How long after joining does my insurance cover begin?
A waiting period is the period of time between when you join us and when you are covered for a service or treatment. If you receive a service or treatment during this time, you are not eligible to receive a benefit or payment from us, regardless of when you submit the claim. Different waiting periods apply for different services.
Some things, like emergency ambulance transport or treatment received as a result of an accident occurring after joining will not attract a waiting period and you will be covered from day one.
Other treatments involve what's known as a waiting period. This starts when you join Bupa. There are different waiting periods for different medical conditions and treatments.
The following waiting periods apply for Hospital cover:
- Palliative care, phychiatric and rehabilitation services – two months
- Pre-existing conditions, ailments or illnesses and pregnancy related services (including child birth) – 12 months
- All other treatments included in your cover – two months
The following waiting periods apply for Extras cover:
- Initial waiting period – two months
- Hire, repair and maintenance of health aids and appliances; and Living Well Programs – six months
- Major dental, orthodontics, selected health aids and appliances – 12 months
- Laser eye surgery, covered only under Ultimate Health Cover – three years
To find the best Bupa health insurance option for you: compare health insurance or get a health insurance quote online.
