If you're moving to Australia to study, there’s a lot to get organised: student visas, accommodation, enrolment, and of course, your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). But before you apply for OSHC, it’s important to understand how pre-existing medical conditions may affect your coverage.
Knowing whether you have a pre-existing condition—and how insurers define and treat it—can help you avoid unexpected costs down the line. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things international students should know about pre-existing conditions and OSHC in Australia.
What Is A Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
A pre-existing medical condition refers to any illness, ailment, or condition where signs or symptoms were present before you arrived in Australia or before your health cover started—whichever is later.
This doesn’t mean you need a formal diagnosis. If symptoms existed or treatment was recommended in the past, your condition may still be classed as pre-existing. Insurers assess both diagnosed and undiagnosed issues, which is why it’s important to provide accurate medical information when you apply.
What Are Examples Of A Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
Pre-existing conditions come in many forms. Some are chronic, while others may have occurred recently. Common examples include:
- Asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Diabetes
- Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety
- Heart conditions, including high blood pressure or arrhythmia
- Chronic pain or musculoskeletal issues
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Recent surgeries or hospitalisations
- Pregnancy, if signs or symptoms were present before cover began
Even if you feel fine now, if you’ve had treatment or ongoing symptoms before your policy started, it may count as pre-existing.
Are There Waiting Periods For Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?
Yes. Most OSHC providers apply a waiting period of 12 months before they will cover treatment for pre-existing conditions that require hospital admission.
This means if you need surgery or in-hospital care related to a pre-existing issue within the first 12 months of your policy, you’ll likely need to pay the full cost yourself. This waiting period helps maintain fairness in the health system and prevents people from joining a policy only after they know they’ll need immediate treatment.
Routine doctor visits or prescription medication may still be covered during this time, so check your OSHC policy for details.
Who Decides If A Condition Is Pre-Existing?
Whether or not a condition is classified as pre-existing is usually determined by a medical practitioner appointed by your insurer, not your personal doctor.
They will review your medical history, including doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and reports. They assess whether there were any signs or symptoms in the six months before your OSHC policy began or before you arrived in Australia—whichever is later.
If the insurer determines the condition is pre-existing, it may be excluded from hospital coverage for the first 12 months. After that, your policy may cover hospital treatment as normal.
I Have A Pre-Existing Condition – What Does This Mean For My Insurance?
For students with pre-existing conditions, this doesn’t mean you can’t get Overseas Student Health Cover, but it does mean your coverage might be limited at first. Here’s what you should know:
- You must declare any known conditions when applying for OSHC.
- Your insurer may apply a 12-month waiting period for hospital treatment related to that condition.
- After 12 months of continuous cover, most insurers will provide coverage for hospital care related to the condition.
- General practitioner (GP) visits, some out-of-hospital treatments, and medications may still be claimable during the waiting period, depending on your OSHC plan.
It’s important to read your policy carefully and ask your insurer for clarification if you’re unsure what’s included. Some students choose to extend their cover beyond 12 months to make sure they’ll be fully covered once the waiting period ends.
Need Help? Contact OSHC Australia
Whether you’re applying for health insurance with pre-existing conditions or trying to figure out how your condition might impact your policy, we’re here to help. With OSHC Australia, you can easily compare plans, get expert advice, and make sure you’re fully covered for your time in Australia.
Taking care of your health starts with understanding your options—and we’re here to make that process easier.
