OSHC waiting periods: what is covered from day one
Waiting periods decide when a part of your OSHC starts to pay benefits. Knowing them helps you avoid surprise gaps in cover.
The standard OSHC waiting periods
| Service | Waiting period |
|---|---|
| GP visits, public hospital, ambulance, emergency | 0 months (from day one) |
| Most other pre-existing conditions & psychiatric care | 2 months |
| Pregnancy & childbirth-related services | 12 months |
| Optical & dental (extras add-ons) | Varies by insurer, often 2–12 months |
Pre-existing conditions
A “pre-existing condition” is any illness or ailment you had signs or symptoms of in the six months before your policy started. Most are covered after a 2-month wait. Pregnancy and related services are the big exception at 12 months.
Why this matters when comparing
Two policies at a similar price can differ in how they handle pre-existing conditions, psychiatric care or extras. If you have an ongoing need, the waiting period and annual limits matter more than the headline premium.
Tips
- Line up cover before you arrive so day-one services are available immediately.
- Keep continuity if you switch — a gap can reset some waiting periods.
- Read the specifics of extras add-ons, which are not part of the base minimum standard.
See the full comparison for how each provider handles network and extras.