OSHC pregnancy cover is designed for international students in Australia who need maternity-related health care. If you are studying in Australia and plan to start or grow your family, you must ensure that your OSHC policy includes pregnancy benefits.
These Typically Cover:
Doctor consultations and obstetric care
Hospital accommodation for the birth
Theatre and labour ward fees
Costs related to caesarean sections or medically necessary inductions
Postnatal care in hospital
Important:
Most OSHC pregnancy covers have a 12-month waiting period for obstetrics services, meaning you must hold the cover for at least a year before you can claim pregnancy-related benefits.
OVHC Pregnancy Cover
OVHC pregnancy cover works similarly but is designed for non-student visa holders—such as temporary workers, visitors, or those on bridging visas. This pregnancy insurance for overseas visitors in Australia offers:
Coverage for in-hospital maternity services
Private or public hospital birth options
Specialist and anaesthetist fees
Care for pregnancy complications and newborn treatment
Like OSHC, most OVHC pregnancy covers also have a 12-month waiting period for obstetrics. If you are planning a pregnancy, taking out cover early is crucial.
Public hospitals in Australia provide high-quality maternity care, and if you hold the right OSHC or OVHC pregnancy cover, your costs for medically necessary services may be fully covered.
Advantages:
Lower out-of-pocket costs (sometimes none)
Access to midwives and obstetricians
Emergency care readily available
Considerations:
Limited choice of obstetrician
Private rooms not guaranteed—often shared maternity wards
Less flexibility in scheduling the birth unless medically required
Private Hospital Birth
With the right pregnancy cover, you can choose a private hospital, which typically offers more personalised care.
Advantages:
Choose your own obstetrician
Greater likelihood of a private room
More flexibility with birth plans and scheduled caesareans
Considerations:
Higher out-of-pocket expenses if your insurance doesn’t cover certain fees
Some policies may have restrictions on which private hospitals you can access