I’m thinking of joining Bupa
How do I join Bupa if I’m getting health insurance for the first time?
If you’re new to health insurance and want to join Bupa, the first step is to speak to us so we can help you find the right level of cover for your needs.
You can easily get a quote and join Bupa online.
Get in touch with us on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST) or visit your nearest Bupa store and we can help you find the cover that’s right for you.
How do I switch to Bupa from another health insurer?
Switch to Bupa. It's easy. Simply choose the cover that suits your needs, apply online or call us on 134 135 and then we'll do the rest.
You won't have to re-serve waiting periods for the same treatments+ and will be able to enjoy continuous cover.^
When will I be able to make my first claim?
Depending on the service, you’ll generally have to serve some waiting periods, starting from the date you joined us. You can’t claim on treatments you get during this time.
If you’re switching from an equivalent or lower level of cover with another insurer or with us, you won’t have to re-serve waiting periods for the same treatments.+
| Hospital cover | Waiting period |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing conditions, ailments or illnesses | 12 months |
| Pregnancy and childbirth | 12 months |
| Palliative care, psychiatric and rehabilitation services | 2 months |
| All other treatments included in your cover | 2 months |
| Emergency ambulance and treatment after accidents | None |
| Extras cover | Waiting period |
| Major dental and orthodontics | 12 months |
| Purchase of health aids and appliances | 12 months |
| Hire and repair of health aids and appliances | 6 months* |
| All other treatments included in your cover | 2 months |
| Health Management programs | 6 months |
| Laser eye surgery for a pre-existing condition (applies to Ultimate Health Cover and Corporate Ultimate Health Cover) | 3 years |
*For more details, take a look at the terms of your policy at myBupa
I’m already with Bupa
What am I covered for?
The services you are covered for, and the amount you can claim for them, depends on a range of factors. You can get all of this information by logging on to myBupa and clicking on 'View cover details'.
You can also speak to us on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST), visit one of our stores or email us through myBupa.
How do I make a claim?
Many Extras providers, such as dentists, physios and optical outlets, have on-the-spot electronic claiming. After your treatment, swipe your Bupa card and your claim will be processed automatically.
If your provider doesn’t do this, you will need to submit a claim to us. The easiest way is online via myBupa. You can also download a form and claim by post, or visit your nearest Bupa store to claim in person.
There are some services that you will need to claim for by post or in person. Find out more on how to claim at Getting Started.
Want an easier way to claim? Just tap and claim with your Android phone.
Your digital card will automatically process your claim* on the spot. You’ll know what you owe, and what Bupa has paid on the spot. If you have an Android phone simply download the most up-to-date myBupa App and sign in, you then simply need to unlock your phone and tap and claim against the HICAPS machine.
Learn more at: www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/digital-card
How do I suspend my membership?
You can suspend your membership for a minimum of 2 months and up to 2 years depending on the following circumstances:
- You have one of our domestic products and you’re travelling overseas for two months or more
Download domestic membership suspension form - You have Overseas Visitors Cover and travelling overseas for between one month and nine months
Download OVC membership suspension form
This will pause both your cover and payments for the time you're away. Once you're back, simply let us know within 30 days and continue your payments to resume your Bupa cover.
For more details about how suspensions work and what conditions apply, speak to us on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST) or visit your nearest Bupa store.
Overseas students
If you’re an overseas student with OSHC cover, suspensions are not allowed as it is a condition of your student visa that you maintain a current OSHC policy for the duration of your visa.
If you are outside of Australia for a continuous period of 3 months or more whilst still holding a valid student visa, you may be entitled to a refund of your premiums for the period you are away. This is applied retrospectively at the end of your OSHC policy.
You will need to provide overseas travel documentation for your time outside Australia e.g. travel documents or an itinerary, as evidence to validate your overseas trip. Call us on 1800 888 942 (within Australia) or 61 3 9937 4223 (outside Australia), email us at oshc@bupa.com.au or visit your nearest Bupa store to discuss your options.
How do I update my membership details?
Updating your details is easiest through myBupa. You can change most things, such as your direct debit information or communication preferences. You can also speak to us on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST) or visit your nearest Bupa store to update your details.
How do I change my level of cover?
We know that circumstances can change. If you want to change your level of Bupa cover, it’s best to speak to us about your needs so you are informed as to what the change will mean for you.
Get in touch with us on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST) or visit your nearest Bupa store.
If you already know the cover you’d like to change to, you can do this through myBupa for many of our products.
How can I claim for health aids and appliances?
Claiming for health aids and appliances like insulin pens or hearing aids can be done via mail or in person at your nearest Bupa store. We will need to see your paperwork, such as tax receipts and provider information, so call us if it’s your first time submitting this type of claim. You may also need a GP or specialist’s referral, so make sure you ask for one from the doctor treating you.
If you have just started your cover for this type of item, you will probably have a waiting period before you can make your first claim. For purchases, you’ll have to serve a 12-month waiting period. For hire and repair the waiting period is only 6 months.
