Bupa Health Insurance

It’s easy to make a claim with Bupa. Many medical service providers, such as dentists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors, have facilities where you can make an instant claim for your extras cover through a little device called a HICAPS or HealthPoint machine. You only need to swipe your Bupa membership card – you may even be able to use your smartphone or Apple watch – and Bupa will handle the rest!⁵For services included on your cover. Yearly limits, waiting periods, benefit claiming restrictions, fund, and policy rules apply. Digital cards may be used at supported terminals only using compatible Apple iOS, Apple watch, and Android devices.

If your provider doesn’t offer this service, you can make a claim through the myBupa portal or app anytime, anywhere. Or if you prefer the old-fashioned pen-to-paper methods, you can fill out a claim form in person at a Bupa storefront or send it in via the post.

When you’re treated in hospital as a private patient, you may have an excess. It’s a payment you’ll need to cover before you’re admitted and before your insurer – whether or not it’s Bupa – handles any other fees your policy specifies.

Your excess won’t be a surprise, though. You’ll have picked it when you signed up to the policy. (If you’ve forgotten, you can always double-check by looking over your policy documents.)

When your Bupa premiums are due, you can pick from a variety of payment methods, including:

• setting up a convenient direct debit
• paying online through myBupa
• picking up the phone and calling 1300 795 766
• using BPAY and the details on your bill
• visiting a Bupa storefront.

If you’re new to health insurance or switching to a higher level of cover, you’ll likely have some waiting periods to serve, whether you’re with Bupa or another health fund.

The government sets the maximum hospital cover waiting periods. Usually you’ll only have two months to wait before you can make a claim, except if it’s for a pre-existing condition or pregnancy or childbirth. In those instances, you will need to wait 12 months.

For extras, insurers set their own waiting periods based on the services covered. Bupa’s waiting periods can range from just a couple of months to a few years.

You can check what waiting periods apply to a policy by reading the policy documents.

You sure can, thanks to the myBupa web portal and app. Both versions of the platform let you check your Bupa health cover and limits, make claims and payments, and even search for any nearby providers with Bupa agreements. If you’re eligible, it’s also where you’ll find any discounts and offers as part of Bupa’s Life Rewards program.