ahm OSHC vs. Bupa OSHC

No. At AUD 672 a year for a single (about AUD 56 a month), ahm is the second-cheapest OSHC, AUD 7 more than Allianz Care OSHC Standard (AUD 665). ahm quotes couple and family cover online: AUD 6,686 and AUD 13,544 for 12 months.

Yes. ahm OSHC is a business of Medibank Private Ltd — the same company, sold under a separate brand. ahm has arrangements with most private hospitals and day surgeries in Australia (its Partner Private hospitals); at other private hospitals it pays lower benefits. According to Medibank, Medibank and ahm OSHC together are Australia's largest OSHC insurer by revenue (APRA data published December 2025).

ahm OSHC itself does not cover dental, optical or physio. ahm OSHC members can add a separate Medibank extras policy (for example Healthy Start Extras or Essential Extras) for these services; it costs extra, waiting periods apply, and members without Medicare are generally not eligible for the Australian Government Rebate on it.

ahm has a 2-month waiting period for hospital psychiatric services for pre-existing conditions, unless a doctor certifies, and ahm agrees, that you needed emergency treatment. Medibank Essentials OSHC has no waiting period for hospital psychiatric services, including pre-existing conditions.

Yes. The new insurer's OSHC must start the day after your ahm cover ends so there is no gap in cover. Waiting periods you have already served on equivalent cover are generally recognised, but confirm this with the new insurer before you switch.

Bupa OSHC itself does not pay for dental check-ups, physiotherapy, podiatry or chiropractic. You can add a separate Bupa extras cover to your OSHC after your initial purchase, for an additional premium. Depending on the cover you choose, extras pay towards dental, optical (prescription glasses and contact lenses), physiotherapy, chiropractic, podiatry and other services at Bupa-recognised providers. Waiting periods apply — 2 months for most services and 12 months for major dental and orthodontics. Bupa is not the only option: Allianz Care members, for example, can buy OSHC Extras from Peoplecare.

Bupa's OSHC cover summary (1 July 2026) lists medical cover of 'up to 100% MBS fee', including most specialist consultations, pathology and radiology provided out of hospital. Allianz Care, ahm and Medibank pay 85% of the MBS fee for these services. You still pay any amount your doctor charges above the MBS fee.

Blua is Bupa's digital health platform. Bupa OSHC members can book and attend online video appointments with a general doctor (GP) 24/7 through Blua, and Bupa covers 100% of the appointment fee. Specialist appointments cannot be booked through Blua, and yearly service limits apply.