or call 1300 795 560 to speak with a specialist
2021 Review of Bupa Private Health Insurance
AHM
AIA Health Insurance
Australian Unity Health
HCF
HIF
NIBBupa is a private health insurance company that offers health insurance to more than 4 million customers. Members can choose between six Hospital plans and 7 Extra cover options. Alternatively, you could opt for one of their 47 different packaged options which combine Hospital and Extras plans.
This insurer holds 25.4% of the market share and has won the Canstar’s ‘Outstanding Value Health Insurance’ National Award Winner for 13 years running. Although this typically indicates that they offer value to their members, whether they are the right insurance provider for you depends on your circumstances.
Whether you’re thinking of switching to Bupa or applying for cover for the first time, it’s a good idea to compare their policies. You may also want to examine the benefits of cover and the cost to decide if it meets your requirements.
Private health cover from Bupa
The company offers a range of health insurance coverage options. You’ll generally be able to choose between Hospital only policies, Extras cover or a packaged plan. They also offer Ambulance only cover to those that don’t receive this type of cover with their state services.
- Hospital cover: Ensures your hospital stay is covered with the added freedom to choose your doctor, preferred hospital and timing of your procedure subject to availability.
- Extras cover: Offers support for all those extra services you need like a dentist, optometrist, physio, etc. Claim money back for the cost of everyday health services.
- Combined cover: Packaged plans allow you to access both in-hospital treatments as well as everyday services. Choose your combined coverage options based on your needs.
This fund also offers health support programmes with some policies offering a level of cover for a gym membership, swimming programs for kids, yoga, pilates, etc.
How much does Bupa health insurance cost?
Hospital cover generally starts from $16.70 per week, Extras cover is available from $3.25 weekly, and Combined cover options usually start from $19.90 per week. Generally, the premium you can expect to pay for cover varies according to state, the type of cover you apply for and the level of coverage you’re looking for.
How to join Bupa health insurance?
If you don’t have private health insurance, you can become a member by visiting their website, requesting a quote and applying for a policy. After joining, you’ll usually receive your Bupa card which contains your membership number and the list of people covered under your policy.
Hospital cover
This insurer offers Hospital cover options to meet different customers’ needs. You have the option of adjusting your premium by choosing your excess amount; zero, $250 or $500 excess. Generally, the higher your choice of co-payment, the lower your monthly premium is likely to be.
| Plan | Starting price (weekly) | Benefits | Restricted cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Accident Only Hospital | $16.70 | Minimum coverage includes Accident Inclusion and basic lung and chest treatment. |
|
| Basic Plus Starter Hospital | $17.45 | Budget conscious hospital cover includes treatments for tonsils, adenoids and grommets, joint reconstructions etc. |
|
| Bronze Plus Simple Hospital | $19.35 | Quality, affordable cover for a range of common treatments such as brain and nervous system blood chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer to mention a few. |
|
| Silver Plus Essential Hospital | $23.95 | Medium level hospital cover for services such as back, neck and spine, kidney and bladder, digestive system, hernia and appendix, gastrointestinal endoscopy, heart and vascular system, lung and chest, gynaecology and more. |
|
| Silver Plus Advanced Hospital | $33.90 | A host of treatments are covered including pain management with device, medically necessary breast, plastic and reconstructive surgery, skin, dental surgery, sleep studies and podiatric surgery. |
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| Gold Complete Hospital | $41.00 | Premium hospital cover for complete peace of mind. You’ll be covered for all available benefits without any restrictions. | No restricted cover |
Source: Privatehealth.gov.au January 2021
Bupa Extras
Bupa extras options ensure that your everyday health expenses are covered. Extras helps cover the costs associated with treatments and services received outside of the hospital, allowing you to keep your health on track. However, Extras only cover will not exempt you from paying the MLS or Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading.
