OSHCstudents – A pre-existing condition is an ailment, illness, or condition, the signs or symptoms of which, in the opinion of our appointed medical practitioner, existed at any time in the period of six months prior to you becoming insured under the policy.
Pre-existing conditions and waiting periods
The OSHC and OVHC policies include waiting periods for the treatment of some pre-existing conditions. This means if you receive treatment for a pre-existing condition within the relevant waiting period, you cannot claim for the costs and you will need to pay the entire amount. A waiting period is calculated from either the date you arrived in Australia or the date your visa was granted, whichever date is later. Waiting periods may differ between policies, please refer to the policy wording for further details.
For example, if you have been diagnosed with asthma during the six months before arriving in Australia, this will be considered a pre-existing condition. You will need to wait the applicable waiting period before cover will be provided and you can claim for treatment received after the end of the waiting period, unless our medical practitioner certifies that you required emergency treatment in Australia.
Who decides if your condition is pre-existing?
The medical practitioner will take into account any information relating to your ailment, illness or condition. The information will usually come from the medical practitioner who treated you. The condition may not have been given a diagnosis, but if the symptoms or signs were there, then it can be considered a pre-existing condition.
If you are international students, foreigners arriving in Australia, or Australian citizens traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact Annalink team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
OSHCstudents Team
