Medibank OSHC

For visa subclass 500. As a UTS student you can choose either Medibank's Comprehensive OSHC or Essentials OSHC. These covers both meet the student visa health insurance requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs, with Comprehensive OSHC offering a range of added value services that you don't get with Essentials OSHC.

Hospital cover

Helps towards the accommodation costs and doctors, specialists, surgeons and anaesthetists fees for the Included services below.

Inclusions	Waiting Period What is a waiting period? A set period of time you need to wait before you can receive benefits for services or items included in your cover. You can’t receive benefits for any items or services you obtained while you’re serving a waiting period. This means you will have to pay the full cost of the service. What is a pre-existing condition? An ailment, illness or condition that, in the opinion of a Medical Practitioner appointed by Medibank, the signs or symptoms existed at any time during the six months before you either took out your new cover, or transferred to a higher level of cover (12 month waiting period applies).
Ambulance services	Nil
Accident and emergency departments	Nil
Rehabilitation	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Hospital psychiatric services	Nil
Palliative care	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Brain and nervous system Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the brain, brain-related conditions, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. For example: stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Treatment of spinal column (back bone) conditions is listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Eye (not cataracts) Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the eye and the contents of the eye socket. For example: retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed trauma to the eye. Cataract procedures are listed separately under Cataracts. Eyelid procedures are listed separately under Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Tonsils, adenoids and grommets	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Bone, joint and muscle Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. For example: carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and bone cancer. Chest surgery is listed separately under Lung and chest. Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under Brain and nervous system. Spinal column conditions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Joint reconstructions are listed separately under Joint reconstructions. Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon). Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Joint reconstructions Hospital treatment for surgery for joint reconstructions. For example: torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments. Joint replacements are listed separately under Joint replacements. Bone fractures are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle. Procedures to the spinal column are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon). Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Kidney and bladder	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Male reproductive system	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Digestive system Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, liver and bowel. For example: oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gall stones and haemorrhoids. Endoscopy is listed separately under Gastrointestinal endoscopy. Hernia and appendicectomy procedures are listed separately under Hernia and appendix. Bariatric surgery is listed separately under Weight loss surgery. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Hernia and appendix	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Gastrointestinal endoscopy Hospital treatment for the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of the internal parts of the gastrointestinal system using an endoscope. For example: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Non-endoscopic procedures for the digestive system are listed separately under Digestive system.. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Gynaecology Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system. For example: endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer. Fertility treatments are listed separately under Assisted reproductive services. Pregnancy and birth-related conditions are listed separately under Pregnancy and birth. Miscarriage or termination of pregnancy is listed separately under Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer or benign tumours. Surgical treatment of cancer is listed separately under each body system. ^{We will only pay towards cancer-related surgery related to an Included service under your cover.} Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Pain management Hospital treatment for pain management that does not require the insertion or surgical management of a device. For example: treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer by injection of a nerve block. Pain management using a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator) is listed separately under Pain management with device. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Skin Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin, skin-related conditions and nails. The removal of foreign bodies is also included. Plastic surgery that is medically necessary and relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is also included. For example: melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses. Removal of excess skin due to weight loss is listed separately under Weight loss surgery. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Breast surgery (medically necessary) Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction following breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy. For example: breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia. This clinical category does not require benefits to be paid for cosmetic breast surgery that is not medically necessary. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Diabetes management (excluding insulin pumps) Hospital treatment for the investigation and management of diabetes. For example: stabilisation of hypo- or hyper- glycaemia, contour problems due to insulin injections. Treatment for diabetes-related conditions is listed separately under each body system affected. For example, treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions is listed separately under Eye. Treatment for ulcers is listed separately under Skin. Provision and replacement of insulin pumps is listed separately under Insulin pumps. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Heart and vascular system Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the heart, heart-related conditions and vascular system. For example: heart failure and heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Lung and chest Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the lungs, lung-related conditions, mediastinum and chest. For example: lung cancer, respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, and treatment of trauma to the chest. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer is listed separately under Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Blood	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Back, neck and spine Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion. For example: sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, and spine curvature disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. Joint fusions are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle. Spinal cord conditions are listed separately under Brain and nervous system. Management of back pain is listed separately under Pain management. Pain management that requires a device is listed separately under Pain management with device. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Plastic and reconstructive surgery (medically necessary) Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident, or congenital. For example: burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma. Plastic surgery that is medically necessary relating to the treatment of a skin-related condition is listed separately under Skin. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Dental surgery Hospital treatment for surgery to the teeth and gums. For example: surgery to remove wisdom teeth and dental implant surgery. ^{For Dental surgery performed by a dentist rather than a medical practitioner we only pay benefits towards hospital charges. If the surgery is performed by a medical practitioner and an MBS item number is billed, we will pay benefits towards the hospital and medical charges.} Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon) Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon, but limited to benefits towards: • accommodation; and • the cost of a prosthesis as listed in the prostheses list set out in the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules, as in force from time to time. ^{For Podiatric surgery we only pay benefits towards hospital charges. There are no MBS items for podiatric surgery. This means we also don’t pay any benefits towards the podiatric surgeon’s fees under Hospital cover and you could incur significant out-of-pocket expenses.} Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Implantation of hearing devices	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Cataracts	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Joint replacements Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses. For example: replacement of shoulder, wrist, finger, hip, knee, ankle, or toe joint. Joint fusions are listed separately under Bone, joint and muscle. Spinal fusions are listed separately under Back, neck and spine. Joint reconstructions are listed separately under Joint reconstructions. Podiatric surgery performed by a registered podiatric surgeon is listed separately under Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon). Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Dialysis for chronic kidney failure	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Pregnancy and birth Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and child birth. Treatment for the baby is included under the clinical category relevant to their condition. Female reproductive conditions are listed separately under Gynaecology. Fertility treatments are listed separately under Assisted reproductive services. Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy is listed separately under Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. Waiting Period 12 months (Waived for UTS students on Comprehensive OSHC)	12 months (Waived for UTS students on Comprehensive OSHC)
Weight loss surgery	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Insulin pumps	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Pain management with device Hospital treatment for the implantation, replacement or other surgical management of a device required for the treatment of pain. For example: treatment of nerve pain, back pain, and pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device (for example an infusion pump or neurostimulator). Treatment of pain that does not require a device is listed separately under Pain management. Waiting Period Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)
Sleep studies	Nil (12 month pre-existing conditions)

