This was posted 8 months 7 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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6 Weeks Hospital+Extra Cover Free after 30 Days, up to 140,000 Everyday Rewards Points, 2 & 6 Month Waiting Period Waived @ Bupa

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6 Weeks Hospital+Extra Cover Free after 30 Days, up to 140,000 Everyday Rewards Points, 2 & 6 Month Waiting Period Waived @ Bupa
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jackofspade on 15/03/2024 - 16:52 bupa.com.au (7019 clicks)
Last edited 15/03/2024 - 17:27 by 1 other user
10WEEKSPLUS

Join Bupa on eligible combined hospital and extras cover by 10 April 2024 and get up to 10 weeks free (6 weeks free after 30 days plus 4 weeks free after 13 months), plus up to $700 Everyday Rewards dollars*. (That’s up to 140,000 Everyday Rewards points!)

Plus, we’ll waive the 2 & 6 month waiting periods on extras.*

T&Cs https://www.bupa.com.au/campaigns/health-insurance/ten-weeks…

  • Not eligible if you have held domestic Bupa health insurance within the last 12 months of your join date
  • 70,000 Everyday Rewards points (equal to $350 Everyday Rewards dollars) on a single, combined Domestic Hospital and Extras product or packaged product issued by Bupa (exclusions apply)
  • 140,000 Everyday Rewards points (equal to $700 Everyday Rewards dollars) on a single parent, single parent plus, couple, family or family plus combined Domestic Hospital and Extras product or packaged product issued by Bupa (exclusions apply)

Referral Links

Referral: random (275)

Referrer gets $100 Prezzee e-gift card. Refer a Colleague program only eligible at a participating Bupa Health Insurance Retail Store nationally and/or Australia Sales and Customer Service support line. Quote member number from the referral system.

Financial Ancillary Health Insurance Health Insurance Insurance Reward Points

Related Stores

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closed Comments

              • strikerzebra on 29/03/2024 - 18:05
                +1

                @zozuc: I didn’t have health insurance with another company .

      • rcgy on 13/06/2024 - 13:46
        -1

        That's weird as hell, I was just told by Bupa on the phone that the points would only land after 90 days. Could you post a screenshot of the email?

        • YesPleaseThankYou on 13/06/2024 - 19:59
          -1

          I was just told by Bupa on the phone that the points would only land after 90 days. Could you post a screenshot of the email?

          In response to one of your earlier posts, I posted a link to an archive I saved, see https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15208720/redir

          What's the point of asking stuff on here if you don't read responses?

          • rcgy on 14/06/2024 - 09:35
            -1

            @YesPleaseThankYou: I appreciate the amazing help that you're giving for free, but I was asking about a screenshot of the email that they received from Woolworths. The archived T&Cs doesn't mention the expected timeframe anywhere.

        • Miss B on 14/06/2024 - 22:32

          I got an email a few days after joining. It talks about the points being relative to premiums, which is not accurate. I wonder if things have gotten confused with them running multiple back to back offers for reward points. I'm day 91 today and last day of the third month and no points still. I no longer have the policy, but held for more than 60 days.

          https://ibb.co/P6jxZBF

  • aiyoyo on 30/03/2024 - 10:33

    Consider transfer from Medibank to Bupa for family cover. Only thing worrying me is the limit per membership. Can someone explain to me please?For example-Optical:

    Annual limit (per person)
    $200 per person,
    $400 per membership

    means if I have 4 members and need 4 pairs of new glasses in a calendar year, I only eligible to claim for 2 persons each person limit to $200 per calender year?

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 30/03/2024 - 12:43
      +2

      Only thing worrying me is the limit per membership.

      The top-end extras covers don't have that restriction. Will you be claiming for optical during your time with Bupa?

      After the benefit of the promotion has been gained by you, move to a new fund — Bupa's restriction will no longer be of consequence.

      Enjoy your 6 weeks free and move on.

      • aiyoyo on 30/03/2024 - 21:45

        Thank you for the details explain!

        If I join and start by today, when will be the time to abandon Bupa after getting all 6 weeks free and reward point?

