Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Official Definition

Overseas Student Health Cover from an approved Australian insurer for the student and any family members coming along, for the whole stay. A visa is not granted without it, and it must be kept for the whole time in Australia.

What Officers Look For

Student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurer for the whole of their stay, for themselves and any family members who come with them. Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian students covered by their own national schemes are exempt. The visa is not granted without adequate cover, and the holder must keep it while in Australia.

The evidence is the policy certificate or confirmation from the insurer, showing the policy number, the people covered and the start and end dates. Where the education provider arranged the cover, its confirmation also works. Travel insurance is not OSHC.

Evidence Strength

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: the OSHC policy certificate or confirmation from an approved insurer, and the provider's confirmation where it arranged the cover.