For the purposes of Bupa recognition, providers are categorised into two broad groups:

The following providers must contact their association to complete an application for Bupa recognition:

• Providers of natural therapies (Acupuncturists, Chinese herbal medicine practitioners, Myotherapists, Remedial massage therapists, and TCMM therapists)
• Counselling providers (Counselling and Indigenous Counselling)
• Gym and Personal Training providers must contact their association to complete an application.

If your profession/services are not listed above and you do not have a provider number issued by Medicare, individual providers are asked to complete an application for provider recognition, which we will review. Bupa has absolute discretion in granting recognition to any ancillary provider.

Please refer to your modality for information pertaining to Bupa recognition for your profession.

Please contact your professional association for further details about becoming a Bupa recognised provider if you are:

• a natural therapy provider (acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage, myotherapy or traditional Chinese medicine remedial massage)
• a counselling provider (counselling or indigenous counselling)
• a gym or Personal Training provider

See also: Bupa accreditation Terms for professional associations.

All changes or updates to your location details must be handled through your Association. If you are a natural therapy provider, please contact your professional association for further details (acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage, myotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine remedial massage).

Please contact HICAPS or HealthPoint directly to register your details. The information will then be sent to Bupa to enable electronic claiming at your location.

Please see the full list of HICAPS terminal error codes here.

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 (PDF)

Applications will generally be processed within 10 business days of Bupa receiving your signed declaration and documentation.

Private practice means a healthcare practice operating on an independent and self-supporting basis either as a sole trader, partnership, corporate or group practice but is not subsidised by another party such as any type of publicly funded facility for the provision of accommodation, facilities or other services or practitioners. The provision of Treatment at a public hospital or any other type of publicly funded facility is not Treatment provided in private practice.

What is nationally recognised training?

Nationally recognised training is any program or training that leads to vocational qualifications and credentials recognised across Australia. It includes:

• studying at a public (e.g. TAFE) or private training provider
• completing an apprenticeship, certificate, or diploma course.

Find nationally recognised training courses here.

Who can deliver nationally recognised training?

Only Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) can deliver nationally recognised training and issue nationally recognised qualifications or statements of attainment.

If providers have overseas qualifications or qualifications which are not 'Nationally Recognised', they will need to approach one of the Registered Training Organisations 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 or by the relevant Overseas Qualifications Unit.

Yes, by accepting recognition from our fund, you are also agreeing to abide by Bupa's Ancillary Provider Terms (PDF).

Where providers do not adhere to Bupa's 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 health insurance customers.

Generally, a provider may not be recognised in more than one provider type qualification, particularly when the treatments overlap. However, we do note that in certain cases, providers are recognised in multiple categories.

For further clarification or answers to any queries, contact our Provider Operations Team on 1800 060 239.