        • YesPleaseThankYou on 30/03/2024 - 21:58
          +2

          You'll need to read the terms yourself, but you would abandon Bupa, as I said:

          After the benefit of the promotion has been gained by you

          For example, if you were to join today:

          • 30/03/2024 to 29/04/2024 is 1 month (provided you meet other terms, this first month qualifies you for the 6 weeks free).
          • 30/04/2024 to 10/06/2024 is the 6 weeks free period.

          I suggest you look for a new policy around the beginning of June, so you get your new card in the mail etc. There's always an insurer with a promotion, you just need to look.

          I would suggest, in particular, you look toward AHM or Peoplecare around this time, as these funds reset inclusions on 1 July. You will be able to claim optical even if you have previously exhausted that category in 2024 with your current fund (or with Bupa when you switch to it).

          • 11/06/2024 You would start your new policy.

          When you leave a fund, be sure always check the Transfer Certificates issued to you by the 'old' fund, to ensure that From and To policy dates are correct. If they are not, ask the insurer to correct these.

          As a side note, the health insurers have collectively decided (long ago, I might add), to refer to policyholders as 'members'. The idea is that policyholders, umm 'members', feel a sense of belonging to their fund. This is BS. It's just insurance, like any other insurance. If you want to save, you should always be churning.

          • aiyoyo on 30/03/2024 - 22:07

            @YesPleaseThankYou: What if i choose to pay by annual? I assume I will still get the same offer plus old rate for the rest of the year right?

            • YesPleaseThankYou on 30/03/2024 - 22:11
              +1

              @aiyoyo: Why would you pay annually?

              You could probably get a better return by keeping that money in a high interest savings account.

              I would not recommend paying annually.

              To save, you need to churn. You save approximately 58% per annum by following the '6 weeks free' offers.

              If you do want to pay annually, it will all work as you expect, except you'll get 6 weeks free under the promotion.

  • pravni on 31/03/2024 - 10:25

    Will this offer be valid for Bupa commercial clients. Bupa offers insurance for customer s from a set of Bupa approved clients and they get preferential rates

  • arcticmonkey on 31/03/2024 - 14:42
    -1

    I take it this isn't available with the ShopBack cashback offer?

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 31/03/2024 - 14:45

      If you can't click through to the terms to read:

      The Offer is not available with any other Bupa promotional join offer provided by Bupa.

      Then this offer isn't for you.

  • Stahh on 01/04/2024 - 09:34

    Anyone know what is classified as "join date" in the T & Cs I left Bupa 25/04/23 - they allow you to set your start date between 10/04 and 10/05 or would it be set to the day you sign up ie before 10/04. 🤔

    You are an Eligible Customer if you:

    have not held domestic Bupa health insurance within the last 12 months of your join date;

    take out an Eligible Bupa Health Insurance Policy (see Section 3) between 14/03/2024 and 10/04/2024 and commence your policy by 10/05/2024;

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/04/2024 - 11:55
      +1

      Anyone know what is classified as "join date" in the T & Cs

      Good pick-up! Ill-defined terms. I take it to mean, 'commence your policy' (cl 2.c).

      I left Bupa 25/04/23

      My view is that you're OK for this promotion. Use chat (for speedy response) to confirm.

  • firestint on 01/04/2024 - 23:36
    +4

    Just signed up, found it a bit dodgy that you have to enter the promo code manually again down the bottom of the payment page despite having clicked on "unlock this offer" at the cover selection page.

    • strikerzebra on 02/04/2024 - 00:15
      +2

      They also told me I need to manually linked Bupa through Woolworths rewards as well , even though I entered the rewards number on the signup process

      • Robot16 on 02/04/2024 - 09:45

        Thanks for that info

      • firestint on 02/04/2024 - 10:01

        OK good to know, thanks. Assuming we can only link once our BUPA details and membership have been set up?

