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.

‍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.