Is a Newborn Automatically Covered Under OSHC or OVHC?

Temporary Automatic Cover Is Limited - Action Is Still Required

Under both OSHC and OVHC fund rules, a newborn is not permanently covered by default. Most insurers allow a short grace period after birth, but parents must formally notify the insurer and update the policy.

If notification is delayed or ignored:

• Coverage may not apply
• Claims may be rejected
• Parents may face full medical costs for the baby

Automatic cover is temporary protection, not a substitute for policy update.

How Newborn Coverage Works Under OSHC

OSHC Recognises Newborns - But Only With Timely Notification

OSHC is designed for international students and their dependants. When a baby is born to parents holding OSHC:

• The baby can usually be added as a dependant
• Coverage can apply from the date of birth
• Parents must notify the insurer within the required timeframe

Once added, the policy is upgraded from Single or Couple OSHC to Family OSHC, and premiums are adjusted accordingly.

How Newborn Coverage Works Under OVHC

OVHC Requires Active Policy Upgrade to Family Cover

OVHC does not permanently include newborns unless the policy is updated.

For OVHC:

• The baby must be added as a dependant
• The policy must be upgraded to Family OVHC
• Coverage generally applies from the date of birth if notified on time

If notification is delayed, insurers may only apply coverage from the date the baby is added, not from birth.

Notification Timeline Matters More Than Parents Realise

Why Timing Determines Coverage Start Date

Most insurers require parents to notify them within a specific number of days after birth (commonly within 60 days, subject to fund rules).

If notified within this window:

• Coverage is usually backdated to the baby’s date of birth

If notified late:

• Coverage may start only from the notification date
• Medical costs before that date may not be covered

This timing rule is consistent across major OSHC and OVHC providers.

Coverage Start Date for Newborns: What Really Applies

What Medical Services Are Covered for Newborns

Once properly added, newborns are generally covered for:

• Hospital treatment
• Medically necessary care
• Inpatient doctor services
• Emergency treatment

However, routine services such as:

• Well-baby checks
• Immunisations
• Developmental screening

may involve out-of-pocket costs depending on provider and setting.

Extra Costs When Adding a Newborn

Why Your Premium Increases After Birth

Adding a baby changes the policy structure:

• Single → Family
• Couple → Family

This results in:

• Higher premiums
• New billing cycle or pro-rated charges

The cost increase depends on:

• Insurer
• Policy tier
• Remaining policy duration

Do Waiting Periods Apply to Newborns?

Newborns Do Not Inherit Pregnancy Waiting Periods

Once added correctly:

• Newborns are not subject to pregnancy waiting periods
• Standard policy terms apply

However, if the baby is added late or the policy lapses, standard waiting periods could apply to certain services.

Common OSHC & OVHC Providers Parents Use

For transparency and trust, parents commonly review policies from:

OSHC Providers

• nib OSHC
• Bupa OSHC
• Medibank OSHC
• Allianz Care OSHC
• ahm OSHC

OVHC Providers

• nib OVHC
• Bupa OVHC
• AIA OVHC
• Medibank OVHC
• Allianz Care OSHC

Biggest Mistakes Parents Make After Birth

Parents often run into problems when they:

• Assume automatic coverage is permanent
• Delay notifying the insurer
• Forget to upgrade to family cover
• Underestimate premium changes
• Let the policy lapse during post-birth recovery

These mistakes are avoidable with early planning.