        • strikerzebra on 02/04/2024 - 13:09

          Yes as it asks for your membership number

      • YesPleaseThankYou on 02/04/2024 - 20:15
        +1

        That's unrelated to this promotion, that's so you can:

        Collect Enjoy 3x points on fresh fruit, fresh veg and Macro Wholefoods Market for 60 days

        Source: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/everyday-rewards…

        But, agreed, you'd think that they could work it out such that providing Bupa with your Everyday Rewards number automatically entitles you to both promos.

      • VQLD on 05/04/2024 - 17:15

        hm… I didnt see any options to enter my Everyday rewards number during signup… And can't see it under mybupa login either…
        UPD. after chatting with Bupa: This has to be done from Everyday Rewards side. Not under Bupa account

        • strikerzebra on 05/04/2024 - 21:45
          +3

          There was definitely a spot to put the everyday rewards card as you put your last name as wel to verify , your customer service officer must be bad at their job

        • YesPleaseThankYou on 06/04/2024 - 15:12

          Customer service is wrong. This promotion requires provision of the Everyday Rewards number, see the terms:

          provide one registered Everyday Rewards card number to Bupa on sign up or link your Bupa and Everyday Rewards accounts within 30 days of joining.

          There's a second element, which I posted above, to 'Collect Enjoy 3x points on fresh fruit, fresh veg and Macro Wholefoods Market for 60 days'. This element requires linking on the Everyday Rewards site.

          Lodge a complaint here https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/understanding-your-…

          Save the details of the complaint, as no confirmation email is sent. You'll receive an SMS confirmation random number of days later, when the offshore backend processing team has transposed your webform entry into Bupa systems.

          • YesPleaseThankYou on 09/04/2024 - 21:03
            +1

            @YesPleaseThankYou: Just to reply to myself here, I contacted Bupa via chat who told me they had to 'raise a case' to add my Everyday Rewards membership number to my policy.

            Bupa has shit processes and systems.

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 02/04/2024 - 20:13

      Agreed. Bupa is generally dodgy with woeful customer service.

    • firestint on 10/04/2024 - 09:27
      +3

      LOL how bad can Bupa processes and system be? So I got a call from a random mobile number 4 days after signing up, asking me if I wanted to continue with my quote? I then told him that I've already signed up and the call got ended abruptly?

      Anyways, no welcome email received, just another random number texting me the welcome message with my membership number yesterday, so 8 days or 5 business days after signing up.. Hmmm

  • Avataroku on 07/04/2024 - 12:47

    I've recently signed up with the promo, but it doesn't say anything on my policies or associated docs (which are standard form) that my 2/6 month waiting times are waived, nor can I find any trace of it on my app/online profile. I assume it's recorded somewhere, do I need to fret?

    • strikerzebra on 07/04/2024 - 14:17

      That is correct , they don’t state anywhere , I contacted their blue char and they confirmed I was eligible for the 2/6 waiting periods

      • YesPleaseThankYou on 07/04/2024 - 16:35
        +1

        …. which is a shitty business practice.

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 07/04/2024 - 16:38
      +1

      For peace of mind, you could message Bupa.

      Be ready though, in the past, even where I have retained evidence, Bupa's representatives have said that the promotion did not apply to me and/or there was no record of me having applied the code.

      If the above happens to you, use the complaint link provided a few posts above. Alternatively, email Health Customer Relations <[email protected]>.

  • dealer453 on 09/04/2024 - 08:51

    For all the churners out there, could you help me starting my new insurance adventure! I have some questions:

    1* Can I cancel and then join health insurances in the same day or it takes time to do that?
    2* If the provider gives 6 weeks free, am I able to switch after the 6 weeks are over (in the middle of the month)? Will I get a refund for the 7th and 8th weeks?
    3* Regarding extras, if I have a hospital cover + extra and I switch to another provider with the same type of cover + extra, will I have to serve waiting periods to use them?
    4* Should I switch just before or just after the limit reset date on the new provider?

    Thank you!

    • MagpieSilver on 10/04/2024 - 08:47
      +1

      Can't answer all of those, but the bupa switch took ages, and they still stuffed it up. So if you're doing it, use new cover dates at least a week, or ideally more, ahead. You don't want any days of zero cover as it effects the lifetime cover surcharge.

