Overseas Student Health Cover
Does OSHC cover psychology sessions in Australia?
It can. Many OSHC policies pay a benefit towards eligible psychology sessions, but the amount and conditions depend on your insurer and product. Check the referral, MBS item, telehealth and claiming rules before your first appointment.
中文說明Quick answer
OSHC may reduce the cost, but it may not cover the full fee.
Basic OSHC commonly pays towards eligible out-of-hospital psychology services billed with a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item. To access an MBS-based psychology benefit, the insurer may require a valid GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan.
You can still ask a psychologist about a private appointment without a GP referral. However, your insurer might not pay a benefit unless its policy conditions are met. Some upgraded OSHC products include limited benefits for privately billed psychology sessions without an MBS item.
The insurer, not the psychology practice, decides whether your claim is payable. You may have an out-of-pocket cost if the session fee is higher than the insurer benefit.
Before you book
Ask your insurer these questions.
Use the exact product name on your membership card. “OSHC” alone is not enough because benefits can differ between products from the same insurer.
- Does my product cover an appointment with a registered psychologist or clinical psychologist?
- Do I need a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan before the first session?
- Which MBS item numbers are eligible, including for telehealth?
- How much will you pay per session, and is there an annual limit?
- Does the psychologist need to be in your provider network or recognised by you?
- What invoice, receipt, referral or claim form must I submit?
A practical claiming pathway
Check first, then book.
Contact your insurer
Confirm the benefit, referral rules, eligible MBS items and how to submit a claim.
See a GP if required
Ask whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan and psychology referral are appropriate for you.
Check the likely gap
Compare the session fee with the benefit your insurer says it will pay.
Keep your documents
Submit the required invoice, receipt and referral through your insurer’s app or claims process.
Why answers differ
Insurers and products do not all pay the same benefit.
Current insurer information shows why a policy check matters. Allianz Standard lists an MBS-based benefit for eligible psychology consultations, while Allianz Essentials adds a limited extra benefit for approved consultations. Medibank Essentials includes eligible allied health services billed with an MBS item, while Medibank Comprehensive also lists limited benefits for some privately billed psychology services. nib states that its core OSHC does not pay for extras services or services not covered by Medicare, while some nib products list added psychology benefits.
These examples are not a promise that your appointment will be covered. Product names, limits and conditions can change. Read your current policy wording and ask your insurer to confirm your own benefit.
Fees and session costs
Check the current practice fee before asking your insurer to estimate the gap.
View feesReferrals and Medicare
Read about the usual Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral pathway.
Read the guideChinese-language support
Ask about Cantonese or Mandarin appointments, depending on fit and availability.
View language options- Australian Government OSHC resources
- Allianz Care approved psychology consultations
- Medibank Essentials OSHC benefits and Comprehensive OSHC benefits
- nib Overseas Student Health Cover
Information checked 19 August 2026. Always confirm current terms with your insurer.
Common questions
OSHC and psychology appointments.
Does OSHC cover psychology sessions in Australia?
OSHC may pay a benefit towards eligible psychology sessions, but cover is not automatic. The amount and conditions depend on the insurer, product, referral requirements, MBS item and fee. Some upgraded policies also include limited benefits for privately billed psychology sessions.
Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist?
You can generally book a private psychology appointment without a GP referral. However, your OSHC insurer may require a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan before it pays an MBS-based benefit. Check before your first session.
Will OSHC pay the full psychology fee?
Not necessarily. An insurer may calculate its benefit using the MBS fee or a product-specific limit. If the psychology fee is higher than the benefit, you pay the remaining gap.
Can OSHC cover telehealth psychology?
Some policies may pay eligible telehealth benefits. Ask whether your product covers the relevant telehealth service and MBS item before booking.
Can OSHC cover an ADHD or autism assessment?
Do not assume that it will. Assessment appointments, testing and reports may be billed differently from an eligible therapy session. Ask the insurer about each service and item before booking.
Can sessions be in Cantonese or Mandarin?
Appointments may be available in Cantonese or Mandarin, depending on clinical fit and availability. Language choice does not determine whether the insurer will pay a benefit.
A practical first step
Ask about availability after checking your OSHC.
Reception can answer administrative questions about fees, locations, telehealth and language options. Your insurer must confirm your benefit and claim requirements.
Please use email, WhatsApp and the website form for administrative questions only. Do not include symptoms, trauma history, reports or other sensitive health information.