Key Australian healthcare reform statistics

• In 2023-24, there were approximately 788,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations, costing an estimated $7.7 billion or 8.5 per cent of total admitted patient expenditure.
• Demand continues to grow, with 15 million Australians (61 per cent) living with at least one chronic condition and almost 10 million (38 per cent) experiencing multimorbidity.
• Australia spends 3.1 per cent annually on preventive healthcare despite more than one-third of Australia’s disease burden being attributable to modifiable risk factors.
• In 2022–23, Australia recorded 158,900 Hospital in the Home (HITH) separations, but only 6,400 (4 per cent) occurred in private hospitals.
• Among Australians who needed specialist care in 2024–25, 18.3 per cent delayed or did not see a specialist, while 8.6 per cent identified cost as a reason for delaying or foregoing care.
• By 2033, Australia will have an estimated undersupply of 6,981 fulltime-equivalent specialists, increasing to 12,812 by 2048.

How could Australia fund preventive care and chronic disease management instead of only paying for GP visits?

General practice has shifted from episodic treatment towards more prevention and longer-term management of patients since Medicare began in 1984, yet funding remains heavily reliant on fee-for

service Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) payments – a model suited to discrete consultations rather than the proactive, team-based, longitudinal care now required.

Blended funding should complement fee-for-service payments rather than replacing them, with comparable international systems using combinations of activity-based payments, capitation and practice-level funding to preserve access incentives while funding coordination and proactive management more predictably.

Build on MyMedicare by enabling practices to voluntarily participate in a blended funding model that combines fee-for-service payments for direct clinical care with flexible, patient-linked funding for chronic and complex care.

What would make it easier for Australians with chronic conditions to get coordinated care from GPs, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals?

Expanding multidisciplinary teams would increase capacity by enabling GPs to focus on diagnosis, complex decision-making and continuity of care, while other professionals provide preventive care, education and follow-up in their scope of practice.

Strengthen the capacity of existing programs such as the WIP – PS for eligible practices to support a broader mix of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners working to their full scope.

Why are potentially preventable hospitalisations still high in Australia, and which primary care reforms might reduce them?

In 2023-24, there were approximately 788,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations, costing an estimated $7.7 billion or 8.5 per cent of total admitted patient expenditure. When people cannot access timely primary care, chronic conditions can worsen, leading to poorer health outcomes and avoidable hospital use. Strengthening investment in preventive primary care is therefore both a health and economic imperative.

Despite broad support for prevention, Australia's funding system remains focused on treatment with Medicare’s fee-for-service model rewarding episodic care rather than continuity, multidisciplinary management, prevention and long-term health outcomes.

Which patients in Australia can safely receive hospital level treatment through Hospital in the Home, and what evidence supports it?

HITH enables admitted patients to receive hospital-level care at home instead of in a hospital bed, avoiding admission or supporting earlier discharge while maintaining inpatient-equivalent clinical governance, oversight and escalation pathways. As chronic and complex conditions grow alongside an ageing population, HITH offers a clinically proven way to meet rising acute care demand without expanding hospital capacity. HITH is associated with lower mortality, fewer readmissions, lower costs and higher patient and carer satisfaction than inpatient care for appropriately selected patients.

Introduce minimum benefits for an initial group of established HITH services with clear substitution potential, including IV antibiotics and infusion therapy, infection management, complex wound care, post-operative/post-acute care, and palliative care.

Australian modelling shows savings of 39 per cent per episode versus inpatient care, consistent with a 2023 UK review finding savings in 13 of 15 economic evaluations.

What stops Hospital in the Home from scaling across Australia, including in private care?

In 2022–23, only 4 per cent of HITH separations (6,400 of 158,900) were delivered in the private sector. Public hospitals can invest directly in HITH capacity and referral pathways, while private access instead depends on whether an individual hospital has invested in a program and negotiated funding with insurers.

There is no nationally prescribed minimum hospital benefit for HITH, so access and payment depend on individual hospital-insurer contracts. This creates a circular problem where hospitals hesitate to invest in HITH teams and systems without predictable demand, while insurers and clinicians hesitate to refer without assured service availability.

MBS rules generally prevent telehealth items being claimed for admitted HITH patients, apart from limited psychiatry items, discouraging specialists from referring patients where ongoing review would otherwise require in-person attendance. Dedicated telehealth items for admitted HITH patients would support clinical continuity, autonomy and timely escalation.

How could Australia fund earlier community based mental health support instead of waiting until people need hospital care?

Policy has shifted towards prevention and community-based care, but funding has not kept pace. Responsibilities remain dispersed across Commonwealth and state programs with separate mechanisms for primary care, specialist services, hospitals and psychosocial supports.

PHI regulation reflects a similarly hospital-centric model, where insurers can fund hospital-based mental health care but have limited legislative authority to fund preventive, community-based and digitally enabled care outside hospital settings and limited ability to co-fund services from a broader range of medical specialists.

