Insurance Comparison 2026
Bupa OSHCvs.Medibank OSHC
An independent side-by-side comparison covering benefits, costs, and coverage details.
✓ Based on official policy documents✓ Updated March 2026✓ Independent comparison
| Feature | Best CoverageBupa OSHCView Details | Medibank OSHCView Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Monthly price (single) | ~AUD 63 | ~AUD 64 |
| Annual price (single) | AUD 760 | AUD 769 |
| Couple (annual) | AUD 5,026 | AUD 4,856 |
| Family (annual) | AUD 11,500 | AUD 11,163 |
| Out-of-Hospital | ||
| GP visits% of Medicare Benefits Schedule | 100% MBS | 100% MBS |
| Specialist cover | 100% MBS | 85% MBS |
| Pathology & X-rays | 100% MBS | 85% MBS |
| In-Hospital | ||
| Hospital A&EWhich hospitals covered | Public/agreement only | All hospitals |
| Ambulance | ||
| Prescriptions | ||
| Medication limitPer prescription item | AUD 50/item | AUD 70/item |
| Annual medication cap | AUD 500/yr | AUD 500/yr |
| Waiting Periods | ||
| Mental health (pre-existing) | Waived | None |
| Pre-existing conditions | 12 months | 12 months |
| Obstetrics | 12 months | 12 months |
| Extras & Digital | ||
| Online doctor | Blua (free) | No |
| Dental/Optical extrasOptional add-on cover | Optional add-on (dental, optical) | Not available |
| Claims portal | Online + App | Online + App |
| Hospital network | Wide network — many uni partnerships | Largest hospital network |
| VisitBupa OSHC → | VisitMedibank OSHC → | |
Medibank OSHCView Details
Pricing
Monthly price (single)
~AUD 63
~AUD 64
Annual price (single)
AUD 760
AUD 769
Couple (annual)
AUD 5,026
AUD 4,856
Family (annual)
AUD 11,500
AUD 11,163
Out-of-Hospital
GP visits
% of Medicare Benefits Schedule
100% MBS
100% MBS
Specialist cover
100% MBS
85% MBS
Pathology & X-rays
100% MBS
85% MBS
In-Hospital
Hospital A&E
Which hospitals covered
Public/agreement only
All hospitals
Ambulance
Prescriptions
Medication limit
Per prescription item
AUD 50/item
AUD 70/item
Annual medication cap
AUD 500/yr
AUD 500/yr
Waiting Periods
Mental health (pre-existing)
Waived
None
Pre-existing conditions
12 months
12 months
Obstetrics
12 months
12 months
Extras & Digital
Online doctor
Blua (free)
No
Dental/Optical extras
Optional add-on cover
Optional add-on (dental, optical)
Not available
Claims portal
Online + App
Online + App
Hospital network
Wide network — many uni partnerships
Largest hospital network
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bupa is the ONLY OSHC provider offering optional extras cover. You can add dental (checkups, fillings, extractions), optical (eye exams, glasses, contacts), and physiotherapy to your base OSHC policy for an additional premium.
Bupa covers specialist consultations and pathology at 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), while all other OSHC providers only cover 85%. This means lower out-of-pocket costs when seeing specialists.
Blua is Bupa's free online doctor service available to all OSHC members. You can consult a doctor via video call through the Blua app — no appointment needed. It's especially useful for minor health issues.
Yes, Bupa has waived the standard 2-month mental health waiting period for pre-existing conditions until further notice. This means immediate access to mental health services from day one.
Bupa offers the most comprehensive OSHC with 100% specialist cover, free online doctor, extras availability, and waived mental health wait. At AUD 760/year (AUD 63/month), it's only AUD 137 more than the cheapest option (ahm) per year.
Medibank covers up to AUD 70 per prescription item, while all other OSHC providers cap at AUD 50. This means lower out-of-pocket costs for expensive medications.
Medibank (and ahm) cover emergency treatment at all hospitals — public and private. Other providers only cover public hospitals or those with prior agreements, which could matter in emergencies.
No, Medibank has no waiting period for mental health services. You can access psychiatric and psychological care from day one of your coverage.
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