      Interestingly, you can cancel within a month for a full refund if not claimed. In theory (and no one would do this) you could get free cover for a year using one month cool off policies.

      • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 09:54
        +1

        Interestingly, you can cancel within a month for a full refund if not claimed. In theory (and no one would do this) you could get free cover for a year using one month cool off policies.

        It's worth noting that when you do this your policy is cancelled as though it never existed. So while technically at the time you are covered, it wouldn't help with things like MLS, loading or waiting periods. As you said, you can only do it if you don't make any claims. I think it would be difficult to get any benefit from this.

        • MagpieSilver on 10/04/2024 - 09:58

          Thanks for the heads up. I need to check this as just transferring out of Bupa instantly after such a bad migrate in experience.

          • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 10:10
            +3

            @MagpieSilver: If it's within 30 days you should be able to go back to your old fund and let them know you want to stay with them a bit longer. For waiting periods most funds should recognise your waiting periods served as long as you join within 30 days of leaving your previous fund (so in this case the one before Bupa). I'm not too sure on MLS and loading though, loading may depend on how many days you haven't been covered since you turned 31.

    • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 09:50
      +3

      1. Sign up to your new policy, choose the date you want to start. If you want to be extra sure, contact your current insurer on the same day, it can be in writing, advising you wish to cancel the day before your new policy starts. It will take time for your old policy to be cancelled, sometimes it's an easy on the spot thing if you call, but they may want to wait for your new fund to contact them as they will need to send them details of your cover. You can at least cancel your direct debit and they'll definitely backdate it to the day you contact them to cancel. You don't need to give advanced notice to cancel health insurance though.

      2. It depends, they wouldn't intentionally refund free weeks, so if the free weeks are applied after the payments you've made, the 7th and 8th weeks might be considered weeks free that they won't refund. But if you've made payments after the weeks free they can definitely be refunded.

      3. This is tricky. Hospital is easy enough, as far as any clinical categories you're covered for under your old policy and your new policy with no waiting periods, any new ones will have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and maybe for the first 2 months. Extras covers can vary significantly from fund to fund. Essentially though, you'll be covered for whatever your new policy covers, but there may be waiting periods for any new or additional benefits not covered under your old policy or an approximation of your old cover.

      4. It doesn't matter too much unless the benefits reset at a different time of year, e.g. AHM resets in July, while most reset in Jan, so if you were going to AHM you want to use up all your limits with your old fund before July, if you're going from AHM you want to use up all of your benefits before Jan. It doesn't matter when you switch though.

      Basically when you transfer it will list the benefits you used from the last 2 Jan-Jun and Jul-Dec periods. If you join one where benefits reset in January now, they will only care about the current Jan-Jun period. If you join one that resets in July now they will care about the Jul-Dec last year benefits and this year's Jan-Jul. But if you join from July 1 they will only care about Jul-Dec this year's benefits.

      • dealer453 on 11/04/2024 - 09:15

        Crystal clear Miss B! That definitely helped! Thank you so much

  • tunzafun001 on 09/04/2024 - 23:33

    What is the benefit of couples cover, and how does it work with tax if not married?

    Same for families. Is there any point for young kids? I thought they are covered publicly anyway?

    • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 09:06

      The benefit of a couples policy is that is covers a couple. Unlikely to be any other benefit. Although in this case it is double the rewards points, I added my kids for this reason. I'm not keeping the cover though.

      Couple is married/defacto or registered relationship for tax or health insurance. The income threshold for families, including couples, is double that of singles, though it includes both incomes. If you are a family for MLS purposes, all family members need to be covered to avoid paying the MLS.

      All citizens are covered publicly. Or do you mean dental? You should have the option of separate extras and hospital policies, have the kids on the hospital if you need for MLS and just extras for yourself if you don't want it for the kids - although not for this offer. You can also have hospital with a different fund to extras. A lot of health insurance offers are for hospital and extras though and would usually need to be on the same policy.

      You should follow the offers though, health funds are limited in the discounts they can offer each year, but you can move from fund to fund and get discounts with each one, usually in the form of weeks free.

      • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 09:48

        Ok, so a couples policy is just to bundle incomes for MLS / tax purposes (if one partner earns heaps, and the other not much)…but the cost is the same as two singles.

        As for kids, there is no reason for private health cover…and yep, I was using dental as an example. Perhaps it's a waiting list thing?

        • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 10:02

          I think I see what you mean, there's usually no benefit to a couples policy over 2 singles policies if you want to cover a couple. In fact some people will get separate covers to get pregnancy cover for the one who needs it while the partner just has a lower level of cover. Even for MLS it doesn't matter as long as they're both covered.

          It usually costs the same to get a couples cover or a family cover, so some may add the kids just because they might as well. Often single parent covers cost a fair bit more than singles covers though,so may not be worth adding the kids. But I believe for MLS kids need to be covered as well. Some people prefer private hospitals, reduced waiting times, choice of doctor etc. for themselves and their kids.

          • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 10:38
            +1

            @Miss B: Exactly, I have no need for pregnancy, or optical.. so why pay for it? (Other than this extra $350 bonus).

            What if you do a couples cover for this promo, then go separate again in 10 weeks? ..and do that churn 3 times a year. How does the ATO crunch that?

            As for kids..looks like I need to read more. Can't see kids effecting MLS calc.

            • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 13:37
              +1

              @tunzafun001: Churning is fine. The health funds let the ATO know how many days you were covered with them.

              • zozuc on 11/04/2024 - 13:13

                @Miss B: Thanks Miss B. It is the first time I churn so I am worried about ATO.

  • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 01:00

    @YesPleaseThankYou
    You are the guru here. I've had private health for 12 years. Never really used anything other than a dental clean.

    In August my work went to shite..and I had no income. Tried calling my insurer..left messages. They call back once (literally one ring and I always can't get to it)…repeat…got over it…just didn't pay my Health Insurance..it lapsed. Wasn't fussed, as I would be below MLT anyway

    But then I got a payout from previous financial year, that will land as a Lump Sum E this year. Not huge, but puts me around $90k.. So logged on and paid my private health via their portal. But it didn't do anything. Called up and they said my policy was no longer active (but they took the money). Allegedly will refund it, or said something about reactivating my policy. Will get back to me…never did.

    Apparently could have paused it for 2 months due to Financial hardship or something like that? Too late now.

    Anyway, this Bupa offer seems a no brainer to get back in the game. But how does a recent 3 month no PH over the last 12 years effect me with this Bupa offer?

    Due for a dental clean, and thought about some optical frames while on Bupa. Should be doable in the approx 10 weeks (with waiting periods waived)?

    Other than having 3 months of MLS now to pay (probably less than reactivating my old policy which was around $130 a month)?
    Is there any other penalty I will cop?

    Just working out if I should go to the trouble and expense of back paying my old policy for 3 months…or just let it go and move on.

    Cheers

    • Miss B on 10/04/2024 - 08:43
      +1

      Some things that you need to consider depending on your circumstances:
      - Only 2 and 6 month extras waiting periods are waived. That's fine for your dental clean and optical. Things like major dental and some other extras services may have a 12+ month waiting period, which is not waived. There's a 12 month waiting period on pre-existing conditions for hospital admissions.
      - lifetime health cover loading. If you've held health cover since you were 30 you should be fine. If not you will need to make sure this won't cause you to have any loading, as that could cost you in the long run.

      • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 16:22

        Thanks so much for this. Really helped get my brain around the concept when I called.

        We will have a hodge podge of days single covered, no cover, and family cover they will need to calculate.

        Lastly, the private health system is DISGUSTING for single parents. Couples can add an infinite number of kids for free, but singles must pay..and have a lower threshold.

        Government mandated…. poor!

  • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 11:44

    @easternculture

    Can you see any reason I can't take up the Queensland Health offer to kick in after this Bupa offer?

    T&Cs say QH must be taken up before April 30, but doesn't say it needs to commence then. You seem the master of this.

