When comparing health funds, it pays to take a closer look. Here are some statistics from the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman State of the Health Funds Report 2024–25 to keep in mind when comparing Bupa and HBF Group.
Compare Bupa and HBF
17.6% more
market share1
Bupa helps more than 4 million people in Australia live longer, healthier, happier lives. We held a larger share of the health insurance market than HBF.
2.1% less
management costs2
Bupa members paid less towards administration costs than HBF members.
0.2% more
returned to members as benefits3
For every dollar spent in premiums, Bupa members received a higher amount back as benefits than HBF members.
All statistics shown are from the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman State of the Health Funds Report 2024–25, which summarises the average coverage of each insurer’s policies across Australia.
Want 8 weeks free plus a $400 Flight Centre Gift Card?*
Join & stay on eligible combined hospital and extras cover and get up to 8 weeks free, plus up to $400 in a Flight Centre Gift Card.* Offer ends 18 November 2026.
Use promo code 8WEEKSFREEFC
*T&Cs and exclusions apply. New direct Bupa joins only. 8 weeks free applied over 2 years (3 years for annual payers). Flight Centre gift card value varies according to policy scale selected.
Get great value cover with Bupa
Bupa has you covered with a large provider network and flexible health insurance options.
Quality hospital cover
If you need a visit to hospital, our aim is to make it as comfy as possible. Enjoy a bunch of benefits including a healthier wallet through our agreements with hospitals and specialists.
Only pay for the extras you need
Build your own extras cover with FLEXtras. Choose 4 or 6 services, then customise your benefits and limits to suit your budget.
Everyday Rewards
Link your Bupa and Everyday Rewards accounts and receive 3x Everyday Rewards points on fresh fruit, veggies and macro wholefood products when you shop at Woolworths.
Awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance 5 years running
Year after year, we’ve been recognised by Canstar for the value of our cover. We’re proud of that, and even prouder of what it means for our members.
The State of the Health Funds 2024–25 Report
The statistics in this comparison can be found in the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman State of the Health Funds Report 2024–25.
How to choose the right cover
Here are our top tips for comparing cover.
Hospital cover
Each level of hospital cover includes a different number of included services (also known as clinical categories). The higher your cover, the more services are included. Hospital cover is standardised by a set of tiers that can help you compare similar levels of cover across health insurers.
To choose the services you need cover for, make a list of your pre-existing or genetic conditions, lifestyle (e.g. sport and hobbies), and future plans like growing your family. If you’re unsure, researching common health concerns for your age group is a good place to start.
An excess is a one-off payment made when a policy member is admitted to hospital. The excess applies once per person, per calendar year. Depending on the health insurer, you may be able to choose a higher hospital excess in return for a lower premium.
If you consider yourself to be fairly healthy, a higher excess can be a good option to keep your premiums down.
Many health insurers have special agreements in place with select hospitals and specialists to reduce out-of-pocket costs for members. If you have a preference for a particular hospital or specialist, it’s worth researching which health insurers they have agreements with.
The Bupa Medical Gap Scheme helps reduce your medical costs for treatment when you’re admitted to hospital you’ll never pay more than $500 per doctor. Use the Find a Provider tool to check if your specialists are part of the network.
Extras cover
Look for cover that includes services that match your lifestyle and health needs. For example, do you need a new pair of glasses or contacts every year? Do you play sports that might increase your risk of needing physio? Having a list of services that are important to you can help you shortlist cover options.
Extras services have limits (the total amount you can claim on a service). At Bupa, there are three different types of limits that can apply to an extras service:
A yearly limit (sometimes referred to as an ‘annual maximum’) is the total amount you can claim on a service in a calendar year. Yearly limits generally reset each year on 1 January.
A combined yearly limit is a shared yearly limit across multiple extras services. Combined yearly limits generally reset each year on 1 January.
A lifetime limit is the total amount you can claim on a service in your lifetime.
Generally the higher your extras cover, the higher your limits. When comparing covers, keep an eye out for the limits on services you use regularly. For example, if you visit the physio regularly you’ll want to look for a cover that has high yearly limits for physiotherapy.
A benefit is the amount you get back when you claim on a covered service, up to limits. The benefit will be either a set dollar amount, or a percentage back. Generally the higher your extras cover, the higher your benefits.
You could get 50% or more back on selected extras services at Members First providers, up to yearly limits.4 Use the Find a Provider tool to check if your providers are part of the network.
Always read the Policy Information when choosing hospital or extras cover.
Switching to Bupa is easy
Find the right cover for you
Compare and choose the cover that suits you. If you need help, select the chat button or call us on 134 135.
Let us do the paperwork
When you join, we’ll ask about your previous health cover. We’ll let your old health insurer know you're switching, and cancel your old cover.
Skip the waiting periodsœ
If you’ve already served waiting periods, you won’t need to serve them again if you’re switching to the same or lower level of cover.œ
See your exclusive discount on corporate cover
Enter your company name
Check if you qualify for corporate cover benefits
1 Bupa's market share was 25.5% and HBF's was 7.9% as at 30 June 2025.
2 Bupa members paid 11.3% of management expenses as a proportion of contributions income vs 13.4% paid by HBF members from 2024 to 2025.
3 Bupa returned 82.4% of contributions it received back to members as benefits vs 82.2% of contributions returned to HBF members as benefits from 2024 to 2025.
4 Percentage back may vary depending on your level of cover, and benefit claiming restrictions. For most services at our Members First providers covering dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic and podiatry consultations. Bupa has Members First providers for these services. Not available in all areas. Waiting periods, yearly limits, policy and fund rules apply. Applies to included services only.
Å“ When switching to Bupa on an equivalent or lower level of cover within 60 days of cover end date with old health fund, provided you already served your waiting period and pending receipt of their clearance certificate. We will apply portability once we receive it.