Congratulations! We're happy you've decided to stay in Australia.
It's important to make sure you're on the right level of cover for Australian residents now you've got access to Medicare.
How to change your cover
We've got great-value policies for whatever life stage you're at, so get in touch with us today and we'll help you find the best policy. You can also get a quote online.
Useful information
As a permanent resident, the way you're covered will change with your new health insurance policy. Outpatient medical services, such as going to the General Practitioner (GP), visiting a specialist, or getting a blood test, can only be covered through Medicare.
The way we pay for inpatient procedures is also different. When you're admitted to hospital for a procedure that's included in your level of cover and that you've served waiting periods for, we'll pay the hospital fees and we’ll work with Medicare to cover your doctor’s costs, up to the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) fee.
Having private health insurance as an Australian resident means you may avoid lengthy hospital waiting lists and you also get to choose the specialist who'll be treating you.
There are lots of great benefits of staying with Bupa.
Why stay with Bupa?
Because you can get more from your cover
Find out how to reduce your out of pocket costs and make the most of your extras cover.
Because there’s a cover for every life stage
Whether your family is growing or the nest is emptying, your health needs will change over time. We have a wide range of products for all life stages, so you can make sure you’re getting cover that's right for you.
Because you can access exclusive discounts and offers
Because you can access exclusive discounts and offers Loyalty should be rewarded. Access an exclusive range of member-only discounts and offers from Life Rewards. It’s our little way of saying thank you for staying with Bupa.
Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)
If you’re a high income earner and you don’t have private hospital insurance, you may be liable to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading
Over 31 and taking out private health insurance after a break in cover may mean that Lifetime Health Cover loading will apply. Read more about LHC.
Important things to consider
If you're over 31, you have 12 months from the date you registered for Medicare (blue or green Medicare card) to take up private hospital cover before Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading applies. If you’re under 31, you have until 1 July following your 31st birthday. After this time, an extra 2% is added to your premium for each year you're over the age of 30 to a maximum of 70%. LHC stays on your policy for 10 years.
We’ll need a copy of your LHC Letter to confirm your Medicare registration date. To get a copy, contact Medicare.
Note that extras cover, Overseas Visitors Cover, Overseas Student Health Cover, and international insurance are not considered to be ‘private hospital cover’ for LHC purposes.
There’s an age-based discount (ABD) available on private hospital cover if you’re between 18 and 29 when you take it out. This can save you up to 10% on your premiums until you turn 41. After turning 41, your discount will gradually reduce each year.
Taking out private hospital cover may exempt you from needing to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) if you're a high-income earner. Please contact us to discuss your needs further.
Quick answers to common questions
How do I get my LHC Letter?
You’ll need to contact Medicare to request a copy.
Will I have to serve waiting periods again?
We'll recognise all waiting periods you've already served when you change your cover. Any new services or benefits that you weren't covered for before will have waiting periods.
Can I change my cover in myBupa?
You won't be able to change from an overseas visitors cover to a resident cover in myBupa, but we're very happy to help you make the change.
Can I still use myBupa once I change my cover?
Absolutely! You won't even need to register again.