Overseas student health insurance (OSHC and others): mandatory and recommended

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Health insurance for studying abroad is not only a condition for obtaining a visa in many countries, but also a financial "shield" when you get sick or have an accident far from home. Medical treatment in Australia, the US, the UK or Canada can be very high costs without appropriate insurance. This article helps you know which types are required in each country, basic benefits and when to buy more.

OSHC – Australia's mandatory study abroad health insurance

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory health insurance for Australian student visa holders and accompanying family members. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs:

• The OSHC duration must match the visa duration or your expected time in Australia.
• If you arrive in Australia before your course begins, the OSHC effective date must be the same as your arrival date; Do not enter the country before OSHC comes into effect.
• You can buy it yourself or let the school buy it for you; If the supplier changes, the new contract must continue without gaps.

What does OSHC pay?

According to the Australian Government's private insurance information page, OSHC supports the costs of doctor visits, inpatient treatment, ambulance treatment and a limited portion of medicine costs. OSHC does not cover “general treatment” services such as dental, eye, or physical therapy; If needed, you can purchase extra packages. OSHC is only provided by a small number of registered insurers.

See more about the role of OSHC in visa applications in the article Australian student visa subclass 500.

Health insurance for studying abroad in other countries

UK: IHS medical surcharge

When applying for a Student visa, you pay the IHS medical surcharge along with the visa application; According to GOV.UK, the rate for students is £776 per year. After arriving in the UK, you can use the same NHS services as people, but some services such as dentistry and prescription drugs in some areas may still require a fee. See UK study visa.

USA: insurance according to school requirements

With an F-1 visa, health insurance is usually regulated by the school: most schools require international students to purchase the school's student insurance plan or prove that they have equivalent insurance. Medical examination and treatment costs in the US are very high, so this is an expense that cannot be overlooked.

Canada: depends on the province

Some provinces enroll international students in their provincial health insurance plan (there may be a waiting period), others require private insurance or a school plan. Check with the school as soon as your acceptance letter arrives. Reference Canadian study permit.

Japan, Korea, Germany: coverage by national systems

• Japan: international students with medium and long-term residence participate in National Health Insurance after registering their address; Participants often pay part of the medical examination and treatment costs themselves.
• Korea: international students who are eligible to participate in National Health Insurance according to regulations; Participation time depends on visa type. See Korean student visa D-2 and D-4.
• Germany: health insurance is a condition for admission; Students usually participate in public health insurance at the student rate or private insurance if eligible. See German student visa.

Summary of health insurance for studying abroad by country

General information according to the most recent publications; Regulations are subject to change, please check with the school and official authority.

When should I buy more insurance?

• Transition period: from the date of departure until mandatory insurance takes effect (eg in Japan, Korea, Germany, Canada), it is recommended to purchase short-term international travel insurance.
• Services not covered: dental, vision, physical therapy – consider additional packages.
• Traveling to another country during vacation: study abroad insurance is usually only valid in the country of study.
• Luggage, flight: Travel insurance can cover delayed flights and lost luggage. Read more Missed flight, lost luggage when studying abroad.

Besides insurance, a smooth flight also helps you get off to a smooth start. VeDuHoc supports multi-company study abroad ticket booking with more than 30 Bookers, optimal luggage size of 40–46kg, transit visa check, 24/7 support and itinerary notification to parents via Zalo. See air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy OSHC myself instead of buying it through the school?

Have. The Australian Department of Home Affairs allows you to purchase OSHC yourself from a registered provider, waiving the requirement deadline. Please notify the school to avoid duplicate purchases.

Can travel insurance replace OSHC?

Are not. Australian student visa requires OSHC; Travel insurance should only be used as a supplement.

If I have paid IHS, do I need to buy additional insurance in the UK?

Optional. Some people buy extra to cover services not included in the NHS or to be examined faster at a private facility.

Does study abroad health insurance cover pre-existing illnesses?

Depending on type and terms. Some plans have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions; Please read the contract carefully and declare honestly.

Health insurance for studying abroad is a mandatory and worthwhile expense. Please understand the regulations of your destination country, buy enough and on time. When you need support for study abroad tickets, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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