Amend the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 and associated rules to enable private health insurers to fund a broader range of evidence-based early intervention, prevention, treatment and recovery services delivered outside hospital settings.

How can Australians check a specialist’s fees and likely out of pocket costs before booking?

The Government’s proposal to mandate specialist fee transparency through the Medical Costs Finder tool represents an important step in helping patients make more informed decisions about the specialist care they receive. By improving visibility of likely OOP costs before treatment, the Medical Costs Finder tool supports greater patient transparency and choice.

Expand the Medical Costs Finder to include typical fees, Medicare benefits, gap-scheme participation requiring specialists to publish indicative fees and an ability to correct information between updates.

Which reforms could shorten specialist waits and reduce out of pocket costs in Australia?

Restoring accessible and affordable specialist care therefore requires a coordinated response across affordability, workforce supply and service delivery. This chapter sets out reforms focused on reducing unexpected OOP costs, strengthening the specialist workforce pipeline and embedding shared care and secondary consultation within routine healthcare, to support a specialist care system that remains accessible, affordable and sustainable as community needs grow.

These reforms aim to reduce unexpected medical costs, support informed choice and encourage effective competition, while preserving clinical autonomy and specialists' ability to set their own fees.

Could timely specialist advice to GPs prevent unnecessary referrals without compromising care?

A nationally available system delivering an estimated 140,500 secondary consultations a year could avoid around 68,000 specialist referrals and reduce patient OOP costs by about $4 million annually.

Queensland's Mater eConsultant service illustrates the model in practice: since October 2025 it has supported more than 250 regional and rural GPs, with over 1,000 patients receiving earlier advice and almost 92 per cent avoiding a face-to-face specialist appointment, with responses averaging 2.1 business days.

Create a national service through which GPs can seek patient-specific advice from participating public and private specialists without first converting the request into a formal referral, covering diagnostic clarification, interpretation of investigations, treatment and medicines management and whether direct referral is required.

Which Australian health reforms could improve access and outcomes while limiting avoidable hospital spending?

We know that earlier intervention, improved access to community-based care and more effective management of chronic and complex conditions, can reduce avoidable hospital admissions, improve workforce participation and reduce pressure on both the private and public hospital systems.

Reorienting our healthcare system towards prevention and integrated, person-centred care, delivered by a flexible, multidisciplinary workforce and enabled by technology is a large part of the solution to tackling chronic disease.

How should Australia respond to GP and specialist workforce shortages without compromising care quality?

Workforce shortages are placing increasing pressure on Australia's health system. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the Department) projected a General Practitioner (GP) shortfall of more than 800 in 2024, rising to more than 2,600 by 2028 and 8,600 by 2048. At the same time, four in ten GPs are aged over 55, increasing retirement-related workforce pressures.

Specialist shortages are also expected to grow, reaching 6,981 full-time-equivalent specialists by 2033 and 12,812 by 2048. Australia is increasingly reliant on internationally trained doctors, with annual overseas entrants now exceeding domestic medical graduates.

Given that specialist supply is shaped by decisions across university funding, hospital employment, vocational training, accreditation, migration and healthcare financing, reform should establish a nationally coordinated framework that aligns the levers held by governments, health services, training organisations and regulators.

What evidence shows prevention and care closer to home can make the health system more sustainable?

Prevention delivers a median return on investment of $14.30 for every $1 spent, though outcomes vary by intervention and population. Modelling suggests non-communicable disease elimination could lower health expenditure by around 40 per cent and lift GDP by nearly 4 per cent. More realistically, closing the gap to best-performing countries on major risk factors could lower expenditure by 6.2 per cent and lift GDP by 1.3 per cent over 2026-2050.

Victoria's SunSmart program illustrates the long-term value of sustained prevention, estimated to have prevented more than 43,000 skin cancers between 1988 and 2011.

HITH is associated with lower mortality, fewer readmissions, lower costs and higher patient and carer satisfaction than inpatient care for appropriately selected patients.

A South Australian evaluation of community-based psychosocial support found reductions in mental health hospitalisations of around 39 per cent and bed days of around 16 per cent.

Read Bupa’s full Building a More Accessible, Modern and Sustainable Health System discussion paper, including the evidence, methodology and cited references.

Developed by Movember's Dr Zac Seidler, clinical psychologist and Global Director of Men's Health Research, Men in Mind equips mental health practitioners with evidence-based strategies to engage men more effectively, improve therapeutic alliance, and support men to stay connected to care.

The partnership reflects a shared recognition that healthcare systems have a critical role to play in engaging and retaining men in mental health care with government data suggesting women are 40 per cent more likely to see a psychologist for mental health issues^[1].

Mindplace Clinical Director, Jason Vella said: “Mental health is one of the defining healthcare challenges of our time, and better outcomes depend not only on expanding access to support, but ensuring people remain engaged once they seek help.

