In so many ways, going to hospital can be life changing.
If you’ve got questions about how much hospital will cost, what to ask your specialist, how to find a Member’s First or Network hospital, or support once you’re home, Bupa can help.Â
Going to hospital with Bupa
What to do in an emergency
If it's an emergency
In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero). They’ll send an ambulance to take you to hospital if required.
If it's not an emergency
Learn more about what to do if you’re feeling sick (e.g. fever or stomach pain), when the care you need isn’t an emergency and preparing for an emergency.Â
Your hospital journey
What you can ask your care team
Whether you’re visiting the GP, your specialist, or speaking to your hospital, here’s what you can ask them to help choose the best treatment for you.
How much will it cost?
Learn what Bupa and Medicare cover, about excess and co-payment and how to help avoid unexpected out-of-pocket hospital1 costs.Â
Private room eligibility
Everyone loves a bit of privacy, especially when unwell. Learn about whether you’re eligible for a private room as a Bupa member, and what to do if one isn’t available.
Help prepare for a hospital admission
Whether you’re visiting the GP, your specialist, or speaking to your hospital, here’s what you can ask them to help choose the best treatment for you.
Going home from hospital and recovery
When it comes to going home and getting better, we’ve got health programs2 to support your recovery, info on adding a new baby to your cover, and tips on using extras cover3 (if you have it) for a speedy recovery.
Claiming for hospital
Learn whether you need to submit a claim1, and which forms and documents you may need to complete.
Find a provider
Our Find a provider search tool is your one-stop shop for finding specialists, hospitals, and extras providers that have agreements with Bupa – using them can help keep your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
Can’t find the specialist or hospital you’ve been referred to? Contact us so we can double check your options. Please have any Medicare item numbers given to you by your specialist handy.
Going to hospital checklist
1. Visit your GP
Unless it’s an emergency, you’ll need to visit the GP for an assessment. If required, they’ll refer you to a specialist.Â
2. Visit a specialist
Your specialist will have expert training in medicine related to your illness.
3. Check your cover
Once you’ve seen your doctor or specialist and spoken to your hospital, you may like to contact Bupa with any Medicare item numbers so we can go through if/how you'll be covered, and whether you’ll need to pay an excess and/or co-payment.
4. Prep for hospital
Learn what to pack, how to request a private room and look after your physical and mental health ahead of your treatment.
5. Go to hospital
Ensure you have someone drop you off and pick you up from hospital.
6. Going home and recovery
You can take advantage of Bupa member health programs2 (like rehab at home and health coaching) and use your extras cover3 (if you have it) which may help speed up your recovery.
7. Claiming with Bupa
There may be some forms to complete and lodge. Your hospital and Bupa can help manage this for you1.
Check or change your Bupa cover
If you’re a current Bupa member and want to check what you’re covered for, you can sign in to myBupa or contact us.Â
Want to review or change your cover? We can help with that too (waiting periods may apply).Â
Get Bupa hospital cover
Thinking about getting hospital cover or switching to Bupa?Â
Bupa helps almost 4 million people in Australia live longer, happier, healthier lives. Â
Going to hospital brochure
If you’ve been looking for a comprehensive guide to going to hospital in Australia, and the Australian healthcare system, look no further.Â
Frequently asked questions
Dive into our 'health insurance help' hub and find answers to questions other Bupa members have asked.Â
Contact us
Call me back
If you need hospital pre-admission and recovery support, or have other hospital-related questions, a telehealth appointment with a Bupa health professional may help.
Bupa health professional
Get help or send documents through WhatsApp messaging.
Mon to Fri 7am -12am
Sat to Sun 8am - 10pm
All times in AEDT
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1 Yearly limits, waiting periods, fund and policy rules apply.Â
2 Fund and policy rules, waiting periods and program eligibility criteria apply. Without limiting these rules, any family members covered by a Bupa family policy must be: (1) at least 18 years of age and (2) named in the relevant policy, before they are eligible to access these programs and services.Â
3 Yearly limits, waiting periods, benefit claiming restrictions, fund and policy rules apply.Â