Bupa Health Insurance has engaged with Prima Health Solutions to offer the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program (OAHWFL). This weight loss and exercise program may help to reduce pressure on the joints to avoid or delay the need for hip or knee replacement surgery.
Delivered by Prima Health Solutions, OAHWFL offers eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers*:
Very low-calorie diet (VLCD) meal replacement products
A tailored exercise and activity plan
Online or telephone coaching
What does the program provide?
OAHWFL is an 18-week online program that combines weight loss, muscle strengthening and pain management activities.
The program is made up of three phases:
- Phase 1: Motivational weight loss with KicStart VLCD meal replacements
- Phase 2: Weight loss consolidation and strength building
- Phase 3: Weight maintenance and consistent daily activity
The program includes online education modules and ongoing communication and guidance from an allied health support team (via phone, SMS, email, mail, and a private message board). With your consent, Prima Health Solutions will also update your GP on your progress in the program.
Why choose OAHWFL?
- Healthy eating plan with agreed VLCD meal replacement products supplied
- Gentle exercises and activities designed to reduce hip/knee pain and improve strength, balance, and mobility
- Online or telephone coaching for motivation, support, and advice in relation to your hip or knee osteoarthritis
- A secure member portal where you can track progress, access resources, and message the support team in relation to your hip or knee osteoarthritis
- Learn healthy lifestyle habits and osteoarthritis pain management strategies
- Learn about hip/knee replacement surgery, including preparation and post-surgery rehab advice (where appropriate)
- No out-of-pocket expenses for eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers#
Program eligibility
If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible to take part in this program:
- You are a Bupa Health Insurance customer with a domestic hospital policy that includes cover for joint replacements – check what you're covered for or contact us
- You are 40 years or older and have a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 28
- You have a current or historical diagnosis of knee or hip osteoarthritis
- You have not participated in a Bupa-funded osteoarthritis program in the 3 years prior to enrolling
- You meet all other clinical requirements to participate in the program (based on the medical opinion of your treating doctor/physiotherapist)
- You have the signed approval of your treating doctor/physiotherapist to participate in the program
Program eligibility, fund, policy and waiting period rules also apply.
You can use the Healthy Weight For Life online eligibility checker to see if you may be suitable for the program.
Find out more
To find out more about OAHWFL or learn about other ways Bupa supports customers with hip or knee osteoarthritis, call Bupa Telehealth's Hip and Knee Support Line on 1800 817 632 Monday to Friday, 9am –5pm.
To find out more about OAHWFL, visit the website today.
Disclaimer
*The customer must hold an eligible Bupa Health Insurance domestic hospital cover that includes cover for joint replacements. Out-of-pocket costs may apply. Waiting periods, fund, policy and program eligibility rules apply. Prima Health Solutions is the provider of the program and admission into the program is also subject to their terms and conditions. Call Bupa Telehealth on 1800 817 632 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST/AEDT) to discuss your options.
#Depending on your level of cover some out-of-pocket costs may apply, like hospital excess or co-payments, fees for medical tests or specialist consultations not covered by bulk billing, and medication. Additional expenses such as having a compatible smart device and reliable phone and internet connection also apply for virtually delivered care.
Bupa Health Insurance will fund eligible customers in accordance with their policy issued by Bupa Health Insurance Pty Ltd. To avoid doubt, Bupa Telehealth Pty Ltd and Bupa Health Centres Pty Ltd are not involved in the design and delivery of the program.
This program page provides resources and health information as a guide only, not as a substitute for medical advice or a professional endorsement. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.