    • easternculture on 10/04/2024 - 13:37

      Are you referring to QLD Country HF?

      • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 13:56

        Yep

        • easternculture on 10/04/2024 - 14:43
          +1

          Last year when i used the free 2 months, i had my start date 2 months from my sign up date. They didnt have any conditiona regarding start date other than to sign up before the end of promo

          • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 16:18
            +1

            @easternculture: Cheers, I just called. They couldn't comprehend their own t&Cs.
            But sent me an email saying all good to start in the future, as long as I sign up in the promotion period. 6 weeks free up front post Bupa….done deal.

            • easternculture on 10/04/2024 - 22:06
              +1

              @tunzafun001: Also there is an 18 month period before you can apply again for the offer

              • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 22:53

                @easternculture: Good to know, cheers. I think AHM or similar will be the next port (for an extras reset post July). I think that's how it works? Would you recommend AHM for this?

                P.S The Bupa desktop application was a piece of work. A totally unreferenced "Are you covered" Yes/No Button at the end… No idea what that was about?

                Also couldn't add my medicare card to the app (we took up family cover, but currently have seperate cover and seperate medicare cards). So I guess I will get a call from Bupa shortly.. Made the cover start a week later instead of tomorrow in prep for this.
                Hopefully other providers are more organised with the next port over?

                Lastly, the not auto applying the promo code after I selected cover options that clearly say 140k ER points…reaks of deception!

                Sorry about all the questions, cheers for your help.

                • easternculture on 11/04/2024 - 08:40
                  +1

                  @tunzafun001: I applied for the bupa offer via the woolworths app banner so could see the offer applied through the application steps.

                  Next churn should be AHM or Peoplecare as limits reset on july for those, but it really depends what offers they have. Peoplecare usually have 1 month or 6 weeks free most of the year

  • acersaurus on 10/04/2024 - 12:18
    +3

    Good deal but it is worth noting Bupas very low rating on product reviews of only 1.4 stars.

    Considering that a 1 star is the lowest rating you can give on product reviews, this is a notable low rating. Would you trust them with your health?

    https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/bupa-health-insura…

    • ytthr on 10/04/2024 - 14:34
      +1

      Medibank Private also 1.4 stars on Product Review so I switched for the deal.

  • Balldj6 on 10/04/2024 - 21:01

    Signed up. Gulp.

  • Weezle on 10/04/2024 - 22:39

    Just signed up.

    Requested start date of 1/5 (first month payment will be debited on 24/4).

    The payment screen told me the next debit after that would then be 1/6 - isn't this incorrect? The 6 weeks free should then apply from 1/6 - 13/7?? Am I missing something or is their system just not good?

    I took a video of it all including entering the code and the system acknowledgement of that so all good but curious if this is meant to have happened?

    • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 22:56

      Other posts suggest that it may take a second payment, but you simply get that refunded when you leave… assume month 3 isn't charged if you stay.
      Maybeeeee…the system wont charge the second amount when it processes the app fully.

  • tunzafun001 on 10/04/2024 - 23:49

    Naturally my Facebook feed is now spammed to the gills with Private Health offers……cookie monster!

    Saw this "$600" sign up credit offer from AAMI…guess they are using $600 instead of 'x' free weeks.. so you can chose low cover for longer, or gold for 10 mins.

    https://www.aami.com.au/health-insurance/apr-may-jun-terms-2…

    • easternculture on 11/04/2024 - 08:42

      Depends on level of cover.

      Single bronze plus $150 cashback
      Family gold $600 cashback

  • RdWarrior on 11/04/2024 - 21:03

    thanks ozbargain, NIB member since 2011 on basic plus. grandfather expensive plan (155ish w extras).

    added kid, to up the 700 bonus, will go hard w the churns from now on.

    wheee

  • Austin 316 on 12/04/2024 - 10:39
    +1

    Signed up earlier for this deal. It's my 1st time getting PHI so don't have muck knowledge about using/claiming the extras.

    Can anyone please share some light on how that works? I saw for optical I can go with BUPA authorized shops and they can do it in store for me. And if I go to other providers, I can submit a claim later to BUPA. And it's mostly similar for other extras. Am I right in understanding this?