“Too many men are still falling through the gaps in traditional models of care. This training helps scale research-backed approaches that support earlier intervention, improve engagement and ultimately ensure more people receive the care they need before reaching crisis point.

“This programme is part of Bupa’s ambition to strengthen preventive mental healthcare through our growing global network of Mindplace centres and connected digital services, helping more people access personalised support earlier,” Mr Vella said.

Early results from the global Men in Mind programme have shown 94 per cent of respondents felt more confident working with male clients after completing the training, and 98 per cent reported an improvement in their score on the Engaging with Men in Therapy Scale (EMITS).

A further 85 per cent said they had since applied what they learned in their own practice. Among those clinicians, 59 per cent reported improved engagement with male clients, either through greater client openness, or clinicians feeling more confident in those conversations.

Dr Zac Seidler, Global Director of Research at Movember, said: "When it comes to men's mental health, getting men through the door is only part of the challenge - keeping them engaged in support is equally important.

“Through our partnership with Bupa and its Mindplace centres, we're helping clinicians better understand how men experience and express mental health concerns, and how to build stronger therapeutic relationships. This investment in clinician training has the potential to improve care for thousands of men and ensure more men receive the support they need, for as long as they need it,” Dr Seidler said.

Bupa has plans to grow Mindplace to 60 sites nationwide in 2027. The expansion reflects Bupa’s wider focus on improving access to timely, preventive and personalised mental healthcare at a time of growing global demand.

^{[1] Patient Experiences, 2024-25 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics}
 

Bupa has launched reduced-fee psychology sessions through Mindplace, with appointments costing no more than $129, as new government data shows more Australians are avoiding mental health care because of cost.

The Mindplace offer is available to all Australians, regardless of their health insurance or Medicare status. Eligible clients with a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan can pay no more than $28 out of pocket per session.

How much does a Mindplace psychology session cost?

A standard 50-minute session with a registered psychologist at Mindplace costs no more than $129 under the offer. Eligible clients with an appropriate Medicare referral may pay no more than $28 out of pocket per session.^[1]

Which Australians are most likely to avoid mental health care due to cost?

Government data shows people aged 25–34 recorded the highest rate of avoiding mental health care due to cost, at 24 per cent, while women were also more likely than men to cite cost as a barrier to care (23 per cent compared with 15 per cent). People living in areas of greater disadvantage are more likely to delay seeking care due to cost and use Medicare-subsidised mental health services at lower rates.

How is Bupa making psychology and mental health care more affordable?

Bupa is reducing the cost of psychology sessions through Mindplace, helping more Australians access and continue mental health support.

Glenn McPhee, Managing Director, Mindplace, Government and Corporate Health, said cost-of-living pressures were making ongoing mental health care harder to afford.

“We continue to hear from clients who cannot afford ongoing mental health care due to cost-of-living pressures. This offer is about reducing barriers to care for more Australians and helping those who need to start or continue with their mental health care.

“By expanding Mindplace’s network of mental health centres throughout metropolitan and regional areas, Bupa intends to play a pivotal role in meeting the increasing demand for mental health support in our community,” Mr McPhee said.

Recent government data shows cost remains a significant barrier to mental health care, particularly for Australians living in more disadvantaged areas.

“Through low-cost options and a growing mental health workforce, our ambition is to work alongside the public system to help more Australians access the mental health support they need.

“As demand continues to rise, private, government and public providers need to work together to improve access to care,” Mr McPhee said.

Who can access Mindplace mental health services?

Mindplace is open to all Australians, regardless of their health insurance status, and is focused on improving access to mental health support through a connected model of care.

What is Mindplace?

Mindplace is Bupa's mental health service providing psychology and mental health support to Australians, including people who do not have Bupa health insurance.

Mindplace reduced-fee psychology: fast facts

· Session cost: No more than $129

· With eligible Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan: No more than $28 out of pocket

· Who can access it: Australians regardless of Bupa health insurance status

· Service: Psychology sessions with registered psychologists

· Offer available until: 28 February 2027

For more information about Mindplace visit here.

^{[1]The Mindplace low-cost offering is available until 28 February 2027. Visit the Mindplace website for full details and Terms & Conditions. Out of pocket costs based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) billing rules for mental health services as of 1 July 2026. For a Medicare-eligible client with an appropriate referral under the Better Access initiative, a standard individual consultation of at least 50 minutes with an eligible registered psychologist is currently billed under MBS item 80110. At a consultation fee of $129, this results in an estimated $27.45 out-of-pocket cost. For a Medicare-eligible client with an appropriate referral, a standard individual consultation of at least 50 minutes with eligible clinical psychologist is currently billed under MBS item 80010. At a consultation fee of $175, this results in an estimated $25.95 out-of-pocket cost.}

During his 10 years with Bupa, Mr Loizou has helped transform finance functions in Australia and Hong Kong, earning a reputation as a trusted and people-focused leader. He played a leading role in transforming Bupa Hong Kong’s customer and financial performance and building a more sustainable platform for growth.

