Medibank OSHC: waiting periods
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Medibank OSHC waiting periods: 12 months on pre-existing conditions and pregnancy. None on ambulance, GP, prescriptions, hospital psychiatric, or non-pre-existing hospitalization. Transferring members may avoid re-serving waiting periods.
Waiting periods apply to new Medibank Essentials OSHC members.
No waiting period
- Ambulance services.
- Out-of-hospital medical (GP consultations).
- Prescription medicines.
- Hospital psychiatric services (including pre-existing).
- Hospitalization for non-pre-existing conditions.
12-month waiting period
- Pre-existing conditions (signs/symptoms in 6 months prior to joining).
- Pregnancy and birth.
Switching from another OSHC fund
If the student joins Medibank Essentials OSHC within 2 months of leaving another Australian OSHC, and has already served the waiting period for that service, they may not need to re-serve it.