Your dependants will stay covered on your policy while they're under 21, regardless of whether they're studying or not. Once they reach this milestone, you'll need to take some action to keep them covered. There's a couple of different options available, depending on their circumstances.
Health Insurance options for your dependant
For some young adults, taking out their own policy will be best and for others remaining on their parents’ policy is the way to go. Find out how they can remain covered and understand what the right option might be based on their needs.
Full-time students
Any child can remain on a parent's policy as a student dependant from the age of 21 up to their 32nd birthday, as long as they:
- are not married, not living with a partner or in a de facto relationship.
- are undertaking full-time study at school, college, university, TAFE (not including apprenticeships) or other institution, which results in a qualification.
- are not in receipt of a taxable income from the school, college or university;
- are not in receipt of an invalid pension or disability allowance
Visit myBupa to ensure their study status is up to date.
Under 32 and not studying full time
If your child is under 32 and not studying full time, they can either choose to take out their own policy or remain on the family policy.
Bupa has cover options to suit a range of life stages and health needs, so if your child would like to take out their own policy they can explore their options by getting a quote.
If your child is not studying full-time and would like to stay covered on your policy, they are able to do so until their 32nd birthday, as long as:
- They are not married or living in a de facto relationship
- You (as the parent) are on a Family Plus policy
- are not receiving any income paid by the education provider
If your child takes out their own policy, they could be eligible for 6 weeks free.
Find out more
Turning 32
Once your child turns 32 they can no longer stay on your policy, regardless of whether or not they are studying.
To remain covered, your child will need to take out their own policy, so it's best they contact us so we can help them find the right cover for their needs.
Provided they start their own policy within 60 days of leaving yours, we'll recognise the waiting periods they've served under your cover.
First time using myBupa? You’ll need to register!
FAQs
Why has Bupa increased the age of dependants?
What are the benefits of my dependant having their own policy?
By taking out their own policy, your dependant has the ability to choose the cover that best suits their needs - as their needs evolve they’ll have the flexibility to change their policy without impacting your level of health cover.
Your dependant may also be eligible for an aged based discount if they have their own policy, and if they take out their own policy within 60 days of leaving the family policy, they will not need to re-serve waiting periods they’ve already served under the family policy.
Will the increase to maximum age of dependants apply to dependants on International hospital covers?
This change only applies to domestic hospital and extras products – it is not available on Overseas Visitors Cover (OVC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) products.
If you wish to keep a dependant on Extras cover after they turn 25, there are options we can guide you through. To understand how you might be able to keep your dependant covered, contact us via messenger or over the phone.
My dependant rolled off the Family/Family Plus policy when they turned 25 – will I be able to add them back on when the age of dependants is increased?
If they are still under 32 and not married or in a de facto relationship, your dependant may be able to re-join a family policy.
Not all policies allow for dependants, so depending on your current level of cover you may need to be on or upgrade to a Family or Family Plus policy (depending on your dependants study status).
To understand what your options are, contact us via messenger or over the phone.
Need help or advice on your dependent’s cover options?
Check out the FAQ above or talk to a health insurance specialist