Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC isn’t optional — it’s your visa requirement. Here’s everything you need to know.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the health insurance that covers your medical and hospital care while you study in Australia. It’s a condition of your student visa — and we’ll help you get it sorted before you arrive.

What is OSHC?

All international students on an Australian student visa must hold valid OSHC for the entire length of their visa. It covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance cover and some prescription medicines, and must be paid before you arrive.

• Your cover must run for the full duration of your student visa, as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Evantaa Institute partners with NIB for OSHC — they’re one of five providers currently approved to offer OSHC in Australia, chosen for straightforward pricing and direct billing with most GP clinics. Current rates are at nib.com.au/overseas-students.
• Letting your OSHC lapse can put your visa at risk, so keep it current the whole time you study.
• Bringing a partner or children? They’ll need their own OSHC too, and must be added to your policy before you travel.

What it costs and what’s covered

OSHC pricing depends on how long your course runs and whether you need single, couple or family cover — check current rates at nib.com.au/overseas-students before you commit, as prices are reviewed annually.

• Covered: doctor (GP) visits, hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and some prescription medicines — up to $50 per item, capped at $500 per year for singles or $1,000 per year for couples/families.
• Usually not covered: dental, optical and physiotherapy are typically excluded from standard OSHC — ask NIB about optional extras cover if you’ll need these regularly.
• From 1 January 2026, pregnancy-related waiting periods are being removed on OSHC policies of 2 years or more — relevant if you’re on one of our longer courses (several of our trade and business qualifications run 52–62 weeks).

Activating your OSHC

Once you’ve paid, activating your policy takes four quick steps:

1. Find your reference number on the OSHC confirmation letter we send you.
2. Verify your details by logging in at nib.com.au/login and activating your policy.
3. Get your card — NIB issues your membership card once you’re verified. You’ll use it at medical visits.
4. Keep it handy — save a digital copy of your card to your phone so it’s always with you.

Using your OSHC day to day

• Most GP clinics will bill NIB directly for OSHC members, so you often won’t pay anything upfront — ask reception if the clinic offers direct billing before your appointment.
• OSHC includes some mental health support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick, it’s worth using — see Living in Australia for more on settling in and support services.
• Making a claim: show your NIB card at the clinic, then submit any out-of-pocket claim at nib.com.au/login.
• Urgent care: for non-emergencies, see a GP to keep your costs down. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 000.

Renewing or extending your cover

Check your policy end date by logging into your NIB account, and renew at least two weeks before it expires so you’re never without cover. Need a hand? Visit reception at 83–89 Boundary Road, North Melbourne VIC 3051, or call (03) 7068 8413 and our team will help.

Your OSHC checklist

• Before you fly: buy your OSHC policy — it must be in place before your visa is granted and before you arrive.
• Your first week: activate your policy online and save your digital membership card to your phone.
• Ongoing: renew at least two weeks before expiry, and tell us if your address, course length, or family situation changes.

Keep exploring

• Living in Australia — settling in, costs, and where to get support.
• Planning Your Arrival — what to book and pack before you fly.
• Conditions of Enrolment — your visa study and attendance obligations.