    With regards to a GP visit and gap fees, how does that work? I tried but couldn't find/understand how that works.

    Thanks in advance for the help.

    • strikerzebra on 12/04/2024 - 13:48

      Yeh I would like to know too, have probably needed glasses for years but never bothered until now as I signed up for this offer with optical

    • Miss B on 12/04/2024 - 14:45
      +2

      With extras claims most places you should be able to claim on the spot, as long as your policy is paid up (sometimes especially at the start there is a delay in taking payment or around when a payment is due).

      If not you should be able to submit the claim later in the app.

      You can't claim a GP visit. Basically anything that you can claim through Medicare (even though it's not the full amount) that is not inpatient hospital is not claimable.

      • Austin 316 on 12/04/2024 - 15:03

        Thank you Miss B. This helps clear up my understanding.

    • tunzafun001 on 17/04/2024 - 17:19

      Bupa told me via the phone that a vision check up is a medicare claim, not private health. So you can go wherever you like.

      But for the actual glasses themselves, apparently a Bupa First…platinum…elite…diamond…squared (ridiculousness) member is the way to get glasses cheaper.

      I just want some Oakley Holbrook Sunnies frames.

      Anyone got a tip on the best place to go? Or do I just buy online, found $160 with prescription lenses. Just claim that back?

      • easternculture on 17/04/2024 - 19:34

        Correct that vision check is medicare.

        found $160 with prescription lenses. Just claim that back?

        Make sure merchant has a provider number and bills you with right item number so you can claim

        • tunzafun001 on 17/04/2024 - 22:25

          Right, thanks.

        • tunzafun001 on 23/06/2024 - 00:11

          @easternculture

          Any tips on how to buy a pair of prescription sunglasses, and keep the standard lenses that come with the frames?

          Bupa Optical guy said "they are normally not meant to, but sometimes we will leave the standard lenses in box".

          Seems wrong to me as just the frames is the same price as frames and lenses. Should get both anyway?

          Perhaps I'm doing something wrong?

  • Miss B on 12/04/2024 - 14:42
    +3

    If you're churning a lot, it's a good idea to keep track of your own transfer certificates (you should receive one each time you cancel a policy) and forward them to your new health fund. 1-2 years worth. It will make it easier if you have any hospital claims and potentially extras with longer waiting periods.

    • easternculture on 12/04/2024 - 21:12

      They still have to recieve them directly from your previous health funds.

      I just provide them with fund and member number.

      • YesPleaseThankYou on 12/04/2024 - 21:20
        +1

        Yeah, sure, they can do that, but it takes time.

        Much easier to have them on hand. Zip them up and email them off to the addresses shown here https://privatehealthcareaustralia.org.au/resources/fund-res…

        Here's my suggested process https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15120488/redir Works for me!

        • easternculture on 12/04/2024 - 21:40

          They still have to verify it from previous insurer as anyone can photoshop a certificate

          • Miss B on 13/04/2024 - 00:03
            +2

            @easternculture: Some definitely don't, but even if they do they can be careful about how they word things when checking if you're covered. "We need to verify the details in the transfer certificates, but based on the information in the certificates…"

            Giving fund and member numbers is fine too it will just take a bit longer.

            It would all get sorted in the end, but people tend to get a bit stressed out when they're in hospital or about to be and they can't confirm if they're going to be covered.

            It's more an issue when people don't provide details of all their previous funds in any way when they sign up, so their only transfer certificate shows they only have a couple of months of cover.

            It's also worth checking the certs each time to make sure there are no issues so you find it before you're 6 funds along and need to correct it with all of them.

            • YesPleaseThankYou on 13/04/2024 - 21:44
              +1

              @Miss B:

              It's also worth checking the certs each time to make sure there are no issues so you find it before you're 6 funds along and need to correct it with all of them.

