What modalities does Bupa recognise?
For the purposes of Bupa recognition, providers are categorised in two broad groups:
Natural therapists – these consist of acupuncturists, remedial massage therapists, myotherapists, TCM massage, Chinese herbal medicine.
Traditional Therapists – these consist of Audiologist, Chiropractors, Dentists, Dental Prosthetists, Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists, Eye Therapists, Occupational therapists, Optical dispensers, Optometrists, Orthotists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Orthopaedic shoe makers, Counsellors, Midwives, Hand Therapists, Registered Nurses, Lactation Consultants and Speech pathologists.
Where a provider number is not issued by Medicare, Traditional Therapists seeking recognition from Bupa for benefit purposes are asked to complete an application. Natural Therapists must contact their association.
Australian Government Reforms to Private Health insurance 2019
From 1 April 2019 certain natural therapies will no longer be permitted to be covered under private health insurance policies. These natural therapies are Alexander technique, aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, naturopathy, Pilates, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, tai chi, and yoga. Bupa will not recognise any of these services for the payment of private health insurance benefits.*
*This list of modalities includes all services that are impacted by the Australian Governments Private Health Insurance reforms, and includes some modalities that Bupa does not currently recognise or pay benefits for.
Is Bupa recognition available through my association?
Please contact your professional association for further details.
When is Bupa recognised provider status granted
Bupa recognised provider status will be granted to applicants who:
- Meet the recognition criteria for the appropriate modality,
- Agree to the Bupa Ancillary Provider Terms.
- Maintain Full membership only with relevant association which meets the requirements of rule 10 of the Private Health Insurance (Accreditation) Rules 2008. Student membership is not acceptable.
How quickly will Bupa process my application?
Within 10 working days of receiving your signed declaration and documentation.
What is the definition of Private Practice?
Private Practice means a practice operating on an independent and self supporting basis, either as a sole, partnership or group practice but not under an agreement with, or the subsidy by, another party for the provision of accommodation, facilities or other services or practitioners. Practitioners in practice at Public Hospitals or any other type or class of publicly funded facility do not meet the guidelines of Independent Private Practice.
What is Nationally Recognised Training?
The Nationally Recognised Training logo is used to signify that the associated training has met nationally agreed standards. The logo may be displayed in association with a training organisation that has been formally recognised by the relevant State Training Authority to deliver training or it may be displayed in association with an accredited course or a Training Package and/or one of the components. For further information refer to the National Training Service Information website: www.ntis.gov.au.
What are Registered Training Organisations?
A training organisation is registered by State/Territory Training Authorities as nationally recognised for the provision of training products and services. Through the registration process, training organisations will be registered to deliver a range of training products and services.
Registered Training Organisations are listed on the National Training Information Service (NTIS) website: www.ntis.gov.au.
What if I wish to be recognised as a Natural therapist and have undergone training that is not nationally recognised?
If you have overseas qualifications or qualifications which is not 'Nationally Recognised' you will need to approach one of the Registered Training Organisations in order to complete the appropriate "Nationally Recognised" Training. It is expected that current competency will be assessed and considered in most cases. Overseas qualifications must be independently validated and assessed by VETASSESS (www.vetassess.com.au) or by the relevant Overseas Qualifications Unit (www.internationaleducation.gov.au).
Are there any conditions to becoming a recognised provider?
Yes, by accepting recognition by our fund you are also agreeing to abide by following terms.
Please view Bupa Our Ancillary Provider Terms (PDF, 218Kb).
What happens if I breach the Terms of Recognition?
Where providers do not adhere to our Ancillary provider terms, we may need to take action that may result in no longer recognising a provider for the purposes of paying benefits. This action does not affect a provider's ability to continue providing services, but it does mean that Bupa will no longer pay benefits for the services provided to Bupa members.
Can I be recognised in more than one category?
Generally a person will not be recognised in more than one category, especially where the treatments are similar. For example, a person who is recognised for physiotherapy benefit payment purposes will not be recognised for massage benefit payment purposes.
Who do I contact for further information?
For further clarification or answers to any queries contact HBM Operations on 1800 060 239.