Every OSHC policy has to meet the same government standard, so it’s tempting to just grab the cheapest one and move on. Price matters, but a few minutes of checking can save you money and hassle later. This checklist walks you through how to compare OSHC providers properly, using real 2026 prices from the four insurers on OSHC Australia. Prices updated 2 November 2026.
Disclosure: Study Anywhere may earn a commission if you buy OSHC through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. Prices through our link are the same as on OSHC Australia’s own website.
Which OSHC providers can you compare?
Only government-approved insurers can sell OSHC. On OSHC Australia you can compare four of them side by side:
- Allianz Care (shown under the Worldcare logo on OSHC Australia)
- AHM OSHC
- Bupa
- Medibank
A couple of other approved insurers, such as nib and CBHS International Health, also sell OSHC directly. They’re not in our price data, so if you want to check them too, get a quote from their own websites.
The OSHC comparison checklist
1. Choose the right cover type
Single, couple (also used for a single parent with one child) or family. Get this wrong and the price comparison means nothing. Couple and family prices vary much more between insurers than single prices do, so see our guide to OSHC for couples and families if you’re bringing anyone with you.
2. Match the length to your visa, not your course
Your OSHC needs to cover your whole visa period, which usually runs past your course end date. On a short course that often means one extra month. Our guide to OSHC for short courses and English classes explains how to work it out.
3. Compare the total price for that exact length
Prices don’t scale perfectly by month, and the cheapest insurer can change with the length. For a single student, here’s 12 months of basic cover starting 1 December 2026:
| OSHC provider | 12 months, single | Specialist cover | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHM OSHC | $660.28 (cheapest) | 85% of MBS fee | Includes limited-time discount |
| Allianz Care | $665 | 85% of MBS fee | Cheapest for couples from 9 months and for families |
| Medibank | $683.05 | 85% of MBS fee | Includes limited-time discount |
| Bupa | $713 | 100% of MBS fee | Cheapest for couples up to 8 months |
For other lengths and cover types, our OSHC price calculator shows every insurer for 1 to 60 months.
4. Check specialist cover
All four cover GP visits at 100% of the MBS fee. For specialists, Allianz Care, AHM and Medibank pay 85% of the MBS fee, while Bupa pays 100%. If you have a condition that needs regular specialist visits, that difference can be worth more than a small price gap.
5. Look at prescription limits
Basic OSHC only covers a limited amount of prescription medicine, usually up to about $500 per person each year, with a co-payment on each script. If you take regular medication, check the exact limit in each policy summary.
6. Understand the waiting periods
Most policies have a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy. These are broadly the same across insurers, but read the details if either applies to you.
7. Think about everyday convenience
Ask yourself how you’ll actually use the cover. Is there a direct billing GP clinic near your campus? Can you claim through an app? Is help available in your language? These things vary between insurers and can make life easier when you’re feeling unwell.
8. Know what basic OSHC doesn’t cover
Basic OSHC doesn’t include dental, optical or physio. If those matter to you, you’d need separate extras cover, so don’t pick an OSHC policy expecting them.
Compare in one place
Compare all four OSHC providers
See every insurer’s price for your cover type and visa dates.
Compare OSHC →Partner link to OSHC Australia. Prices updated 2 November 2026.
Common mistakes when comparing OSHC
- Assuming your school’s OSHC is the only option. You don’t have to take the policy your provider offers. You can buy your own and give them the details.
- Comparing 12-month prices when you need 18. Always compare the exact length you need.
- Forgetting about switching. You can change insurer later, as long as there’s no gap in cover.
- Missing a current discount. AHM and Medibank have a limited-time discount until 28 February 2027. T&Cs apply. Our discount guide shows what it’s worth.
Want the short version? Our cheapest OSHC in Australia guide sums up who’s cheapest for singles, couples and families. You can also head to the Study Anywhere homepage to explore courses and student support.
Comparing OSHC providers: frequently asked questions
There’s no single best provider. All approved OSHC policies meet the same government standard. AHM is currently cheapest for most single policies, Allianz Care for families and longer couple policies, and Bupa for shorter couple policies and 100% specialist cover.
They all meet the same minimum standard for the Student visa, but they differ in price, specialist cover, prescription limits and extras like apps and direct billing clinics.
Among the four insurers on OSHC Australia, Bupa covers specialist fees at 100% of the MBS fee. Allianz Care, AHM and Medibank cover 85%.
Yes. You can switch to another approved insurer as long as there’s no gap in cover. Line up the new start date with the day after your old policy ends.
For cover starting 1 December 2026, it ranges from $660.28 with AHM to $713 with Bupa on OSHC Australia. Prices updated 2 November 2026.
Related OSHC and Student visa guides
- OSHC price calculator: compare OSHC for 1 to 60 months
- Cheapest OSHC in Australia: 2026 prices compared
- OSHC for couples and families
- OSHC for short courses and English classes
- AHM and Medibank OSHC discount
- What is OSHC and how long should your cover be?
- How much does an Australian Student visa cost in 2026?
Source and method: prices are totals in Australian dollars for basic OSHC, quoted on OSHC Australia on 2 November 2026 for cover starting 1 December 2026. Prices can change, so always check your quote before you pay. Cover details come from each insurer’s policy summary and the Department of Health OSHC fact sheet. This guide is general information, not insurance or migration advice.
Cover photo by Carter Hightower on Unsplash.
