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OSHC Explained: Nigerian Students’ Guide to Overseas Student Health Cover in Australia

Healthcare in Australia is excellent, but it’s also expensive. A simple doctor’s visit can cost up to AUD $100, and hospital bills can run into thousands.

For this reason, the Australian Government requires all international students (including Nigerians) on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their studies.

Unfortunately, many Nigerian students either:
❌ Don’t understand what OSHC is.
❌ Buy the cheapest policy without checking what’s covered.
❌ Arrive in Australia unprotected and risk visa breaches.

This guide explains what OSHC is, why you need it, how to choose the right provider, and how Afrovo helps students secure affordable, reliable cover.

What is OSHC?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory health insurance for all international students in Australia.

It helps pay for:

  • Visits to the doctor 

  • Hospital treatment 

  • Emergency ambulance services 

  • Prescription medicines 

Without OSHC, you’ll pay full medical costs, which can be unaffordable.

 

Why Nigerian Students Need OSHC

  1. Visa Requirement

    • You cannot be granted a Student Visa (Subclass 500) without OSHC.

  2. Healthcare Costs in Australia

    • Doctor’s consultation: AUD $70–$100.

    • One night in hospital: AUD $1,500+.

    • Ambulance ride: AUD $800+.

  3. Peace of Mind

    • Avoids stress in case of accidents or sickness.

  4. Access to Quality Care

    • Ensures you’re covered for essential health needs during your studies.

 

Who Needs OSHC?

  • All international students on Subclass 500 visas.

  • Student’s dependents (spouse and children) must also have OSHC.

Afrovo ensures families get family OSHC policies to save money.

 

Top OSHC Providers in Australia

  1. BUPA – Popular with students, large hospital network.

  2. Medibank – Reliable, with strong student support services.

  3. Allianz Care – Affordable, widely accepted by universities.

  4. nib – Budget-friendly, covers most essentials.

  5. ahm (by Medibank) – Flexible plans for students.

Costs vary but average around AUD $500–$600 per year for singles. Family policies are higher.

 

Step-by-Step: How Nigerians Can Get OSHC

Step 1: Choose a Provider

  • Compare prices and coverage.

  • Afrovo helps identify the most affordable plan for your situation.

Step 2: Purchase Before Visa Lodgment

  • You must show OSHC confirmation letter when applying for a student visa.

Step 3: Keep Your Policy Active

  • Must cover the entire length of your course + visa duration.

  • Renew on time to avoid visa issues.

Step 4: Use Your Insurance in Australia

  • Visit approved doctors (direct billing = no out-of-pocket costs).

  • Claim refunds for eligible medical expenses.

 

Common Mistakes Nigerians Make with OSHC

❌ Buying the cheapest plan without checking coverage.
❌ Forgetting to include dependents (leads to visa refusal).
❌ Letting policy expire mid-course.
❌ Using fake agents who issue invalid OSHC certificates.

 

How Afrovo Helps Nigerians with OSHC

  • Advises on the best OSHC provider for your budget and location.

  • Ensures you have the right confirmation letter for visa lodgment.

  • Helps families get affordable dependent policies.

  • Teaches students how to claim benefits in Australia.

 

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