Mr Loizou will relocate to Australia with his family and be based in Melbourne from 1 January 2027. An update on the Finance Director role in Hong Kong will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mr Byers will take up his role from 1 January 2027, succeeding Pedro Sánchez, who will retire at the end of this year after 20 years with Bupa, including the past three years leading our New Zealand business.

Mr Sánchez joined Sanitas Mayores, Bupa’s Spanish aged care business, as Operations Director in 2006 and became General Manager in 2021. During his 17 years with the business, he helped drive substantial growth while championing innovation, person-centred care, and positive change in dementia care communities.

Over the past three years, Mr Sánchez has led Bupa New Zealand through significant transformation and change, strengthening its performance, market position and culture, and building a strong platform for growth.

A passionate customer champion, Mr Byers has been at the forefront of Bupa New Zealand’s transformation agenda, embedding innovation and building technological capability across the aged care business including launching Blua.

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said the appointments followed extensive recruitment processes and reflected Bupa’s commitment to investing in its people, building leadership capability and succession planning.

Mr Stone thanked Damien Johnston for his contribution as Interim CFO, APAC. Mr Johnston has provided strong leadership to the Finance team. He will leave Bupa on 18 November with Bupa’s thanks and best wishes for the future.

“Josh and Angelo are proven leaders who bring deep knowledge of, and passion for, our business, together with a strong focus on our customers and people,” Mr Stone said.

“Their appointments provide continuity while bringing the experience and perspective we need for Bupa’s next phase of growth.

“On behalf of our Board and team, I want to thank Pedro for his remarkable contribution over the past 20 years. He should be incredibly proud of the legacy he leaves. We also thank Damien for his steady leadership as Interim CFO and wish him every success for the future.

“Pedro’s move from Spain to New Zealand and Angelo’s journey from Australia to Hong Kong and now back to Melbourne demonstrate how global mobility at Bupa helps us develop talent, share expertise and bring new perspectives to our businesses.”

“The Symposium is an important addition to the Festival, creating an opportunity to bring together experts, practitioners and lived experience voices to explore the evidence and impact of sport in recovery.

Bupa’s experience supporting Defence health and wellbeing makes them a natural partner in helping facilitate these important conversations and ensuring the insights generated continue to benefit the veteran community long after the Festival concludes,” he said.

Bupa ADF Health Services Director, Peter Livanes, said:

“Supporting every aspect of wellbeing for the Defence community is vital for achieving the best physical and mental health outcomes, which is why partnering with organisations like Invictus Australia is so important.

“The Invictus Australia Sports Festival showcases the extraordinary strength of the Defence community. By bringing people together through sport, it creates opportunities for recovery, connection and personal achievement, and we're proud to support an event that makes such a meaningful impact,” he said.

The Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, will welcome competitors from host nation Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea centered on sport, recovery and connection.

Competitors will take part in Indoor Rowing, Pickleball, Sitting Volleyball and Swimming, alongside opportunities for the wider veteran community and general public to get involved through community sport.

The Festival begins with the Knowledge and Translation Symposium on Friday 23 October, followed by two days of sport and community activity across Perth.

For Invictus Australia, the Festival forms part of a broader commitment to ensuring the impact of sport continues beyond the bright lights of an Invictus Games, creating welcoming pathways for veterans and families to stay active, connected and involved in their communities.

Further Festival announcements, including the Symposium speaker line-up and schedule, will be shared in the lead-up to October. More information can be found here.

For those who can't attend the Festival in person, we're encouraging them to purchase a virtual seat to fundraise in support of wounded, injured and ill military personnel.

In its submission to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability’s Inquiry into access to and affordability of medical specialists in Australia, Bupa calls for reforms to improve specialist access, affordability and patient choice.

Bupa recommends stronger national specialist workforce planning and regional training pathways, greater transparency of specialist fees and waiting times, improved informed financial consent and protections against unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

The submission also calls for greater use of GP-specialist consultations, shared care, telehealth and virtual specialist care, Hospital in the Home, and nationally interoperable digital referral pathways. These reforms would help patients access the right care sooner, make better use of Australia’s specialist workforce and strengthen the sustainability of the health system.

• One in three Australians use fitness or activity tracking platforms such as Fitbit, Apple Health and Strava, making them the nation’s most popular digital health tools.
• Younger Australians are leading the wearables trend, with 45% of people aged 40 and under using apps or wearable devices to monitor their health and fitness, compared with 29% of Australians aged 50 and over.
• Two in three Australians say tracking physical activity, sleep or nutrition is the most valuable feature in a health and wellbeing app, ahead of rewards, trusted health information and personalised recommendations.
• Wearable technology can play a growing role in preventative health, helping people build awareness of their health, support healthier habits and have more informed conversations with healthcare professionals.

The latest Bupa Pulse Check found fitness and activity tracking platforms such as Fitbit, Apple Health and Strava are Australia's most popular digital health tools, ahead of telehealth, meditation and nutrition apps.