              Yes, great advice! I suggested similar earlier in this thread:

              When you leave a fund, be sure always check the Transfer Certificates issued to you by the 'old' fund, to ensure that From and To policy dates are correct. If they are not, ask the insurer to correct these.

              https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15118136/redir

          • YesPleaseThankYou on 13/04/2024 - 21:40
            +1

            @easternculture:

            They still have to verify it from previous insurer as anyone can photoshop a certificate

            Do you have inside information about this process or are you just speculating? I think it is unhelpful to speculate, if that is what you are doing.

            If it was the case that funds routinely did what you are asserting, then they would not be asking the customer for a copy of the Transfer Certificates. Instead, they would just obtain them from the previous fund/s.

            In some circumstances, eg, where fraud is suspected, the fund would certainly consider additional checks.

            • easternculture on 13/04/2024 - 22:37

              @YesPleaseThankYou:

              Do you have inside information about this process or are you just speculating?

              I have a few mates that work in the private health insurance industry.

              Already asked the questions before i started churning

              • YesPleaseThankYou on 14/04/2024 - 11:09

                @easternculture:

                I have a few mates that work in the private health insurance industry.

                In many years of churning, there has never been any suggestion that the funds have verified the transfer certificates I have supplied with any of the previous funds. I am not saying they haven't checked, just that I have seen no indication of this.

                As I indicated above, I would expect it to be done where fraud is suspected, or randomly, as part of an audit.

                as anyone can photoshop a certificate

                If anyone is editing their transfer certificates, they risk being identified, barred from those funds, and potentially being reported to the police.

                Already asked the questions before i started churning

                What a strange question to ask.

                • easternculture on 15/04/2024 - 14:33

                  @YesPleaseThankYou: Just FYI, just called union health re transfer certificates pending and they confirmed they still have to email previous fund and verify them even if i send them the ones i have

                  • YesPleaseThankYou on 15/04/2024 - 21:21

                    @easternculture: As I said, to the best of my knowledge, I have never had a fund advise me that my certificates are being verified, nor have I had any reason to ask whether they undertake such an activity.

                    If I worked at a fund and a customer asked me that question (just as you have today), I'd definitely be double-checking any information you supplied.

                    My position is they can check all they like—all my certificates are unadulterated. Are yours?

                    • easternculture on 16/04/2024 - 17:04

                      @YesPleaseThankYou:

                      If I worked at a fund and a customer asked me that question (just as you have today), I'd definitely be double-checking any information you supplied

                      I spoke to the department that process transfer certificates as part of their portfolio.

                      Anyways believe what you want. Not really my buisness

  • screensaver on 12/04/2024 - 20:09
    +1

    Got my first letter from Bupa. It has mistakes, they have my loading as 20% when its 18, and another error.

    • easternculture on 12/04/2024 - 21:11

      Wait till they get transfer certificate and they will adjust it

      • YesPleaseThankYou on 12/04/2024 - 21:18

        Why wait? The loading means that a higher premium is being paid. The transfer certificate won't fix that.

        (LHC doesn't apply to me, so I'm certainly no expert in this. Have I missed something?)

        • easternculture on 12/04/2024 - 21:39

          They applied loading based on info you provided on signup. Your transfer certificate will show the right amount and will be adjusted accordingly

  • screensaver on 13/04/2024 - 16:28

    HBF Health just took another payment from my account even though I switched to Bupa over a week ago

    • easternculture on 13/04/2024 - 16:50

      They will refund once they recieve the transfer request (request for transfer certificate)

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 13/04/2024 - 17:03
      +1

      This is why I always deal with the cancellation of the old policy myself, then I know it's done, and have email confirmation of the same. Relying on the new fund to do the cancellation is fraught with danger (frustration).

      I don't want random amounts being taken out of my account by an insurer I no longer wish to deal with. I can't wait for the Direct Debit system to be dismantled and for PayTo to be in use everywhere. With PayTo, the account owner can cancel the payment arrangement.

      Dealing with Bupa and Medibank is almost always frustrating as there are multiple layers of customer service staff to get through before reaching someone with knowledge or authority. With the smaller funds, you can reach the relevant person quickly. See latest complaint stats here Private Health Insurance industry updates.

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