Comprehensive Guide to OSHC Coverage Dates for Subclass 500 Student Visa Holders

Introduction

International students planning to study in Australia under the Subclass 500 Student Visa must comply with specific health insurance rules set by the Department of Home Affairs. One of the critical compliance requirements is maintaining continuous Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This ensures that students have adequate health coverage from the moment they enter Australia until they leave or transition to another visa.

1. Legal Foundation of OSHC Requirement

• Governed by the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth).

• Visa Condition 8501 mandates that students must have adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their visa.

• Failure to comply can lead to visa refusal, cancellation, or future visa application difficulties.

2. Coverage Start Date Rules

• OSHC must begin from the earliest of:

  • The visa grant date.

  • The date of arrival in Australia.

• It is not sufficient for the policy to start from the course start date alone.

Example:
If your visa is granted on 1 July 2025 and your course starts on 15 August 2025, but you arrive on 10 July 2025, your OSHC must commence from 10 July 2025.

3. Coverage End Date Rules

OSHC must remain active until the visa expiry date, not just the course completion date. The Department grants additional time after the course ends to cover activities like graduation or applying for further visas.

• If applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after study, a new health cover appropriate for that visa is required.

4. OSHC Coverage for Packaged Courses

• If you enroll in multiple courses under a package, OSHC must:

  • Start before the first course begins.

  • End after the last visa expiry date, covering all courses and any visa grant periods.

Example:
ELICOS Course ends in June 2025, followed by Bachelor starting July 2025 until Dec 2028. OSHC must cover from before June 2025 through the final visa expiry date, likely extending into early 2029.

5. Continuous Coverage Is Mandatory

• There must be no gaps in OSHC coverage throughout the stay in Australia.

• Switching between OSHC providers is allowed but ensure the new policy starts immediately after the old policy ends.

6. Exceptions to OSHC Requirement

Students from the following countries may be exempt:

• Norway – Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.

• Sweden – Kammarkollegiet coverage.

• Belgium – Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

7. Who Must Be Covered by OSHC?

• Primary visa holder (Student).

• Dependents:

  • Spouse or de facto partner.

  • Unmarried children under 18.

All dependents must have coverage for the same period as the primary applicant.

8. Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Visa refusal or cancellation.

• Inability to lodge further visa applications until compliance is restored.

• Difficulties obtaining future Australian visas.

9. How to Purchase OSHC

• Through an education provider or directly from an approved OSHC provider:

  • Allianz Care Australia

  • Bupa Australia

  • Medibank Private

  • NIB OSHC

  • AHM OSHC

Ensure you have the policy details (provider name, start and end dates, policy number) when applying for your visa.

Conclusion

The Department of Home Affairs strictly enforces OSHC coverage rules. To remain compliant:

• Ensure OSHC covers from your arrival or visa grant date to the visa expiry date.

• Extend OSHC immediately if your visa is extended.

• Include family members under the appropriate OSHC policy.

Failing to maintain continuous health insurance can have serious implications for your stay in Australia. Always plan your OSHC to match your visa conditions precisely.