The study also found younger Aussies are leading the wearables trend with 45% aged 40 and under monitoring their health and fitness using apps or wearable devices, compared with 23% of Australians aged 50 and above.

The national survey of 2000 Australians also found two in three Australians said the most valuable feature in a health and wellbeing app was the ability to track sleep, physical activity and nutrition, making it the most sought-after health initiative ahead of rewards programs, trusted health information, and personalised recommendations.

GP, and Bupa Clinical Innovation General Manager, Dr Janice Tan, said Aussies had moved beyond simply counting steps and were increasingly using wearable technology to build a more complete picture of their overall health and wellbeing.

“As a GP, I'm seeing more patients come in with health data from their smartwatches and fitness trackers,” Dr Tan said.

“Recently, one patient was worried about their high resting heart rate, but after looking into it a little deeper, we discovered the issue was actually dehydration, which can affect heart rate and other health conditions. 

“Wearables and AI are making it easier than ever for people to access health information. They can support more informed conversations with healthcare professionals but should never be used to self-diagnose or replace professional medical advice.” 

The Australian wearables market is expected to grow from US$4.49 billion in 2026 to US$8.09 billion by 2031, an annual growth rate of 12.5%. ^[1] Dr Tan said wearables provided useful data, especially in between GP visits, but a meaningful relationship with a person’s doctor would always be one of the most powerful tools for keeping people well and reducing their risk of chronic disease. 

“Many chronic health conditions develop over time, often without obvious symptoms. Wearables can help people build awareness of their health and encourage healthy habits long before they need medical treatment, which is why they're becoming such a valuable add-on tool in preventative health,” she said. 

“I'd much rather see patients taking an interest in their health before something goes wrong. 

“This real-time information is not only helping people make healthier choices every day but also giving clinicians valuable insights that can help uncover underlying health issues.”

Health and wellbeing apps Australians use: 

These are the most used health apps:

• 33% – Fitness or activity tracking (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Health, Strava)
• 16% – Digital GP or virtual health consultations (e.g. Blua, HotDoc)
• 15% – Meditation or mindfulness apps (e.g. Headspace, Calm)
• 13% – Nutrition or diet tracking apps (e.g. MyFitnessPal, Noom)

Most valuable features in a health and wellbeing app:

These are the most valued health app features:

• 66% – Tracking physical activity, sleep or nutrition
• 51% – Earning rewards or incentives for healthy behaviour
• 50% – Getting trusted health information and advice
• 49% – Managing or tracking mental health and stress levels
• 45% – Receiving personalised recommendations to improve health
  
  ^{*Source: Bupa Pulse Check 2026}

^{[1] Wearable Technology Market Size, Share & Trends Report 2031}

“During her time with us, Bec brought clear focus and energy to employee engagement, talent development, succession planning, and global mobility. She’s also been a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, including initiatives for our First Nations team members,” Mr Stone said.

“We have a talented People team and strong momentum to sustain this important work with a focus on building a high-performing culture.

“We thank Bec for her contribution to Bupa and wish her all the best for the future," he said.

Maria Marinelli has been appointed Acting Chief People Officer, in addition to her role as Bupa General Counsel APAC. 

• 2.8 million Australians live with asthma and many may not have the right medication for spring.

• Current Australian asthma guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids rather than relying solely on blue reliever inhalers.

• Cost-of-living pressures are causing some Australians to delay, skip or reuse asthma medication.

• People with asthma should review their medication and asthma action plan with their GP before spring.

• Higher pollen levels, thunderstorms and strong winds can increase the risk of asthma flare-ups and attacks.

With research suggesting more than half of Australians have taken old medication, delayed treatment or not filled a prescription due to cost-of-living pressures, doctors are encouraging people living with asthma to make sure their medication and asthma action plan are up to date before the spring asthma season.

What is the recommended asthma treatment in Australia? 

Current Australian asthma guidelines recommend a move away from relying solely on traditional blue reliever inhalers and towards inhaled corticosteroid treatment to reduce the risk of serious asthma flare-ups and attacks.

Despite this change, there are concerns many of the 2.8 million Australians living with asthma may not have reviewed their asthma medication or management plan ahead of spring.

Dr Jonathan Brown, Medical Director of Bupa Medical, said many Australians only think about asthma when symptoms appear.

"Asthma flare-ups can happen quickly due to spikes in pollen during thunderstorms and high winds, so being prepared is essential."

What are the warning signs that asthma is not well controlled? 

Using a blue reliever inhaler more than twice a week may be a sign that asthma is not well controlled.

Other warning signs can include frequent symptoms, disrupted sleep, coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should speak with their GP about whether their medication or asthma action plan needs updating.

Why is spring a high-risk season for asthma? 

Spring can be particularly challenging for people living with asthma because increased pollen levels, strong winds and thunderstorms can trigger symptoms and asthma attacks.

