What is OSHC and is it enough for studying in Australia?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students on an Australian Student visa. It covers hospital costs, GP visits, limited specialist care, and prescription drugs at Australian rates. However, OSHC does not cover: emergency medical evacuation back to the US, trip cancellation/interruption, most dental and optical care, or pre-departure cancellation. A supplemental Tower Hill plan fills these gaps and meets your US university's requirements.

I'm a US student studying in Australia for a semester — do I still need OSHC?

If you hold an Australian Student visa (subclass 500), yes — OSHC is legally required. If you're attending a short program under 3 months on a tourist visa, OSHC is not required, but your US university still requires their own insurance minimums. Contact your study abroad office for specifics.

What wildlife hazards should I be aware of in Australia?

Australia has numerous venomous species — snakes, spiders (redback, funnel-web), jellyfish (box jellyfish, Irukandji), and cone snails. Medical treatment for envenomation is covered under your health insurance. Practical advice: shake out shoes, watch where you step, don't swim in northern Queensland waters during stinger season (October–May).

Does study abroad insurance in Australia cover surfing injuries?

Recreational surfing is covered as a standard activity under most international student plans. Competitive or professional surfing may require additional coverage. Body boarding, snorkeling, and recreational diving under 40 meters are typically covered as well.

How is Australian healthcare different from the US?

Australia's healthcare is organized like the UK's NHS — a universal public system (Medicare) supplemented by private insurance. Wait times for public specialist care can be 3–6 months; private care is faster. Costs with insurance are significantly lower than the US. Hospitals are world-class in major cities.

What happens if I need to return home early from Australia?

Trip interruption coverage is included in most study abroad plans — it reimburses non-refundable program costs (tuition deposits, housing, flights) if you must return home early due to a covered reason: serious illness or injury, death of a family member, natural disaster, or program cancellation. Medical evacuation is also covered if you need emergency treatment unavailable locally in Australia. If an emergency arises, call your insurer's 24/7 emergency assistance line before purchasing a return ticket — they coordinate medical evacuations, arrange care, and can provide direct payment to hospitals so you're not stuck waiting for reimbursement.

Does study abroad insurance cover outdoor adventures and sports in Australia?

Most study abroad plans cover standard recreational activities. Higher-risk activities — skiing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, motorcycle riding, paragliding — may require an adventure sports rider. WorldTrips Atlas International Student and IMG Student Health Advantage both cover a broad range of activities including hiking, cycling, and water sports. If you plan to ski in the Alps, scuba in the Mediterranean, or surf while studying in Australia, check the policy's excluded activities list and add a rider if needed — it typically costs $10–$20/month extra. Contact Tower Hill to confirm your specific activity is covered before you go.

🇦🇺4,500+ US students/year

Study Abroad Insurance for Students in Australia

Australia requires OSHC for your student visa — but OSHC doesn't cover evacuation or trip cancellation. Get full coverage from $30/month.

$30/mo

Starting from

4,500+

US students/yr

No Schengen

Visa insurance

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📋 University Requirements

Australian Student visas (subclass 500) require OSHC covering the full duration of enrollment. US universities additionally require evacuation coverage and their standard minimums.

Healthcare in Australia for US Students

Australia's Medicare system covers Australian citizens and permanent residents. International students are not eligible for Medicare and must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — a government-mandated insurance product for student visa holders.

⚠️ Why your US plan isn't enough

Australia mandates OSHC for all international students on a Student visa (subclass 500). However, OSHC has gaps — it typically doesn't cover evacuation back to the US, trip cancellation, or some specialist care. Most US study abroad offices also require their own additional coverage.

Popular Programs & Cities in Australia

Common Program Types

✓Semester abroad

✓Marine biology and environmental programs

✓Business

✓Year-long exchange

✓Gap year

Top Student Cities

🇦🇺Sydney

🇦🇺Melbourne

🇦🇺Brisbane

🇦🇺Perth

🇦🇺Canberra

🇦🇺Gold Coast

What to Make Sure Your Plan Covers

🛡️OSHC gaps (no evacuation, limited specialist care)

🛡️UV/sun exposure and skin cancer risk

🛡️Wildlife-related injuries

🛡️Ocean hazards (surf, jellyfish, marine life)

Emergency Numbers in Australia

Save these before you travel.

Emergency (all services)000

Non-Emergency Medical1800 022 222

US Embassy Canberra+61 2 6214 5600

Your Tower Hill plan's 24/7 global assistance line is also available in any emergency.

Compare Plans for Australia

All plans include emergency medical, evacuation, and meet standard US university study abroad requirements.

⭐ Top Pick for Australia Study Abroad

Best for Study Abroad

WorldTrips

Atlas International Student

~$30/month

Designed for US students studying abroad — meets most university requirements including evacuation, mental health, and Schengen compliance.

✓Emergency medical & hospitalization

✓Mental health & counseling

✓Emergency evacuation included

✓Semester or annual enrollment

✓Acute onset pre-existing conditions

✓Sports & activities covered

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Best for Long-Term Programs

IMG Global

Student Health Advantage

~$35/month

Renewable annually. Widely accepted by US study abroad offices. Includes preventive care and prescription drugs.

✓Comprehensive medical coverage

✓Preventive care included

✓Mental health benefits

✓Prescription drug coverage

✓University waiver-ready

✓24/7 telemedicine

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Best Value

Trawick International

Safe Travels International

~$25/month

Highest medical maximum ($1M) at the lowest price. Ideal for students on tight budgets who want strong emergency coverage.

✓$1M medical maximum

✓Emergency evacuation

✓Trip interruption

✓Baggage loss & delay

✓Adventure sports covered

✓Flexible deductibles

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Ready for Australia?

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