Dental & Optical Deep Dive: Upgrading Beyond OSHC Extras for Long-Term Stays

Introduction

Australia’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) ensures that international students meet visa health requirements - but many are surprised to learn that OSHC doesn’t usually cover dental, optical, or allied health services.

For long-term students or visa holders, ignoring these extras can lead to costly out-of-pocket expenses. So how can you make sure your smile and sight stay in good shape while studying in Australia?

In this guide, we’ll explore:

What OSHC covers - and what it doesn’t
The truth about “Extras” like dental and optical add-ons
Tips to get better coverage for long-term stays
Smart ways to compare and save on extras policies

What OSHC Covers - And Where It Falls Short?

By law, international students on most student visas must maintain OSHC. It typically covers:

Doctor visits and specialist consultations
Hospital care (public and private)
Prescription medicines (partial coverage)
Emergency ambulance services

However, routine dental check-ups, eye exams, and glasses or contact lenses are not covered.

This means that if you crack a tooth or need new spectacles, you’ll likely be paying the full cost unless you add an Extras cover.

Understanding OSHC Extras: Dental & Optical Coverage

Most OSHC providers - including nib, Allianz Care, Bupa, ahm and Medibank - offer optional Extras that expand your health protection.

Dental Extras Cover

Extras can include:

General dental check-ups and X-rays
Fillings and extractions
Minor oral surgeries

Not included: major dental work such as crowns, braces, or implants.

Optical Extras Cover

Optical cover typically includes:

Prescription glasses and frames
Contact lenses
Limited rebates on eye tests (depending on policy)

Typical annual limits range between AU$150 – AU$250 for optical and AU$400 – AU$600 for dental care, depending on your insurer.

Waiting periods generally apply - 2 months for dental, 6 months for optical.

Compare now: Want to see how much dental or optical coverage you can get under nib or Allianz Care? Check rates instantly on GetMyPolicy.online.

The Catch: Gaps, Waiting Periods & Limits

While Extras help fill coverage gaps, they come with fine print.

Limitation	What It Means
Annual limits	Once you hit your cap (e.g., AU$500 for dental), you’ll pay out-of-pocket.
Waiting periods	Coverage for dental/optical starts only after 2–6 months.
Excluded services	Cosmetic dental, major surgeries, and non-prescription eyewear aren’t covered.
Out-of-network gaps	Visiting a non-partner clinic may cost more.

‍Pro Tip: Stick to preferred provider networks listed by your insurer (like nib First Choice Network) to reduce or eliminate gap fees.

Strategies to Upgrade Smartly

If you’re planning to stay in Australia for 2+ years - whether studying or transitioning to a work visa - here’s how to get better long-term value:

Compare OSHC Extras before purchase - Some insurers (like nib and Allianz Care) offer flexible upgrade options that combine OSHC + Extras.
Look at mid-range tiers - Slightly higher premiums can unlock better dental and optical benefits.
Use annual caps wisely - Schedule non-urgent checkups across the year.
Avoid overlapping cover - If you add private dental insurance, check it doesn’t duplicate OSHC Extras.
Upgrade early - Waiting periods can delay benefits, so plan ahead before your next dental visit.

FAQs: Dental & Optical Coverage for OSHC Holders

Question	Answer
Does OSHC cover dental?	Not standard OSHC. You’ll need to add Extras for dental check-ups and fillings.
Are eye tests and glasses covered?	Only through Extras add-ons. Optical benefits are limited to a set yearly amount.
How long is the waiting period?	Usually 2 months for dental, 6 months for optical.
Can I add Extras anytime?	Yes, but benefits start only after the waiting period.
Is it worth upgrading?	If you plan to stay long term, definitely — routine dental and optical costs add up fast.
Which brands offer reliable Extras?	nib, Allianz Care, Bupa, and Medibank are top-rated providers with transparent OSHC Extras policies.