helps you choose the right policy and avoid delays in your visa application. 

What are the OSHC requirements for Australian student visas in 2025–2028? OSHC must cover emergency ambulance services, pharmaceuticals, GP and specialist visits, hospital services and permitted medical devices. Students must hold OSHC for the entire length of their visa. The 2025–2028 Deed also sets rules for waiting periods, refunds and optional extra benefits. 

Understanding OSHC Requirements for Student Visas 

Why OSHC Is Mandatory  Healthcare in Australia can be expensive. OSHC ensures international students can access essential medical services without facing heavy financial stress. It also helps protect the healthcare system and supports visa compliance. 

Without OSHC, your visa application will not meet the health insurance requirement. 

What OSHC Must Cover Under the 2025–2028 Deed 

The new OSHC Deed sets clear standards for all approved insurers. Your base OSHC policy must include: 

• emergency ambulance transport 

• pharmaceutical benefits for approved medications 

• GP visits covered at Medicare schedule rates 

• specialist consultations 

• hospital care in public and private hospitals 

• no gap or permitted gap medical devices 

These are the minimum inclusions. Every approved insurer must meet these standards. 

Optional Extras You Can Add 

Some insurers offer additional benefits that go beyond the minimum requirements. These can include: 

• dental and optical services 

• physiotherapy and other general treatments 

• assisted reproductive services 

• medical repatriation 

• pre arranged treatment before your OSHC start date 

These extras are not required for your visa but may be useful depending on your needs. 

Waiting Periods All Students Should Know 

The Deed sets waiting periods for certain services, which apply across all insurers: 

• 0 months for emergency care and most basic medical services 

• 2 months for some hospital treatments 

• 12 months for pre existing conditions and pregnancy related services 

If you switch OSHC providers and keep continuous cover, your waiting periods carry over. 

Refunds You May Be Eligible For 

You can claim a refund if: 

• your visa is refused 

• you do not travel to Australia 

• you leave Australia early 

• you move to another visa type 

• you already hold overlapping OSHC from another policy 

These refund rules are clearly outlined in the Deed and are applied consistently across providers. 

How to Choose the Right OSHC Before Applying 

Match Your Policy to Your Visa Dates 

Your OSHC must cover the full period of your student visa. If the dates do not match, your visa application may be delayed. 

Compare Insurers Carefully 

While all providers must meet minimum requirements, their prices, extras and customer support vary. Students often choose the first option they see, but taking time to compare can save money and give better coverage. 

Understand What You Are Paying For 

Some policies appear cheaper but include fewer services. Others include extras you may not need. Clear advice helps you choose the right balance. 

How LMSD Helps Students Meet OSHC Requirements 

At Legacy Migration & Study Direction, we guide students through the OSHC process by: 

• comparing all government approved insurers 

• ensuring your OSHC matches your visa length 

• helping with singles, couples and family OSHC 

• supporting claims, refunds and updates 

• integrating OSHC directly into your visa application 

We make OSHC simple so you can focus on preparing for your studies. 

OSHC is more than a visa requirement. It is your financial and health safety net while studying in Australia. Understanding the 2025–2028 rules helps you choose the right policy and avoid delays in your visa application. 

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