Exclusions
Assisted reproductive services

_{Please note: Medibank does not pay any benefits towards the cost of cosmetic surgery/procedures e.g. surgery that isn’t clinically necessary and which an MBS item is not billable.}

Hospital cover explained

For the services listed as Inclusions in the table above, we pay benefits towards:

Private Hospital

Overnight accommodation in a private or shared room
Same day admissions
Intensive care
Operating theatre fees
Emergency department facility fees

Comprehensive OSHC only:

In-hospital family (boarder fee) benefit (Up to $150 per admission)

Other benefits as set out in 'Hospital benefits' below.

Public Hospital (as a private patient)

Overnight accommodation in a private or shared room
Same-day admissions
Intensive care
Operating theatre fees
Outpatient and emergency department charges

Comprehensive OSHC only:

In-hospital family (boarder fee) benefit (Up to $150 per admission)

Other hospital items we pay benefits towards:

Doctors' fees for Included in-hospital medical services (as set out in Medical benefits below).
Surgically implanted prostheses (such as an artificial joint for a shoulder replacement) and other items on the Federal Government's Prostheses List^^

Hospital benefits

Members’ Choice hospitals

Medibank has agreements with most private hospitals and day surgeries in Australia. We call this our Members’ Choice network. When you visit a Members’ Choice hospital you will generally get better value for money compared to a non-Members’ Choice private hospital, provided the service is included under our agreement with the hospital and not Excluded under your cover.

To find your nearest Members’ Choice hospital, visit medibank.com.au/memberschoice. Members’ Choice hospitals are subject to change from time to time and are not available in all areas.

Medical benefits

Medibank OSHC includes benefits towards medical services provided by a doctor, that are listed in the government’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The MBS is a list of medical services and corresponding fees.

For Included services
We pay 100% of the MBS fee for:	In-hospital medical services provided as part of an Included service (for example, surgeon and anaesthetist fees)
We pay 100% of the MBS fee for:	General practitioner (GP) consultations
We pay 85% of the MBS fee for:	Other medical services provided out-of-hospital (for example, specialists, pathology and x-rays), except for Assisted reproductive services.
We pay 85% of the MBS fee for:	Allied health services billed with an MBS item number (for example, eye checks and services related to chronic disease and mental health management plans).

You must pay any difference between the benefit we pay and the actual fee charged by the doctor, known as an out-of-pocket expense.

For example:

If the MBS fee for an item for a GP consultation is $39.75. You visit a doctor that charges $50. You have Medibank OSHC that pays 100% of the MBS fee for GP consultations. This means you would get back $39.75. Your out-of-pocket cost would be $10.25.

Pharmacy (prescription medicine)

Medibank OSHC provides benefits towards the cost of eligible prescription medicines. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of each eligible prescription medicine before we pay any benefits.

