Skip to content 
The thought of studying and earning a degree in Australia brings excitement, but it also sparks a host of questions for international students:
- How will I find accommodation?
- What if I face financial difficulties?
- Will I overcome the language barrier?
- How do I arrange sufficient health cover?
While addressing these concerns is key to a smooth transition, there’s one critical question that often goes unasked but can have a significant impact on your stay: What happens if you become pregnant while studying in Australia?
Let’s break it down!
The Impact on Your Student Visa
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. OSHC helps cover medical and hospital care costs, but it’s essential to understand what’s included — especially when it comes to pregnancy.
Most OSHC policies do not cover pregnancy-related services unless it’s an emergency. Not having adequate health cover can breach visa condition 8501, potentially leading to visa cancellation.
To protect yourself and your baby, it’s crucial to understand OSHC policies and upgrade your coverage if necessary.
Upgrading Your OSHC Policy
OSHC policies come in three types:
- Single — Covers only you.
- Dual family — Covers you and one dependent (like a spouse or partner).
- Multi-family — Covers you, your partner, and one or more dependent children.
If you become pregnant while studying in Australia:
- On a single policy? You must upgrade to a dual family or multi-family policy before the baby is born.
- Already on dual family coverage? If you have more than one child, you’ll need to upgrade to a multi-family policy.
Once your baby is born, you have 60 days to add them to your policy to avoid waiting periods and ensure immediate coverage.
Choosing the Right Hospital
You can choose to give birth either in a:
- Public hospital (more affordable, fewer out-of-pocket costs)
- Private hospital (may offer more personalized care but comes with gap fees)
Your doctor or GP will refer you to an obstetrician or midwife for care. If you choose a private obstetrician, they must be affiliated with your chosen hospital, and it’s wise to confirm fees upfront.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
If your baby doesn’t need formal hospital admission, there are usually no extra costs. However, if your newborn needs treatment as an in-patient, you might face co-payments or gap fees, depending on your policy.
This also applies to multiple births like twins.
What’s Not Covered?
- Out-of-hospital consultations (e.g., check-ups with a private obstetrician)
- Excess fees (if your policy includes them)
- Paediatrician visits (may incur extra costs, especially in private care)
Need Help Upgrading Your OSHC?
If you’re planning for pregnancy or already expecting, it’s essential to have the right level of coverage. At Getmypolicy.online, you can compare OSHC plans from leading Australian providers, check premiums, and choose the policy that fits your needs.