Moving to Australia to study is an incredible opportunity, but understanding the healthcare system is vital for your financial peace of mind. While Overseas Student Health Cover insurance is a mandatory requirement for your visa, many students are surprised to find out that it doesn’t cover every medical bill.

Even the Best OSHC plans have limitations. At OSHC Policy, we want to make sure you aren’t caught off guard by “hidden” costs. Here are seven common medical expenses that your standard OSHC health insurance likely won’t pay for.

 

Routine Dental Care: A Major Out-of-Pocket Expense

One of the most common things OSHC AU policies do not cover is dental work. Whether it is a routine check-up, a filling, or getting your wisdom teeth pulled, you will usually have to pay the full price yourself. In Australia, dental work is expensive; a simple filling can cost over $200 AUD.

If you think you’ll need dental work, you might need to buy “Extras” cover separately from providers like Bupa OSHC or Medibank Overseas Student Cover, as the basic student plan won’t help here.

 

Optical Services: Glasses and Eye Tests

Need new glasses or a contact lens prescription? Unfortunately, OSHC medical insurance generally does not cover optical services. This includes the cost of the eye exam and the frames or lenses themselves.

While some premium versions of Allianz OSHC or NIB OSHC might offer small discounts, the standard Overseas Health Cover for students typically excludes these costs. It’s a good idea to bring a spare pair of glasses from home!

 

Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care

If you get a sports injury or have back pain, you might want to see a physiotherapist. However, standard OSHC student health cover does not pay for “General Treatment” or “Extras” like physio, chiro, or podiatry.

To get coverage for these, you usually have to upgrade your policy. When you use OSHC Policy to find the cheapest OSHC, make sure you check if you need these extra services or if you are happy to pay for them out of pocket.

 

Cosmetic Surgery and Elective Procedures

This might seem obvious, but any surgery that isn’t medically necessary is not covered by OSHC insurance. This includes cosmetic procedures or elective surgeries that can wait until you return home. Even if you choose a top-tier provider like Medibank OSHC, they will only pay for “medically necessary” treatments that are listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

 

Pre-existing Conditions (During Waiting Periods)

Most OSHC health cover plans have “waiting periods” for pre-existing conditions. If you had a health issue before arriving in Australia, you usually have to wait 12 months before your AHMOSHC or other provider will pay for treatment related to that condition.

Note: This also applies to pregnancy-related services, which usually have a 12-month waiting period.

 

Assisted Reproductive Services (IVF)

For students moving with partners, it’s important to know that OSHC medical insurance does not cover assisted reproductive services like IVF. While your policy will cover basic pregnancy and birth (after the waiting period), more complex fertility treatments are excluded from standard Overseas Student Health Cover insurance.

 

The “Gap” Fee: Why OSHC Doesn’t Pay the Full Bill

Even when a service is covered, your OSHC AU policy might not pay 100% of the bill. Doctors in Australia can charge more than the “Medicare Benefit Schedule” price. The difference between what the doctor charges and what your insurance pays is called the “Gap.”

To minimize this, look for providers with large “Direct Billing” networks, such as Bupa OSHC or Allianz OSHC.

 

Conclusion: How to Find the Best OSHC for Your Needs

Understanding what isn’t covered is the first step to staying healthy and financially stable in Australia. While you might be looking for the Cheapest OSHC to satisfy your visa requirements, it’s worth comparing what each brand offers.

At OSHC Policy (www.oshcpolicy.com), we help you compare Medibank OSHC, AHMOSHC, NIB OSHC, and more in one place. We make it easy to see what is included so you can choose the Best OSHC for your specific health needs.

Don’t wait until you’re sick to find out what’s covered. Compare and Save on your OSHC at OSHC Policy Today!