Reviewing asthma medication before spring can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and emergency presentations.

What is thunderstorm asthma? 

Thunderstorm asthma occurs when storms combine with high pollen levels, causing pollen particles to break into smaller fragments that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

People living with asthma should ensure their medication is up to date and that they have an asthma action plan before the spring season.

How is the cost of living affecting asthma management? 

Cost-of-living pressures are leading some Australians to delay filling prescriptions, use expired medication or put off healthcare appointments.

Research commissioned by Bupa found cost is the number one barrier preventing Australians from maintaining their health and wellbeing, ahead of time pressures and complacency.

Delaying or skipping asthma medication can increase the risk of serious health consequences, particularly during spring when asthma triggers become more common.

Anyone who has delayed filling a prescription, used expired medication or has not reviewed their asthma management recently should book an appointment with their GP.

What should you do if asthma symptoms get worse? 

People experiencing worsening asthma symptoms should follow their asthma action plan and seek medical advice when required.

The right treatment and preparation can help prevent symptoms from escalating and may reduce the likelihood of emergency care being needed.

Where can I get asthma support after hours? 

Several healthcare services are available when medical support is needed outside normal GP clinic hours.

Options may include Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and telehealth services such as 24/7 online doctors for non-emergency medical advice and treatment.

Knowing what services are available before symptoms worsen can help people access the right care at the right time.

Through Blua, eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers can arrange to speak to a doctor 24/7, with 100% of appointment fees covered for up to three or six appointments per person each year, depending on their level of cover.

• Bupa is calling for amendments to the Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026.
• The proposed changes would remove the age-based private health insurance rebate for some Australians aged 65 and over.
• Around 500,000 Bupa health insurance policies are held by lower-income Australians aged over 65.
• Bupa says the changes could make private health insurance less affordable for pensioners and retirees.
• Bupa supports additional investment in aged care but believes older Australians should not face higher health insurance costs to fund it.

Quotes attributable to Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams

At a time when pensioners and retirees are already being squeezed by rising living costs, removing the age-based rebate risks pricing some older Australians out of private health insurance altogether.

About 500,000 Bupa health insurance policies are held by Australians aged more than 65 on lower incomes. After decades of contributing to the private health system, many now face the prospect of paying more for the cover they have relied on for years.

Many have told us they are already struggling with cost-of-living pressures. Removing the age-based rebate could be the tipping point that forces some to downgrade or abandon their cover, reducing access to private care and putting further pressure on the public health system.

While Bupa supports the intent to provide additional funding for aged care, older Australians should not have to pay for it through higher health insurance costs.

That’s why we are calling for urgent amendments to the Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026 to protect pensioners and low-income older Australians from changes to the age-based rebate.

Older Australians who have done the right thing for decades should not be priced out of the health cover they depend on. Bupa will continue advocating for changes that protect affordable access to care.

To read Bupa’s full submission on the private health insurance age-based rebate for Australians aged 65 years and over click here.

Eliud Kipchoge will bring the legacy ambitions of his Running World Tour to Melbourne during Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival week, joining Bupa for an intimate conversation about running, purpose and the role healthier environments play in healthier lives.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time, Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion and, in 2019, became the first person to cover the marathon distance in under two hours in a specially staged event.

Bupa is hosting the event as part of the Melbourne leg of Kipchoge’s Running World Tour, through its Healthy Cities program, which connects everyday movement with investment in greener urban environments and reflects Bupa’s belief that the health of people and the health of the planet are deeply connected.

Bupa has also partnered with Kipchoge, Landcare Australia and the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival on the Melbourne Marathon Healthy Cities Nature Trail, which will connect six priority restoration sites across Port Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, St Kilda and Elwood.

The project will see 5,000 native plants planted in 2027 across coastal dunes, remnant grasslands, biodiversity corridors and urban reserves, helping restore habitat and improve connections between natural areas for native birds, reptiles, pollinators and other wildlife.

Interpretive signage and QR-enabled educational resources will also encourage people using the area to learn more about local biodiversity as they run, walk and cycle through the trail.

During INSIDE THE MARATHON MIND OF ELIUD KIPCHOGE, a small group of invited guests and media will hear how Kipchoge approaches the defining stages of a marathon - and how his ideas about discipline, reflection and purpose extend beyond the race itself.

Rather than revisiting records and race results, the conversation will examine the less visible aspect of elite endurance: patience, consistency, reflection and the thoughts a runner carries when the body wants to stop. It will also explore the legacy Kipchoge hopes to create through running and the responsibility athletes, organisations and communities share in supporting healthier places to live and move.

Australian marathon great Steve Moneghetti will facilitate the conversation, drawing on his experience across four Olympic Games and bringing his training diary from the 1990 Berlin Marathon to prompt a comparison between the preparation and reflection practices of two generations of marathon runners.

“Running has given me more than records or medals. It has taught me that every step can have a purpose beyond ourselves” said Kipchoge.