| Plan | Starting Price (weekly) | Benefits | Waiting | Annual limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange 50 | $3.15 | Extras services including general dental, physio and chiro with 50% back for most items at recognised providers. | 2 months for general dental, physio, chiro and osteopathy | $500 per person combined limit for general dental, physio, chiro and osteopathy in year 1 |
| Budget Extras 60 | $4.60 | Extras services such as dental, optical, physio, chiro and more with 60% back for most items at network service providers. | 2 months for all extras services offered 6 months for health management |
|
| Orange 60 | $7.15 | Visit the range of extras service providers and get 60% back for most treatment items. | 2 months for all extras services offered |
|
| Your Choice Extras 60 | $8.90 | Flexible extras cover with up to 60% back at members first providers | 2 months for all extras services except major dental, endodontic and orthodontic (12 months) and health management (6 months) |
|
| Top Extras 60 | $15.35 | Medium level of extras cover for a wide range of services with between 60 and 66% back | 2 months for all services except major dental, endodontic and orthodontic, health aids & appliances and glucose monitors (12 months) and health management (6 months) |
|
| Top Extras 75 | $23.25 | Comprehensive extras cover, providing high yearly limits for a wide range of services |
| |
| Top Extras 90 | $31.95 | High yearly limits for a comprehensive range of extras services with 90-100% back |
Source: Privatehealth.gov.au January 2021
Packaged Hospital and Extras plans
Bupa offers 47 different combined Hospital and Extras plans to cover both in hospital treatments and everyday health services. Packaged plans offer varying combinations of hospital and extras cover. These start with the Basic Accident Only Hospital with Orange 50 plan from $19.90 per week, and ranges to the Gold Ultimate Health Cover plan which starts at $84.25 per week.
Popular packaged plans include:
- Basic Accident Only Hospital with Orange 50
- Bronze Plus Simple Hospital with Orange 50
- Basic Plus Young Singles Saver
- Silver Plus Essential Hospital with Orange 50
- Gold Complete Hospital with Orange 50
- Gold Ultimate Health Cover
How to claim from Bupa health insurance
Making a health insurance claim with This insurer is easy.
- Online: Log in to your myBupa account and submit your claim online.
- Send in your claim by mail: Post your claim form, invoice and receipt to Bupa and payments will be made through EFT or cheque.
- Direct claims: Your hospital will send claims for in-hospital stay and treatment straight to the insurer. If your hospital is not part of the Bupa network, pay them upfront and submit a claim form to the insurer. For a doctor using the insurer’s gap cover scheme, billing will typically go directly to The insurer.
- Membership cards: For extras services claims, swipe your membership card at service providers’ electronic claims facility.
- When going to a doctor that doesn’t use The insurer’s gap cover scheme, you’ll have to take your medical bill to Medicare and The insurer will pay the rest, up to your limit.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Who owns Bupa?
Bupa health insurance Australia is part of the international Bupa Group. The Australian operation is for profit, while the international company is not-for-profit and has no shareholders.What was Bupa originally called?
This insurer was originally known as the British United Provident Association. Its founding purpose is to ‘prevent, relieve and cure sickness and ill-health of every kind.’How much does it cost to join Bupa health care?
They offer a range of health care options with hospital cover options typically starting from $16.70 weekly; Extras cover starting from $3.15 weekly and combined hospital and extras plans starting from $19.90 weekly.What is Bupa dental?
A choice of Bupa policies helps you budget for dental treatment. Members with combined hospital and extras cover including general dental are afforded regular check-ups and other dental preventative services at Bupa dental clinics.How does Bupa health insurance work?
Bupa offers private health insurance for which customers usually pay a monthly fee. Health insurance covers some or all of the costs of private treatments.How to get a Bupa membership number?
When joining Bupa health insurance, you’ll usually receive your Bupa card which contains your membership number and the list of people covered under your policy.How much does Bupa cost for a family of 4?
Costs are generally dependent on the nature of the plan you take whether hospital, extras or combined cover. Premiums are usually calculated using several factors such as age, location and choice of excess. It’s best to get an accurate quote online or by calling 0808 271 4873. With this insurer, taking a family policy affords you a 10% saving compared to buying an individual policy.
Hi Team,
We are a company headquartered in Singapore with our entity in NSW, Australia.
Looking forward for worker’s insurance policy detail along with the quotations for our team size of 4 people based out of Australia.
Could you please help us out with the details, or let me know when we can connect.
Hi Deepti.
We do not compare workers compensation insurance. If you are perhaps referring to health insurance policies for those on an Australian work visa you might want to visit Bupa Global if you’re wanting a quote from Bupa. You can also review visa health insurance policies offered from comparison websites like Allianz Global Assistance, Iman Australia Health Plans or GetMyPolicy Australia.
On the other hand, if you’d like quotes for Australian Citizens working in Australia for your company kindly call 1300 795 560 and an insurance specialist will assist you because each individual will have different requirements.