The amount Bupa will pay depends on your type and level of Extras cover. Many aids also have an annual payout limit. To see a snapshot of your Extras cover, you can log on to myBupa and click on ‘View cover details’. For detail on a specific item and limits to what we will pay, it’s best to give us a call on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST) and tell us what you’re after. We’ll guide you from there. You can also read our guide on claiming for health aids and appliances.
How do I claim on orthodontics?
You can claim on orthodontics via mail or in person at a Bupa store. These treatments have a waiting period of 12 months from the time you started cover that includes orthodontics, as well as a lifetime limit for each individual on how much you can claim.
To see if your Extras cover includes orthodontics you can log on to myBupa and click ‘View cover details’.
If you pay for your treatment up front and in full, you’ll need to provide us with a tax invoice from your orthodontist when you claim. Some orthodontists will allow you to pay in instalments and you can claim at the end of each visit by swiping your Bupa card.
Am I covered for wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom tooth removal can fall under Extras cover, Hospital cover or a combination of both depending on where it is done.
It can be performed either in a dental surgery or in hospital. This will be determined by your dentist/oral surgeon and by how complex the procedure will be.
Tooth removal, including the removal of wisdom teeth, is considered general dental so typically requires a 2 month waiting period.
It can get quite complicated so it’s worth contacting us before you have your wisdom teeth removed so we can talk you through what to expect, what you may or may not be covered for and what questions to ask. You can also download our wisdom teeth guide here.
It’s a good idea to ask your dentist/oral surgeon for the item numbers relating to your treatment plan before you give us a call. We're here to assist so always call us before a wisdom teeth procedure. Get in touch with us on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST).
+When switching to Bupa on an equivalent or lower level of cover within 60 days of cover end date with old health fund. ^If you switch within 60 days and your new Bupa policy includes the same services as your old policy, you will have continuity of cover. Any benefits already paid by your old policy will count towards lifetime limits and yearly limits on extras. If your new level of cover is higher than your old policy, the lower benefit (including different excess levels) will apply immediately. In this case you will be eligible for any new benefits or services on your new Bupa policy once waiting period has been served.
How will I receive money back for treatments?
If you pay for your treatment upfront:
Bupa will pay your benefit spread out over the number of calendar years that your active treatment spans (typically three years). The benefit you will receive will be up to your yearly and lifetime limit and will be payable from 1st of January each year. For benefits for your second and third year you will be required to visit Bupa to receive these payments as they will not be automatically scheduled.
If you pay for your treatment in instalments:
Bupa will pay a benefit for each itemised receipt you provide us and we will continue to pay benefits up to your annual and lifetime limits as long as your instalments continue.
To get the best idea of your out-of-pocket costs, we recommend asking your orthodontist about a treatment plan and costs, and then giving us a call on 134 135 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm AEST).
How can I pay for my cover?
With Bupa, you can pay for your cover in a way that suits your lifestyle and pay cycle.
Online
Set up direct debit
Switching to direct debit is a smart, flexible and convenient way to keep your account up to date. Your premium will be automatically taken out of your account the same day each payment period, so you can manage your budget easily.
If you’re already a member, update your payment preference in myBupa or download a Direct Debit Authority Form. You can choose to have your premium taken out monthly, 3-monthly, 6-monthly or yearly.
myBupa
Pay online through myBupa with your Visa or Mastercard to keep your account up to date.
Post Billpay
Pay by card on the Australia Post website using Bupa’s online payment service.
BPAY
To pay by BPAY, you'll need to log into your online banking. Use biller code 768622 and your Bupa membership number as your customer reference number.
Please note payments can take up to 3 business days to be applied to your policy. During this time claims may not be paid.
By phone
Call Bupa
Pay with your card over the phone by calling us on 1300 561 209. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Call Australia Post
If your bill shows that you can pay at Australia Post, you can pay via their 24-hour Post Billpay service by calling 13 18 16.
By mail
Tear off the payment slip at the bottom of your bill and send it to us, along with your credit card payment to:
Bupa Health Insurance Administration
Reply Paid 4463, Melbourne, VIC 8060.
In person
You can pay your premium at your nearest Bupa store.
You can also pay in person at your nearest Australia Post office if this option is shown on your bill.
How do I change my payment details?
To update your card details or change when your payments go through, log into your myBupa account. You can also visit your nearest Bupa store or call us on 134 135.
How do I get a payment refund?
When refunds may be processed
A refund can only be requested by the person who made the payment, the policyholder, or an authorised person, which may include the executor of an estate.
Payments are only refunded in certain circumstances:
- Where the policy was cancelled and was paid past the date cancellation was effective.
- Where a premium has been overpaid or paid more than once.
- Where the level of cover has been downgraded or the cost of the premium reduced, resulting in policy payments extending further in advance.
How refunds are paid
Refunds are always paid to the original payment source. This is the credit card or bank account that was used to make the payment.
There are very limited circumstances where a refund may be paid to a different source and may only be considered where a refund to the original payment source was rejected by the issuing bank or card provider.