A membership may be suspended when travelling overseas for work or leisure. If you are travelling overseas, you may apply to suspend your membership during your travels. You can suspend your cover for the following period of time:
- a minimum period of two months travel; and
- a maximum period of two years per suspension
- you can only suspend your policy twice per calendar year
- you must recommence paying your premiums upon resumption of your policy
- one monthly contribution is required between each suspension period.
To be eligible to suspend your cover you must:
- have been a contributing member for at least 12 months
- apply for suspension prior to the departure date
- provide overseas travel documentation showing your departure and return dates
- notify us of your return to Australia within 30 days of your arrival; and
- complete an overseas travel suspension form.
For full terms and conditions of suspension, please refer to the Application to suspend your membership form.
Please consult your tax agent or the Australian Taxation Office as to whether you may be required to pay the additional 1% Medicare levy during temporary suspension of your health insurance membership. For more information on different Bupa health insurance options, you can either compare health insurance or get a health insurance quote online.