I hope this helps.
I have had Bupa cover for at least 50 years and also have Major Dental cover. I would like to know how much I will get back if I have a Pontic (643) performed. Please let me know asap as I go to the dentist today.
Hi Jillian.
You’ll need to contact Bupa directly for inquiries like these as it depends on your level and type of coverage. All the best.
Looking for best mental health cover ( psychology services especially ) for a 21 year old female based in Greenwood Perth
Currently with AHM insurance
Hi Sarah.
You might want to compare health funds that cover psychiatric (under Hospital policies) and psychological services (under Extras policies) to determine which one suits your requirements and budget. Please fill in a quote form and a health insurance specialist will give you a call to help you find what you need.
We are planning to go overseas to partly retire. Will my Bupa membership still apply if we get sick and needs hospitalization? We are going to Manila Philippines. We are on Gold cover with Bupa.
Hi Elena.
Australian private health insurance generally does not cover expenses incurred overseas. However, if you’re planning to return to Australia you can apply to suspend your cover for up to 2 years. On the other hand, if you’re moving to Manila permanently, you might want to consider Bupa’s international health plans.
I am travelling to Australia for training for 2 years.
I am accompanying my family (my wife and two children).
Asking for health insurance with Bupa? Any recommendations?
Hi Khalfan.
We require a bit more information, for example, the visa type you’ll be applying for and where in Australia you’re going to live, as well as the level and type of health coverage you’re looking for. You might find our guide to visa health insurance helpful.
Male, my current age is 57. I have been with BUPA many years now since the Howard ‘forced private cover’ time. My policy is presently suspended whilst working overseas in a commonwealth country. The suspended cover is a Singles basic private package for dental, hospital, osteo cover. Suspended to Dec 2019. Possibly returning to Australia in October.
Seeking suggestions for best health insurance options. I’m still single. Would be residing in the Western Victoria region.
I have no complaints about my BUPA cover, it has been great and excellent value/service for money. But I’m about to be semi-retired, or maybe fully retire shortly, so seeking best financial options. thx.
Hello. Thanks for reaching out.
To provide you with a quote from some of Australia’s major health insurance brands a specialist would like to assist you. Please fill in a quote form or call 1300 795 560.
I am single and pay around $52 a month for my cover, is this the best option for me?
Hello Paul.
Whether your current policy offers you suitable coverage depends on various factors, such as your health, stage of life and budget. Learn more about choosing the best health insurance for your unique requirements by reviewing the 13 factors to consider when buying or switching health insurance policies.
I am doing an assignment, and I need to find out the average expense (preferably per month) for health insurance for a single person.
Hi Rachel.
The average cost for a singles health insurance policy will depend on the health fund you choose, the policy type you want (Hospital, Extras or combined) and the level of cover you’re looking for.
However, you might find value in our article about ‘How much health insurance costs‘.
Good luck with your assignment!
Good day, my name is Karen de Villiers and I’m from South Africa, we are looking to go over to Australia. I’m not sure how the medical aids in Australia work, and would like an email where I can correspond with someone with regards to all the questions I have (which is quite a lot).
Thank you, much appreciated.
Hi Karen, thanks for reaching out.
In Australia, it’s called private health insurance. Have a bit of a read here.
Please call 1300 795 560 and a specialist will assist you with all your questions
My partner is 29yrs old and a Cambodian national on a 9-month multi-entry visa as is her 2 yrs old son.
Both have passed the immigration medical tests obviously or they would have been rejected for a visa.
we would like to inquire as to basic health coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia for
GP visits, hospital basic cover.
Neither have any medical issues currently nor do they have any historical existing health conditions that require treatment- you could say they are healthy citizens.
Can you give an estimate of the monthly cost to be covered?
I am a permanent Aus resident
Hi Ian,
The cost of such a policy would depend on where in Australia you live and the company you want coverage from. You might want to start by filling in a health insurance quote form and a specialist will contact you to assist you in comparing quotes. You can find the form here or call 1300 795 560 for immediate assistance.
I’m going to Australia for 2-3 weeks visit to see my daughter in Melbourn. I’ve been advised to get a health insurance policy from the Department of Home Affairs. I’m 61 years old. I’m fine except having cardiac stenting some 8/9 years back. What type of health insurance should I go for? And what will be the cost?
Hi.
