Does OSHC Cover Pregnancy and Maternity?

The 12-month pregnancy waiting period

All OSHC providers apply a standard 12-month waiting period for pregnancy and obstetrics (birth-related care). This means you must hold your OSHC policy for a full 12 months before giving birth in order to claim maternity benefits. The waiting period is counted from your policy start date, not from when you apply or lodge your visa.

This waiting period is non-negotiable across all five approved OSHC providers: Allianz Care, ahm, Bupa, Medibank, and nib.

Upgrading your policy won't help

A common misconception is that upgrading to a higher-tier OSHC plan (one that includes maternity) will remove or shorten the 12-month waiting period. It won't. If you're already pregnant when you upgrade, or if you upgrade after you've been on a basic plan for less than 12 months, the 12-month waiting period still applies to your entire policy. Upgrading doesn't reset the clock in your favour — it only locks you into the new plan's terms.

If you're planning to have a baby, buy your OSHC as early as possible and ensure maternity is included from the start.

What maternity cover includes and excludes

Maternity is usually only available on mid-tier and higher OSHC plans; basic plans typically exclude it. Even when maternity is covered, the scope is narrower than you might expect.

OSHC maternity cover usually includes inpatient (hospital) care: delivery, caesarean section, and hospital stay. Most plans do not cover routine antenatal visits, scans, or ultrasounds outside hospital, nor do they cover postnatal check-ups at the GP. These outpatient services often fall outside the OSHC maternity benefit or are covered at a reduced rate.

Check your policy documents to understand exactly what's covered. Outpatient maternity care may need to be covered by a separate OSHC Extras policy or paid out of pocket.

Newborn cover

When your baby is born, newborn cover is usually automatically included on your OSHC policy at no extra cost — but this only lasts a limited period (typically 12 weeks). After that, you'll need to add your baby as a dependent on your family or couple policy if you want to continue OSHC cover for them.

Some plans offer an extended newborn-only period; check with your provider.

Other waiting periods that apply

Beyond the 12-month pregnancy waiting period, your OSHC policy may also include standard waiting periods for other services: 12 months for pre-existing conditions, and 2 months for psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and palliative care. These don't apply to pregnancy specifically, but they're worth noting if you have other health needs.

Planning ahead if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant

If you're already pregnant and on a student visa, you'll likely not meet the 12-month waiting period for OSHC maternity. In that case, you may need to explore other options: private maternity cover (if available and affordable), Medicare eligibility if you're eligible, or negotiating a payment plan with the hospital.

If you're planning to have a baby, buy your OSHC with maternity included as soon as you apply for your visa — the earlier your cover starts, the earlier the 12-month period begins. Don't wait until you're pregnant; by then it's too late.

Does OSHC cover pregnancy if I buy it after I find out I'm pregnant?

No. The 12-month waiting period applies from your policy start date. Buying OSHC after you're pregnant doesn't give you cover for your pregnancy or birth, even if you buy a plan that nominally includes maternity. You'll need to find alternative cover.

Can I upgrade my OSHC plan to include maternity and remove the waiting period?

No. Upgrading an existing policy doesn't shorten or remove the 12-month waiting period for pregnancy. The waiting period is tied to your policy start date across all plans. If you want maternity cover and haven't yet held OSHC for 12 months, upgrading won't help.

Does OSHC cover antenatal scans and doctor visits?

Most OSHC plans cover inpatient maternity (hospital delivery and stay) but not routine outpatient antenatal care. Scans and check-ups at the doctor usually aren't covered by OSHC maternity benefits. Check your policy documents or contact your provider to confirm what's included.

What happens to my newborn after the initial cover period?

Newborns are usually covered at no extra cost for the first 12 weeks. After that, you'll need to add your baby as a dependent on your family or couple OSHC policy. Contact your provider for the process and any additional cost.

Can I claim OSHC for maternity care if I've already given birth?

OSHC maternity cover is for the pregnancy and birth itself, not for postnatal care. Once your baby is born, OSHC covers your inpatient stay and delivery but not ongoing postnatal GP visits. These are usually covered as general GP visits if your plan includes GP cover.

What should I do if I'm pregnant and don't have OSHC maternity cover?

Contact your OSHC provider and your education provider immediately. Explore other options: public hospital delivery (covered under Medicare if eligible, or out of pocket), private maternity cover if available, or payment plans. Your education provider may also have resources or advice for international students in this situation.