Student visas / Subclass 500

Do people applying for a Student visa need Overseas Student Health Cover?

Generally, people applying for a Student visa and family members coming with them need adequate health insurance, usually Overseas Student Health Cover.

Student visas Subclass 500 Needs review
Short answer

Generally, people applying for a Student visa and family members coming with them need adequate health insurance, usually Overseas Student Health Cover.

Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC, is private health insurance for overseas students and their family members, including partners and children under 18.

Most people applying for a Student visa need to show health cover for themselves and any family members coming with them.

Overseas health insurance or travel insurance may be used as extra cover, but it usually does not replace OSHC unless an exception applies.

Students and family members usually need to keep adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia. Some special arrangements and exceptions may apply for certain nationalities or sponsored programs.

Source

This answer is based on official Student visa information.

Home Affairs Student visa information Checked 2 August 2026