Seeing as you’re only visiting for a couple of weeks, you might want to consider a hospital policy that provides cover should you need services or treatment inside a hospital, as well as emergency ambulance cover. However, it’s best to speak with a specialist regarding your specific requirements, they will also provide you with cost estimates. Kindly call 1300 795 560 for assistance.
My mother-in-law is currently in Australia and has applied for permanent residency. She has been granted a bridging visa which allows her to stay in Australia until they make a decision regarding her application. The Australian government is currently processing applications from 2016. Therefore, she will be in Australia for at least 2 years before a decision is made.
Can I purchase health insurance for her while she is waiting for a decision on her permanent visa? If not, please let me know if there is another option. Thank you!
Hi KC, thanks for reaching out.
In the circumstances of a bridging visa, you can generally purchase an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) policy available from many major health funds in Australia.
Hi,
My wife is in Australia as of last week on visitor visa 600. I want to best health insurance pack for her. For example, Ambulance cover, Prescription medicine and if possible in future pregnancy cover.
How long could it take to get pregnancy cover? Please reply me asap. I will join tomorrow.
Thank you.
Regards,
M.singh
Hello Mr Singh
There are many funds you can choose from for health insurance for 600 Visa. However, if you’d like a policy that includes pregnancy cover, you’ll generally need a more comprehensive plan. Please have a read of our article regarding health insurance for pregnancy.
The waiting period for pregnancy cover is generally 12 months after your policy commences.
My husband and I are now 60 years old. We have a Start & Save Hospital policy with Standard Extras cover which we have had for years.
Is this cover still suitable for us or should we now look at different options?
Hello Shirley.
Wow, what a great question! I’m sure there are many other people over the age of 50 wondering the same thing.
Because I’m not familiar with you and your husband’s specific requirements, for example, might you need joint replacement surgery in future or need hearing aids, etc. I can’t know what policy type and level of coverage would be best.
We would love to help you review your current policy and determine whether it still meets your current and future requirements. Please call the specialists on 1300 786 328 for immediate assistance.
Have a great day.
Anneke
Hi, I am wanting to get top hospital cover for my son. He is 24 years old and had some mental health issues. I am wanting also wanting extras such as chiro, physio, dental etc.
Hi Judy.
Because I do not know the state your son lives in or his personal circumstances, I can’t provide you with a health insurance comparison. Please fill in the quote form above and a specialist will help you find the right type of cover suited to your son’s unique requirements or call 1300 786 328 for immediate assistance.
As you’re commenting on the Bupa page, I assume you’re looking for Bupa Top Hospital and Extras cover. If that is the case, their Prime Plus options or Ultimate Health Cover for singles both options include a high level of hospital and extras cover. However, it might be a good idea to shop around and compare benefits and prices from leading health insurance companies in Australia before making a decision.
Under Hospitals and Medical Services cover, what exactly is covered in Minor Gynaecological Surgery please?
Hello,
Generally, minor gynaecological surgeries refer to such procedures like insertion or removal of an IUD or a colposcopy which is the examination of the cervix using a microscope to evaluate an abnormal pap smear and a hysteroscopy which refers to the inspection of the uterine cavity using a tiny trans-cervical telescope.
In short, ‘minor’ usually indicates non-invasive types of procedures. However, it’s best to contact the insurer and ask them for a list of minor surgeries that they’ll cover.
What is the price for a senior couple 81 years old to have Prime Plus? One is in a nursing home the other lives in a retirement villa
They are currently on Bupa health smart plan with a $ 500 excess. They live in NSW.
Hi Gill.
To get the best possible price for seniors health insurance we suggest comparing policies. To give you an idea, as of April 2018:
• Bupa Prime Plus $500 Excess: $561.50 per month
• GMHBA V Pus Gold Package: $648.54 per month
• Australian Unity Top Choice: $528.20 per month.
• Nib Premier Plus $500 Excess: $746.74 per month.
It all depends what type of hospital and extras coverage they need. However, with a seniors health care card they can save a lot more.
Give us a call on 1300 786 328 so a specialist can help you find the most affordable coverage.
How much per month for Top Hospital no extras cover?
Hi, we need a little more information to provide you with an accurate quote, including the state you live in and whether you’re single or need cover for the whole family.
To give you an idea of Bupa’s Top Hospital only price range, a single adult living in NSW can expect to pay about $244.60 per month. Take note that this premium does not yet include the April health insurance premium increase.