Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Why do international students need OSHC?

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires all international students (and their dependants) coming to Australia to study under a Student Visa and to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of their course. Failure to have continuous cover could result in the student visa being cancelled.

Students must make their first OSHC payment prior to being granted a student visa. TIV offers students service to arrange their OSHC without extra charges. If you have paid your OSHC fee with your tuition fees, you will automatically be insured with AHM; you will also need to maintain OSHC throughout your stay in Australia. TIV will assist you to arrange OSHC renewal for the duration of your full program

Can students choose their own OSHC provider?

Yes, you are free to sign up with other OSHC provider.

How does OSHC work?

Most OSHC providers have agreements with clinics and medical providers, where you can be treated without having to pay the consultation bill. By presenting your OSHC membership card, your consultation bill will be sent directly to your OSHC provider who will settle your bill with the medical provider. This procedure is called ‘bulk billing’.

You will need to check with your OSHC provider the list of medical providers whom they have bulk-billing agreements with and the details of these agreements.

If you choose to go to a medical provider who does not have a bulk-billing agreement with your OSHC provider, you may need to pay your medical bill first and claim a refund from your OSHC provider at a later date. If you do so, make sure you keep your receipt in order to make a claim.

For more information please refer to AHM