For eligible prescription medicines	Essentials OSHC	Comprehensive OSHC
Member contibution	$30	$30
Amount we’ll pay (maximum per item)	$70	100% of the cost
Annual limit - Single membership	$500*	$1,000*
Annual limit - Couple/Family membership	$500 per member / $1,000 per membership*	$1,000 per member / $2,000 per membership*

_{*Annual limit effective from 1 May 2023. If you are an existing member, any claims for prescription medicines purchased prior to 1 May 2023 will be payable up to the previous annual limits applicable. Contact us for more information.}

If the cost of the prescription medicine is higher than the benefit we pay, you must pay the difference.
Benefits are payable only for prescription-only medicines prescribed by a doctor (GP or specialist) to treat an illness, injury or condition.
We don’t pay benefits towards medicines prescribed for a contraceptive or cosmetic purpose or for prescription medicines that relate to a service that is an Excluded service.

It’s important to note that you may have large out-of-pocket expenses if you need treatment that uses high-cost pharmaceuticals (for example, cancer treatment).

Private psychology

Comprehensive OSHC provides benefits towards psychology services received from recognised providers and billed privately (that is, without an MBS item number).

For eligible services	Essentials OSHC	Comprehensive OSHC
Amount we’ll pay (maximum per consultation)	Not Included	$100
Annual limit - Single membership	Not Included	$200
Annual limit - Couple/Family membership	Not Included	$400

See 'Medical benefits' above for how we pay towards psychology services billed with an MBS item number (for example, under a mental health management plan).

Repatriation

Comprehensive OSHC can help if you or any person included on your membership sustains a substantial life-altering disability or a serious medical condition, as determined by us, and needs to return to their home country. We can help arrange and pay the reasonable cost of travel with the appropriate medical supervision, up to applicable limits.

Or in the unfortunate event of death, the repatriation of mortal remains of you or anyone else on your membership to their home country, up to applicable limits.

For eligible services	Essentials OSHC	Comprehensive OSHC
Medical repatriation	Not Included	$100,000
Repatriation of mortal remains	Not Included	$10,000

The provision of any repatriation benefit is at our discretion and is payable only once per member per lifetime.

A 12-month waiting period is only applicable for repatriating a sick or injured member for:

• Pre-existing conditions

• Pregnancy and birth.

This will be waived if the medical practitioner certifies, and we agree, that you require Emergency Treatment.

Conditions apply, call us on 134 148 for more information.

Further benefits

Health support services

24/7 Student Health and Support Line

Medibank OSHC members can call 1800 887 283 for:

• Medical assistance from a registered nurse

• Counselling services

• Emergency legal advice

• Travel document assistance

• Health system guide

• Family and friends message service

• Living in Australia support

• Interpreter service.

Direct Billing

Direct billing means the doctor will bill Medibank directly for your consultation. Please note, there may be some costs that are not covered by Medibank, which you will have to pay out of your own pocket.

Direct billing centres

If your situation changes

If at any time you gain access to full Medicare entitlements or your visa status changes (e.g. you are granted permanent residency), Medibank OSHC may no longer be suitable. In these instances, you should notify us of the change in your circumstances. Medibank can still remain an important part of your private health insurance plans as we offer a large range of other covers

Membership Guides

Member Guide (PDF - 598 KB)

Cover Summaries

Comprehensive OSHC (PDF - 85 KB)

Essentials OSHC (PDF - 80 KB)

Need a little extra help?

Find out more about things like waiting periods and pre-existing conditions or check our list of definitions if you don't know the meaning of a word or phrase

OSHC FAQs Contact us

~The fee may not include all medical services provided and out-of-pocket expenses may apply such as for x-rays, blood tests and any charges raised by the doctor above the benefit we pay.

^^If you need to be hospitalised for a procedure requiring a surgically implanted prosthesis (for example: a pacemaker or cardiac stent), we’ll pay the minimum benefit for the thousands of items set out in the Australian Government’s Prostheses List.

*Offer available until 31 March 2025. Must take out eligible Medibank Overseas Workers Health covers and commence your policy by 30 April 2025. Offer available via phone, web, messaging and in store. For new members on new memberships residing in Australia on a working visa or Medibank members who are transferring from Medibank OSHC or ahm OSHC. Must be over the age of 18. Must quote promo code 'WORKER8’ when joining. Member must sign up to direct debit. Excludes Overseas Visitors Health Cover, all corporate covers, all Corporate Non-resident covers, all residential hospital and extras covers, Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance Cover, ahm covers, and other selected covers. Waiting periods may apply to hospital cover. Not available if the policy holder has already taken up this offer, or taken up any other discount offer from Medibank within 12 months from the policy start date. Not available to Medibank employees. Not available with any other offer except the Overseas Extras only offer. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash. Member take up of the offer is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Medibank reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions without notice from time to time.

8 weeks free terms: Member must maintain direct debit and keep policy premium payments up to date and hold eligible cover for 42 consecutive days from the policy start date to get next 8 weeks free. If you change to an ineligible cover during this period, or you terminate or suspend your cover, 8 weeks free will not be issued.