Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Mandatory: Yes, for all international students. Cost: ~A$600–800/year (single), ~A$2,500–4,000/year (family). Providers: Allianz, Medibank, Bupa, NIB, CBHS, AHM.
What OSHC covers: Doctor visits (GP), hospital treatment, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance. What it doesn’t: dental, optical, physiotherapy (unless specified in a higher-tier policy), pre-existing conditions (12-month waiting period).
UK: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Mandatory: Yes, paid with visa application. Cost: £776/year for students. What it covers: NHS treatment — GP visits, hospital care, A&E, maternity. Dental and optical: not covered by IHS (NHS dental charges apply separately, lower than private).
US: Campus Health Plans
Mandatory: Generally yes (most universities require insurance; some allow waivers). Cost: US$1,500–3,500/year (university plan); private plans vary. System: Employer-style insurance — deductibles, co-pays, networks. US healthcare is the most expensive and complex system for international students. University health plans are usually the simplest option despite the cost.
Canada
Provincial health (free): Available in some provinces for international students (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan). Others require private insurance (Ontario’s UHIP programme is the largest).
Germany
Statutory health insurance: Required for all students. Cost: €120/month. Comprehensive coverage — GP, specialists, hospital, prescriptions with small co-pays.
Practical Tip
Many treatments that seem “covered” in theory require upfront payment and reimbursement in practice. Budget A$500–1,000 in accessible savings for medical costs that must be paid upfront even if reimbursable later.