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Common Questions

The following links provide information on what you are covered for with the health insurance cover ahm OSHC, how to make a claim and much more. If you have an emergency, you could also call our 24 hour Emergency Helpline.


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What is OSHC?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps you pay for hospital and medical services which you may need while studying in Australia.

Why do I need OSHC?

As an overseas student, it is a requirement of your overseas student visa that you have OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

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Where can I find all the important information I need to know about ahm OSHC?

To find out more about ahm OSHC download a copy of the ahm OSHC policy document.

What am I covered for by ahm OSHC?

We pay for the following services but please remember it is important that you should contact us prior to any major treatments, especially staying in the hospital:

  • Doctors: We pay 100% of Medicare Benefits Schedule fee (MBS) for General Practitioners' services (doctors may charge above MBS) and 85% of fee of all services other than hospitals.
  • Hospitals*: Including accommodation, operating theatre, day services, emergency and accident services, outpatient medical and postoperative services.
  • Prescription Medicines: You pay a set amount towards the cost (PBS amount) and we pay the rest, up to a maximum of $50 per item to a maximum of $300 for a single membership ($600 family). As an overseas student, you may face significant out of pocket costs if you need treatment with "high cost" pharmaceuticals, particularly oncology (cancer) treatment.
    Download the How to claim for prescription medicines flyer »
  • Pathology and X-rays
  • Emergency ambulance transport
  • Prosthetic devices: (such as artificial knees).

For full details of what you are covered for, download a copy of the ahm OSHC policy document.

*NOTE: If you applied for your student visa before coming to Australia, you will have to wait 12 months for payment of services related to medical conditions that you or your dependant/s had prior to arriving in Australia.

If you applied for your student visa while already living in Australia, you will have to wait 12 months for payment of services related to medical conditions that you or your dependant/s had within the 12 months prior to purchasing ahm OSHC.

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What about cover for dental care and prescription glasses?

You can purchase more cover to have benefits for a range of other services such as dental services, prescription glasses, physiotherapy and chiropractic. Select from ahm OSHC Basic Extras or ahm OSHC Family Extras.

This cover doesn’t satisfy your visa requirement and can only be purchased in addition to ahm OSHC.

Waiting periods will apply.

How do I make a claim?

There are several convenient ways to make a claim and we can deposit benefits to your nominated Australian bank account or send you a cheque.

  • Online or Phone: Firstly, you need to nominate an Australian bank account so that we can deposit your benefit. To make a claim login to member services or call 134 246. Let us know details of your claim and the benefit will be sent to you within 48 hours. Remember to print the claim form, attach your receipts and post to OSHC.
  • Post: Mail a claim form and invoices to: ahm OSHC, Locked Bag 1006, Matraville NSW 2036. Please ensure your address details are written on the claim form.
  • In person: Hand in your claim form and invoices to OSHC Student Representative at your school, our Head Office at Wollongong (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm) or the ahm OSHC Services Centre at Haymarket, Sydney (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm).

More about how to claim.
Download the How to claim flyer » (1MB)

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When will I have my membership card?

You'll receive a membership card from your place of education within a few days of starting your ahm OSHC membership. If you join online, it will be mailed to you.

What if I lose my membership card?

Just visit ahm OSHC member services to login and re-order your card, or give us a call on 134 246.

How can I apply for ahm OSHC?

  • Online: You can join online.
  • Phone: Call 134 246
  • Post: Mail a registration form to ahm OSHC, Locked Bag 1006, Matraville NSW 2036, Australia.

What if I need extra help?

For medical, legal and interpreter assistance, call the Emergency Helpline and Interpreter Service on 1800 006 745 toll free. More information.

How do I update my personal details?

It's important to let us know when you move. To change your personal details, login to member services or call us on 134 246.

Ensure that your OSHC is still current

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires holders of a student visa to maintain OSHC for their entire stay in Australia. If you allow your cover to lapse, when you renew your OSHC you will have to back-pay for any period that your were not covered by OSHC. In addition, you are not entitled to receive benefits for periods when you were not covered by OSHC even if you re-activate your policy and backdate your payments for that period. This may result in you having to pay significant hospital, medical or other costs yourself.

Still have a question?

If you can't find the information you're looking for, please call us on 134 246 or email us.

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