“My hope with this World Tour is to remind people everywhere that running is much more than a sport. It is a way to bring humanity together. I want every runner, whether they are chasing a marathon finish or simply taking their first steps, to believe in their dreams and discover that they are capable of more than they imagine.

“When we challenge ourselves with discipline and consistency, we grow not only as athletes but as people. I believe that when we run united across borders, cultures and communities, we create hope, friendship and a stronger world. Melbourne is another opportunity for us all to run together for something bigger than ourselves. A better, healthier and more peaceful world.”

Kipchoge, an avid and meticulous journaler, will also bring his journal to the event. Each guest will receive a journal inspired by his practice and will be invited to reflect on the lessons, intentions and legacy they want to carry with them when their own race becomes difficult. This limited-edition keepsake will become a physical reminder of the purpose they want to take to the start line and beyond it.

“The health of people and the health of the planet are deeply connected,” said Michael Burgess, Director Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Bupa.

“That is why Bupa is working with Eliud on the Melbourne leg of his Running World Tour. His ambition to create a legacy beyond elite performance strongly aligns with Healthy Cities and our work to support greener urban environments that make movement, time outdoors and connection with nature more accessible.

“This is not simply about one event or one race. It is about using the reach of running to encourage healthier behaviour while investing in the places that help healthier communities thrive.”

Since the Healthy Cities program launched in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, Bupa has invested more than $5 million across more than 140 projects with organisations including Landcare Australia, contributing to the planting of more than 580,000 native plants and trees.

During Bupa's 2025 APAC Healthy Cities Challenge, 16,615 people participated, moving the equivalent of 4.4 billion steps.

The 2026 Bupa Pulse Check found that 69% of Australians currently make time to spend outdoors or in nature, while a further 20% would like to do more. Almost half use active transport such as walking, running or cycling as part of everyday life.

The partnership reflects Bupa's Everything for Health brand platform by recognising that improving health requires attention to both individual wellbeing and the environments that shape it.

Government data suggests the highest rate of cost related mental health support avoidance was seen for people aged 25-34 (24 per cent) and females who avoided care at a rate 50 per cent higher than men (23 per cent vs 15 per cent). People living in areas of greater disadvantage are more likely to delay seeking care due to cost and use Medicare-subsidised mental health services at lower rates.^[3]

Glenn McPhee, Managing Director - Mindplace, Government and Corporate Health, said the Mindplace low-cost initiative is designed to help people get access to more affordable, ongoing mental health support at a time when too many are being forced to choose what they can and can’t afford.

“We continue to hear from clients who cannot afford ongoing mental health care due to cost-of-living pressures. This offer is about reducing barriers to care for more Australians and helping those who need to start or continue with their mental health care," Mr McPhee said.

“By expanding Mindplace’s network of mental health centres throughout metropolitan and regional areas, Bupa intends to play a pivotal role in meeting the increasing demand for mental health support in our community.”

According to recent Government data, in 2024-25, more than 1 in 5 people living in Major cities (21%) indicated cost as a reason for not seeing a mental health professional. Understandably, the problem is even worse for those living in the most disadvantaged areas of our community, with almost 1 in 4 people citing cost as a reason for not seeing a mental health professional^[4].

“Through the provision of low-cost options and a growing mental health workforce, our ambition is to work in partnership with the services already provided by the public system to ensure all Australians can access the mental health support they need.

“As demand for mental health services continues to rise, it is critical that private providers work alongside government and public providers to advocate for and deliver better solutions that improve access to care and help address Australia's mental health crisis,” Mr McPhee said.

Mindplace is open to all Australians, regardless of their health insurance status, and is focused on improving access to mental health support through a connected model of care.

For more information about Mindplace visit here.

^{[1] National Mental Health Commission, National Report Card 2025, national-report-card-2025_0.pdf
[2]The Mindplace low-cost offering is available until 28 February 2027. Visit the Mindplace website for full details and Terms & Conditions. Out of pocket costs based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) billing rules for mental health services as of 1 July 2026. For a Medicare-eligible client with an appropriate referral under the Better Access initiative, a standard individual consultation of at least 50 minutes with an eligible registered psychologist is currently billed under MBS item 80110. At a consultation fee of $129, this results in an estimated $27.45 out-of-pocket cost. For a Medicare-eligible client with an appropriate referral, a standard individual consultation of at least 50 minutes with eligible clinical psychologist is currently billed under MBS item 80010. At a consultation fee of $175, this results in an estimated $25.95 out-of-pocket cost.
[3] For richer, but not for poorer: How Australia’s mental health system fails those most in need - MCHRI
[4] National Mental Health Commission, National Report Card 2025, national-report-card-2025_0.pdf}

• More than 367,000 customers used a Blua service last year.
• 230,000 people accessed online GP services through Blua Virtual Consults.
• Almost 70% of these appointments were resolved in the first consultation.
• More than 60% of Blua Virtual Consults are now taking place outside of business hours
• More than 80 per cent of participants in the MoreGoodDays program reported significant improvements in back pain.

