Is Podiatrist Covered by OSHC? 2025 Guide

If you &lsquore studying in Australia and covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you might wonder about the extent of your coverage for specialist medical services, such as Podiatrist. Here &lsquos a comprehensive look at what you can expect when visiting a Podiatrist and how your OSHC can impact your out-of-pocket expenses.

Will My OSHC Cover Podiatrist?

Yes, OSHC typically covers visits to specialists, including Podiatrist. Under your provider &lsquos OSHC, you are covered for up to 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for specialist consultations and treatments. However, if the specialist charges more than the MBS fee, you may need to pay the difference out-of-pocket.

Example Calculation: Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

To illustrate how your OSHC coverage works, let’s consider an example:

• Podiatrist Consultation Fee: $250
• Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Fee: $90

OSHC covers up to 100% of the MBS fee. Here’s how the costs break down:

• Amount Covered by OSHC: $90
• Your Out-of-Pocket Expense: $250 (Total Podiatrist Fee) - $90 (OSHC Coverage) = $160

In this scenario, you would pay $160 out-of-pocket, while your OSHC would cover the remaining $90.

Key Points to Consider

• Referral Requirement: You will typically need a referral from a GP to see a Podiatrist. This is a standard requirement for OSHC to cover the costs.
• Waiting Periods: For pre-existing conditions, there may be a waiting period of up to 12 months before you can claim benefits.
• Extras Cover: If you require additional services like physiotherapy, dental, or optical, you may need to purchase separate Extras cover, as these are not included in the standard OSHC policy.
• Emergency Treatment: If you require emergency treatment, waiting periods do not apply, and you will be covered immediately.

Purchasing OSHC

You can purchase OSHC from a few registered health insurers. It &lsquos important to compare plans and prices to ensure that you get the coverage that suits your needs. Get a Quote today to explore your options or contact the OSHC providers directly for more detailed information.

Staying Informed and Compliant

Remember, maintaining your OSHC is a requirement for your student visa. Ensure your policy is up to date and aligns with your visa conditions. For more detailed guidelines on OSHC, refer to our Complete Guide on OSHC.

Disclaimer

This information is provided based on our research and is intended as a general guide only. We recommend confirming with your insurance provider to determine if your specific case and Podiatrist are covered. We do not hold any liability for the accuracy or applicability of this information to individual circumstances.