Banking & Money
Best OSHC Australia 2026: Compare Bupa, Allianz, Medibank & nib
Honest 2026 comparison of OSHC providers for international students — Bupa vs Allianz vs Medibank vs nib pricing, coverage, waiting periods, and how to claim.
Published 2026-05-18 · 9 min read
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire duration of your student visa. Picking the right provider can save you $300–$700 over a 2-year degree. Here's the honest 2026 comparison.
OSHC Prices (May 2026)
For a single student, 24 months:
| Provider | 24-month single | 24-month couple | 24-month family |
|---|---|---|---|
| nib | $1,360 | $5,210 | $7,950 |
| Bupa | $1,420 | $5,580 | $8,420 |
| Medibank | $1,490 | $5,840 | $8,820 |
| Allianz Care | $1,440 | $5,620 | $8,540 |
| CBHS | $1,510 | $5,890 | $8,840 |
| AHM | $1,395 | $5,450 | $8,250 |
Prices vary by 3–10% depending on the month and visa length. Cheapest in 2026 is nib, closely followed by AHM and Bupa.
What OSHC Covers
All providers must cover the minimum government-mandated benefits:
- GP visits (100% of MBS schedule fee)
- Public hospital treatment
- Some private hospital treatment (limited)
- Prescription medicines (subsidised, up to PBS limits)
- Ambulance (emergency)
- Pregnancy and birth (after 12-month wait)
What OSHC Does NOT Cover
- Dental (regular check-ups, fillings)
- Optical (glasses, contacts)
- Physiotherapy
- Pre-existing conditions for first 12 months
- Most cosmetic surgery
- IVF
Need these? Buy a separate Extras policy or upgrade to a higher OSHC tier.
Waiting Periods
| Service | Wait |
|---|---|
| GP / general | None |
| Prescription | None |
| Public hospital | 2 months (12 months for pre-existing) |
| Pregnancy | 12 months |
| Mental health | 2 months |
Provider-by-Provider Honest Review
nib (Cheapest)
Pros: Lowest prices, easy online claims, large network. Cons: smaller hospital network in regional areas.
Bupa (Best Network)
Pros: Biggest hospital network, easy GP claims, decent app. Cons: slightly pricier than nib.
Medibank (Premium Service)
Pros: Best customer service reputation, partners with most universities. Cons: most expensive of the big 4.
Allianz Care (Most University-Linked)
Pros: Default provider for many universities (UNSW, Sydney, ANU). Cons: limited dental/optical extras.
AHM
Pros: Owned by Medibank but cheaper, modern app. Cons: smaller brand recognition.
Can You Switch OSHC Providers?
Yes — and you should if you're paying too much. You can switch any time during your visa, without losing your waiting periods (legally transferable). Most providers refund the unused portion.
How to Make a Claim
GP Visit
- Pay the doctor (around $80–$150)
- Submit receipt via your OSHC app
- Refund of 100% of the MBS scheduled fee (~$45) lands in your bank in 3–7 days
The gap (the difference between $80 you paid and $45 you got back) is yours to absorb. Find bulk-billing GPs to avoid the gap.
Tips to Save
- Pay for the WHOLE visa upfront — usually 5–10% cheaper than monthly
- Compare every renewal — providers change prices
- Use bulk-billing GPs — search "bulk billing GP near me" in HotDoc
- Buy basic OSHC + separate dental insurance rather than the Comprehensive tier
- Use the GP not the ED for non-emergencies — ED gap can be $200+
Common Pitfalls
- Letting OSHC lapse = visa cancellation risk
- Wrong dates — must cover from arrival to visa end date
- Buying through your agent — often 10–20% more expensive than direct
- Not understanding waiting periods — see your GP first, hospital second
Related Guides
Updated 18 May 2026 with current OSHC pricing from each provider's website.
Frequently asked questions
Which OSHC is cheapest for international students in 2026?
nib is consistently the cheapest major OSHC provider in 2026 at roughly $1,360 for a 24-month single policy, followed by AHM ($1,395) and Bupa ($1,420).
Can I switch OSHC providers while in Australia?
Yes — you can switch any time during your visa without losing waiting periods (they're legally transferable). Most providers refund the unused portion when you cancel.
Does OSHC cover dental and glasses?
No — standard OSHC does not cover dental check-ups, fillings, glasses, contacts, or physiotherapy. You need to buy separate Extras cover or upgrade to a higher OSHC tier.
What happens if my OSHC lapses?
If your OSHC lapses, you risk having your student visa cancelled. You also become personally liable for any medical bills during the uninsured period — a 3-day hospital stay can cost $20,000+.