Questions & Answers

We realise that OSHC is not the first thing on your mind right now, but we've put together some of our most popular questions here so if and when you do have questions you can find the answers here in one place.

• What is OSHC?
  Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps you pay for hospital and medical services which you may need while studying in Australia.
• Why do I need OSHC?
  As an overseas student, it is a requirement of your overseas student visa that you have OSHC when you apply for your visa and then keep it for the entire duration of your stay in Australia under the student visa.
• Where can I find all the important information I need to know about ahm OSHC?
  To find out more about ahm OSHC download a copy of the ahm OSHC policy document.
• What if I have a family or dependants?
  They will not be covered under your singles policy. You should take out an ahm OSHC family policy to cover your spouse or de-facto partner or any child or step child who is unmarried and under the age of 18. We also have Extras cover for families. For more information download the ahm OSHC policy brochure and either the Basic Extras brochure or the Family Extras brochure.
• What if I have a pre-existing condition?

  You or one of your dependants has a pre-existing condition if the signs or symptoms of the ailment, illness or condition you have (in the opinion of a Medical Practitioner appointed by ahm) existed at any time in the 6 month period before you or your dependant arrived in Australia on a student visa. For pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy related services including childbirth there is a waiting period of 12 months. That means you won't be covered for these conditions until the waiting period is over. For a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature, there is waiting period of 2 months.

  More information about waiting periods can be found in the ahm OSHC policy document.

• What am I covered for by ahm OSHC?

  We pay for the following services but please remember it is important that you should contact us prior to any major treatments, especially staying in the hospital.

  • Doctors*: We pay 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee (MBS Fee) for General Practitioners' standard consultations (doctors may charge above the MBS Fee) and 85% of the MBS Fee for other out-of-hospital services.
  • Hospitals*: Including accommodation, operating theatre, day services, emergency and accident services, outpatient medical and post operative services.
  • Prescription Medicines*: You pay a set amount towards the cost (PBS amount) and we pay the rest, up to a maximum of $50 per item to a maximum of $300 for a single membership ($600 family). As an overseas student, you may face significant out of pocket costs if you need treatment with "high cost" pharmaceuticals, particularly oncology (cancer) treatment.
  • Pathology and X-rays*: We pay 85% of the MBS Fee for out-of-hospital services or 100% of the MBS Fee for in-hospital services.
  • Emergency ambulance transport*: We cover 100% of the cost of emergency transportation in an ambulance.
  • Prosthetic devices: We cover the full cost of any No Gap prostheses and the minimum benefit for Gap permitted prostheses. Surgically implanted prostheses could include, for example, stents for coronary arteries, artificial hips/knees or titanium plates/screws for reconstructions & bone breaks.

  Waiting periods may apply. For full details of what you’re covered for, download a copy of the ahm OSHC policy document

  *Important: Waiting periods apply for pre-existing conditions. That is, an ailment, illness or condition which either you or one of your dependants have, the signs or symptoms of which, in the opinion of a Medical Practitioner appointed by ahm, existed at any time in the 6 month period before you or your dependant arrived in Australia. For pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy related services including childbirth there is a waiting period of 12 months. That means you won't be covered for these conditions until the waiting period is over. For a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature, there is a waiting period of 2 months.

  More information about waiting periods can be found in the ahm OSHC policy document

• What is direct billing?
  Direct billing is when you visit your General Practitioner (GP) and your GP charges you the MBS Fee. Some doctors have arrangements with ahm to bill ahm directly for the full MBS amount so you won't have any out-of-pocket expenses. Not all GPs direct bill.
• Will OSHC cover me when I travel overseas or if I'm on holiday?
  OSHC only covers you while you are in Australia. If you travel outside of Australia you'll need to take out Travel Insurance – ahm offers "Cover-More", click to find out more.
• Do I need to suspend my OSHC when I go overseas for a holiday?
  You don't need to but if you're travelling outside Australia for more than 30 days, you can suspend your ahm OSHC policy while you’re away. When you return we’ll extend your OSHC cover for the same period for which your OSHC policy was suspended. Find out more
• What about cover for dental care and prescription glasses?
  You can purchase more cover to have benefits for a range of other services such as dental services, prescription glasses, physiotherapy and chiropractic. Select ahm OSHC Basic Extras or Family Extras. Please remember that this cover doesn't satisfy your visa requirement and can only be purchased in addition to ahm OSHC. Some waiting periods will apply.
• Am I covered once I finish studying?
  ahm OSHC covers you for the duration of your student visa. If you plan to stay in Australia after your student visa expires, you'll need to apply for another visa that is specific to your future needs. Visit www.immi.gov.au for more information. If you obtain a different visa (eg an overseas visitor visa, a working visa) you will need to organise different health insurance, as OSHC can only cover you while you are on a student visa.
• How do I make a claim?

  There are several convenient ways to make a claim and we can deposit benefits to your nominated Australian bank account or send you a cheque.

  • Online or Phone: Firstly, you need to nominate an Australian bank account so that we can deposit your benefit. To make a claim, log in to member services or call 134 246. Let us know details of your claim and the benefit will be sent to you usually within 2 working days. Remember to print the claim form, attach your receipts and post to OSHC.
  • Post: Mail a claim form and invoices or receipts to: ahm OSHC, Locked Bag 1006, Matraville NSW 2036. Please ensure your address details are written on the claim form.
  • In person: Visit our Head Office in Wollongong (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm).

  For more about how to claim, download the How to claim flyer.

• When will I get my membership card?
  When you arrive in Australia, visit the ahm OSHC web site and click 'yes' where it asks 'have you arrived in Australia yet?'. Follow the steps to update your information and we will send your membership card to your Australian residential address. It’s really important that you do this as soon as you arrive so that you’re properly covered.
• What if I lose my membership card?
  Just visit ahm OSHC member services to log in and re-order your card, or give us a call on 134 246.
• How can I apply for ahm OSHC?
  • Online: You can join online.
  • Phone: Call 134 246
  • Post: Mail a registration form to ahm OSHC, Locked Bag 1006, Matraville NSW 2036, Australia.
• What if I need extra help?
  Need an interpreter? Want to speak to a counsellor? Feel sick but not sure what to do? Call our Helpline on 1800 006 745 for 24 hour a day assistance. Print out an emergency contact list
• How do I update my personal details?
  It's important to let us know when you move. To change your personal details, log in to member services or call us on 134 246.
• What happens if I don't keep my OSHC current?
  The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires holders of a student visa to maintain OSHC for their entire stay in Australia. If you allow your cover to lapse, you will be in breach of your visa conditions. You'll also need to renew your OSHC and have to back-pay for any period that you were not covered by OSHC. In addition, you are not entitled to receive benefits for periods when you were not covered by OSHC even if you re-activate your policy and backdate your payments for that period. This may also result in you having to pay very significant hospital, medical or other costs yourself.

If you can't find the information you're looking for, please call us on 134 246 or email us on oshcemail@ahm.com.au