Doctors
GP visits at 100% of the government fee (MBS); specialists at 85% or more.
On a student visa (subclass 500) you must hold OSHC for your whole stay under visa condition 8501, and a partner or children who come with you must be on the policy. We recommend two insurers, Bupa and Allianz Care, and Bupa through us is 92% of the official price.
The government sets the minimum for every OSHC policy, so these are the same everywhere:
GP visits at 100% of the government fee (MBS); specialists at 85% or more.
Treatment, surgery and accommodation in public and partner private hospitals, mostly in full.
Emergency ambulance transport and treatment, 100%.
Pathology and X-rays; prescription medicines up to $50 per item after the PBS co-payment, with a yearly limit.
The two insurers differ mainly in specialist rebates, provider networks, extras, waiting periods and service. Basic OSHC doesn't include dental or optical.
From the official rate cards, priced by whole months. For Bupa the struck-out figure is the list price and the second is what you pay through Auland (92%); Allianz is at list price. Enter your dates on the order page for the exact figure.
| Policy length | Single | Two adults | One adult with children | Two adults with children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa |
| 12 months | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa |
| 18 months | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa |
| 24 months | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa |
| 36 months | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa | Bupa |
Bupa rates effective 2026-06-30, Allianz rates effective 2026-07-01; the insurer's current rates apply. Part months count as a full month.
Checked line by line against both insurers' official materials.
| Bupa | Allianz Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Bupa OSHC, as single, couple or family cover | Two levels, OSHC Essentials and OSHC Standard; this page follows the official Standard flyer |
| Doctor visits | GPs and specialists, in or out of hospital, up to 100% of MBS | GPs at 100% of MBS; specialists (out of hospital) at 85% of MBS |
| Blood tests and X-rays | Out-of-hospital pathology and radiology covered; most Medicare-approved tests in hospital at the full MBS fee | 85% of MBS |
| Hospital | Most hospital, accommodation and theatre costs covered at Members First, Network and public hospitals; a private room where available | Hospital treatment and accommodation at 100% of insured costs, including rehab, psychiatric care, pregnancy and birth, and cancer treatment |
| Prescription medicines | Up to A$50 per item after the PBS co-payment; yearly limit A$300 single, A$600 couple or family | The difference above the PBS co-payment, up to A$50 per medicine or vaccine, with a yearly limit; approved vaccines included |
| Ambulance | Unlimited emergency transport and on-site treatment by approved providers | 100% of the cost of transport by or arranged through an approved ambulance service |
| Waiting periods | 12 months for pre-existing conditions and for pregnancy (check Bupa's latest terms for the rule on policies of 2 years or more); none for accidents or emergency treatment. Starts from your arrival or cover start date, whichever is later | 12 months for pre-existing conditions; 12 months for pregnancy, none if the policy runs over 2 years; none for GPs, mental illness or emergency treatment. Starts from your arrival or visa grant date, whichever is later |
| Mental health wait | 2 months for pre-existing psychiatric conditions in the terms, currently not applied; outpatient mental health covered | No wait for care or treatment of mental illness |
| Not covered | Assisted reproduction (such as IVF), cosmetic surgery, experimental treatment, and procedures Medicare doesn't recognise | Assisted reproduction (such as IVF), and cosmetic procedures including cosmetic dental |
| Dental, optical, physio | Not in base OSHC; optional OSHC Extras, used only at Members First providers, with a 2-month initial wait (12 months for major dental) | Not in base OSHC; ask about separate add-ons |
| Network and out-of-pocket gap | Members First hospitals and direct-billing doctors; the Medical Gap Scheme caps each doctor's in-hospital gap at A$500; no out-of-pocket for specialist treatment at Members First day hospitals (not in the NT) | Hundreds of direct-billing providers across Australia |
| Online doctor | Blua online doctor, 24/7, fee covered in full | Doctors on Demand telehealth, 24/7 with no gap; referrals, medical certificates and prescriptions |
| 24/7 help and support | 24-hour Student Advice Line 1300 884 235 in over a hundred languages, including help with housing, legal and personal safety questions; customer line 1800 888 942 | 24/7 emergency line 1800 814 781; Sonder 24/7 safety, medical and mental health support by app, chat, phone or in person, available in Chinese |
| App and claims | myBupa: claim online, get an estimate before treatment, check remaining limits, renew; plus stores and WhatsApp support | Allianz MyHealth app: view your policy, claim online, track claims, call emergency services |
| Cancelling | Refunds if your visa is refused, you don't come, or you finish early and go home (proof needed) | Per Allianz Care's terms, sent with your quote |
Want to add dental, optical or physio; Like having a store to walk into, or prefer WhatsApp; Want specialist visits paid at 100% of MBS too
Care about mental health support with no wait; Want a safety and wellbeing app in Chinese (Sonder); Prefer a simple choice between two levels, Essentials and Standard
Last checked 27 October 2026 against Bupa's and Allianz Care's official OSHC materials. Policy details change, so the insurer's website has the final word.
Just you. Order online; Bupa at 92%.
You and your spouse or de facto partner.
You and your children under 18.
You, your partner and your children.
Dependants on your student visa must be on the same policy as you. Choose the matching type on the form and add your family members' names and dates of birth in the notes.
Confirm your policy dates with the calculator
Read the comparison and choose
Fill in your details and pay by WeChat, Alipay or card
We buy the policy for you and it lands in your inbox
Bupa OSHC at 92% of the list price, Allianz at list price. Enter your dates to see the price.