If you are pregnant or planning to start a family while studying in Australia, it’s important to understand how pregnancy care works with your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Australia has a high-quality healthcare system, but as an international student you may not be eligible for Medicare. OSHC helps pay for medical costs related to pregnancy and birth.
During pregnancy you may need several types of medical care, including:
Your OSHC policy generally pays benefits based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee.
Some doctors may charge more than the MBS fee, which means you may need to pay a gap fee.
Some OSHC policies include waiting periods for pregnancy-related services.
For example:
If you are planning a pregnancy, it is important to understand your policy inclusions. You can review these in the relevant policy wording document.
In Australia you may have your baby in:
Your doctor or midwife can help guide you through the best option for your situation. Depending on where you are located in Australia, we may offer a private maternity package. A private maternity package is a partnership with a chosen provider who offers subsidised fees for our members. These programs are currently available in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Once your baby is born, you will need to upgrade your OSHC policy.
You can usually do this through the MyHealth App or by contacting us within 60 days of your baby’s birth.
Pregnancy care can involve several steps, and understanding your cover early can help you plan ahead.
For more detailed information about pregnancy cover, hospital options and managing medical costs, please refer to our Pregnancy FAQ.