When you're studying in Australia, having Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a visa requirement, but navigating exactly what it does and doesn’t include can be a little confusing. OSHC is designed to help you cover the costs of essential medical services, but there are many common health services that OSHC doesn’t cover—such as dental care, optometry (eye care), and physiotherapy.
These kinds of services fall under what’s called “extras cover” or “ancillary cover.” That’s why it’s important to understand what OSHC extras cover, how it works, and why you might consider it during your time in Australia.
If you’re thinking about adding extras to your healthcare plan, the next step is to speak directly with your health insurance provider, who can guide you through your options.
What Is an Extras Cover?
Extras cover is a type of private health insurance that helps pay for services not included in your OSHC hospital or medical policy. These are everyday services that support your health, but don’t typically involve a stay in hospital.
Think of it this way: if OSHC is there for when you’re sick, injured, need to see a doctor, or go to hospital; extras cover is there to support your everyday health maintenance—like getting your teeth cleaned, new glasses, or seeing a physio.
Extras cover is optional and comes in many levels and packages, depending on what services you want included and how much coverage you’d like.
Why Should I Take Out Extras Cover?
While OSHC does a solid job of covering the basics, OSHC extras can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for common and often unavoidable health services.
Here are a few reasons why many international students choose to take out extras cover:
1. Without extras, you’ll need to pay the full cost for services like dental check-ups, fillings, physiotherapy, or glasses. With extras cover, a portion of these costs are subsidised.
2. Knowing you’re covered for everyday health needs means less stress if something unexpected arises. With extras, you can take care of your health proactively, not just reactively.
3. Some extras policies even cover services like remedial massage, chiropractic care, or dietetics. These can be a huge bonus when managing study stress, minor injuries, or maintaining general health.
What Is Generally Covered Under Extras?
Coverage will vary depending on your insurer and the level of extras you choose, but here are the most commonly included services:
- Dental care – check-ups, x-rays, cleans, fillings, extractions
- Optical – eye tests, prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Physiotherapy – treatment for musculoskeletal issues or injuries
- Chiropractic care – spine, joint, and muscle therapies
- Remedial massage – pain relief and muscle recovery
- Podiatry – foot health and injury management
- Psychology or counselling – some policies offer limited support for mental health services
- Dietitian services – nutrition advice and support
- Orthodontics – occasionally covered in higher-tier policies
It’s worth noting that each OSHC extras policy has its own limits, exclusions, and rebate percentages. For example, a policy might reimburse 60% of your dental bill up to a certain annual limit, while other services are typically only included in premium extras policies.
For detailed information on what’s covered under your policy—or to purchase an extras plan—you'll need to contact your OSHC provider directly. They can walk you through the different cover options and help you choose what suits your needs and budget best.
Understanding Waiting Periods For Extras Cover
When you take out extras cover, some services won’t be available to claim immediately. This is due to waiting periods—a set amount of time you must wait after purchasing your policy before you can access certain benefits.
A waiting period is a restriction applied by your insurer to prevent people from claiming expensive services straight away and then cancelling their cover. It helps keep premiums fair for everyone. Common waiting periods you might encounter are as follows:
- 2 months – most general services like dental cleans, physio, and optical
- 6 months – some services related to mental health or special support programs
- 12 months – major dental (e.g. crowns, root canals), orthodontics, and high-cost appliances (e.g. hearing aids)
Some policies may offer shorter waiting periods, or may even waive them during promotions, so it’s worth asking your provider what applies to your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Extras Cover the Same as Hospital Cover?
No. Extras cover and hospital cover are two distinct parts of private health insurance Hospital cover (which your OSHC includes) helps pay for things like hospital stays, surgery, and inpatient medical treatment. Extras cover helps with out-of-hospital services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
If you already have OSHC, you have hospital cover and medical benefits, but not extras. You can add extras to your existing OSHC by contacting your insurer.
Can I Purchase Extras Cover From OSHC Australia?
Not directly. OSHC Australia helps you compare and purchase standard OSHC policies, which cover medical and hospital treatments as required by your student visa. If you’re wondering, ‘how do i upgrade to an oshc extras cover?’, most major OSHC providers offer extras cover as an add-on or in a combined package. So help is just a phone call or email away and is always best to be done after your visa is approved. .
Are There Different Levels of Extras Cover?
Yes. OSHC extras cover is usually available in different tiers—basic, mid-range, and comprehensive. Basic plans might include just dental and optical, while other options may offer a broader mix of services with higher claim limits and fewer exclusions.
Choosing the right level depends on your needs, budget, and how often you expect to use the services. Some students prefer basic extras for peace of mind, while others with ongoing health needs may opt for more complete coverage.
