Top 10 OSHC Hacks

1. Compare Before You Commit

Don’t rush to buy the university-suggested OSHC, these often come at a markup. Compare options on GetMyPolicy.online, which lists DHA-approved OSHC providers.

• nib, Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, and ahm all meet the 2025 OSHC Deed standards, offering hospital and medical coverage compliant with the Private Health Insurance Act.

Hack: nib’s refund clause ensures pro-rata returns for unused periods if your visa is refused or cut short.

2. Check Hospital & Ambulance Inclusions

• Emergency ambulance transport is fully covered by nib, Medibank, ahm, Bupa, and Allianz. However, some (like Bupa) limit non-emergency ambulance to 3 trips per year

Tip: Always verify if your provider’s definition includes both “emergency” and “medically necessary” transfers - nib’s fund rules explicitly allow both

3. Understand Waiting Periods Before You Need Care

According to the official rulebook of all the policies:

• 12 months: pregnancy, pre-existing conditions
• 2 months: psychiatric, rehabilitation, palliative care

Tip: Buy your OSHC as soon as you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Waiting periods start from the policy start date - even before arrival in Australia.

4. Use Recognised Providers for Full Benefits

Each insurer only pays full benefits for recognised providers, doctors, clinics, or hospitals approved by the insurer:

• Medibank & ahm: Must use registered or contracted hospitals
• nib: Benefits are capped if using non-partnered providers

Hack: Before your appointment, check the provider list on your insurer’s app to avoid “out-of-pocket” costs.

5. Save on Prescriptions

Pharmaceutical cover is capped under the OSHC Policies:

• Up to $50 per item, annual max around $500–$600 per member.
• nib and Bupa refund 60–100% depending on the medicine type

Hack: Ask your GP if the medicine is PBS-listed - these are covered more generously across all OSHC providers.

6. Claim Digitally and Within Time

nib and Medibank policies specify a two-year claim window, but submitting early leads to faster turnaround. Most claims can be submitted through apps or web portals within minutes

Hack: Always claim within a week of treatment. Late claims may be rejected unless your insurer waives the delay (nib and ahm allow discretion).

7. Multi-Year OSHC = Fixed Price & Fewer Renewals

Students pursuing 2–5-year courses benefit from locked-in rates.

Example: nib’s multi-year OSHC stays at the same annual premium, even if fund prices rise - a practical saving for long-term students.

8. Pause Coverage When You Leave Temporarily

Both nib and Medibank allow policy suspension for up to 2 years when you travel overseas or take semester breaks

Tip: Suspension periods don’t count toward your waiting period - so plan ahead if you need continuity later.

9. Get Refunds the Right Way

Refunds are only granted under defined conditions:

• Visa refusal
• Early departure
• Permanent residency approval
• Overlapping cover

Hack: Don’t close your Australian bank account before your refund clears - nib specifically requires active accounts for payments.

10. Add Family Members Without Restarting Waiting Periods

Per Medibank and ahm policy rules, newborn dependants can be added from birth if requested within 12 months, ensuring continuous cover

Hack: Always submit a dependent addition form promptly; late additions restart waiting periods.