How can Australians feel more confident navigating healthcare?

We often talk about access to healthcare, and it matters enormously. But one of the biggest challenges facing Australians is confidence - knowing where to go, what to do next and that somebody is helping guide them.

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. But for many people, the experience of navigating it can still feel confusing and uncertain. You receive a diagnosis, a referral or a set of test results and suddenly you're faced with a series of decisions. What happens next? How urgently do I need to act? What will it cost? And what are my options?

Too often we ask people at their most vulnerable to coordinate their own care. And that uncertainty has consequences. People delay seeking help. They disengage.

That is why the opportunity in front of us is not just improving access. It is improving confidence.

What does connected care look like in practice?
 

For fifteen years, Rhys lived with chronic back pain.

Like many Australians, Rhys did everything he was supposed to do. He sought advice, tried treatments and followed recommendations. Yet despite years of effort, the pain remained.

Eventually, he found himself asking the same question many Australians ask when navigating our health system: ‘What am I supposed to do next?’

What changed for him wasn't a single appointment or intervention, it was finally having his care connected.

Through Blua, Rhys was connected with MoreGoodDays, an evidence-based program combining physiotherapy, psychology and digital support, with more than 80 per cent of participants reporting significant improvements in back pain.

What struck me most about Rhys' story wasn't that he hadn't tried physiotherapy or digital tools before. It was that, for the first time, those elements were brought together into a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to his care.

That's what connected care looks like in practice. The physiotherapist, the psychologist and the digital support all worked together to provide continuity and guidance. Rhys had a pathway – and the confidence to follow it.

Why is healthcare becoming harder to navigate?
 

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. But for many people, the experience of navigating it can still feel confusing and uncertain. You receive a diagnosis, a referral or a set of test results and suddenly you're faced with a series of decisions. What happens next? How urgently do I need to act? What will it cost? And what are my options?

Too often we ask people at their most vulnerable to coordinate their own care. And that uncertainty has consequences. People delay seeking help. They disengage.

In many ways, navigating healthcare today can feel like trying to find your way through a new city using an old street directory. You can eventually get where you need to go, but it is slow, stressful and there is always a lingering uncertainty about whether you're heading in the right direction.

How will AI and technology change healthcare?
 

Digital, AI and genomics can reduce fragmentation and support preventative and personalised care. There are significant opportunities to leverage technology to improve care coordination and help customers stay healthier for longer.

We see the greatest opportunity in prevention, personalisation, earlier intervention and reducing barriers to care.

Most of us wouldn't travel that way today. We use GPS. Not because it drives the car, but because it helps us understand our options, adjust when circumstances change and move forward with confidence.

Over time, Blua will become an even more personalised health companion helping people navigate increasingly complex health journeys with greater confidence while keeping them firmly in control of the decisions and choices that matter.

The impact is threefold: improving patient experiences, supporting clinicians, and helping people connect to the care setting that best meets their needs – whether that's a GP, a specialist, a hospital, a virtual appointment, or care at home.

How can digital health help people navigate healthcare?
 

Blua, our digital health experience platform is designed to make it simple to access care, understand your options and take the next step.

Blua connects people to the information and healthcare services available to them, whether face-to-face or virtual.

Through strong collaboration with providers and industry partners, we're making it easier to see what care is available and how to access it.

While still evolving, Blua is how Bupa is making it easier for customers to see and access the care available to them – bringing together a range of Bupa services and partner programs into one place, while better connecting people to the broader health system.

How can healthcare become more affordable?
 

If we want the system to remain sustainable, we need to create greater flexibility for new models of care that improve outcomes. And we need to reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals – to improve productivity. Without flexibility, and a modern way forward, the system will remain under stress despite better alternatives existing

Australians paid more than $1.3 billion in out-of-pocket medical costs in 2024. Affordability is no longer just a financial issue; it is increasingly an access issue and a health outcome issue.

Behind every one of those statistics is a person – a parent, a partner, a son or daughter. Perhaps someone we know, perhaps someone sitting around our own kitchen table.

Their decision could be about delaying treatment, it could be anxiety about paying a bill, they could be questioning whether they can afford to continue or simply trying to navigate the system while already dealing with the emotional burden of being unwell.

The same principle sits behind programs like MoreGoodDays. Why wait until someone reaches surgery if earlier intervention may achieve a better health outcome? Why wait until somebody reaches crisis if multidisciplinary support can help sooner? Why organise care around settings when we can organise it around people?

These are questions about customer experience. They are questions about sustainability. They are questions about outcomes.

Customers want this. Providers are demonstrating it can work. The challenge now is making it easier to scale.

What should private health insurance look like in the future?
 

If private health is to remain trusted and relevant over the next decade, it cannot remain simply a financing mechanism. It must become better co-ordinated, more preventative and more customer led. If it does not evolve, participation, relevance and trust in the category will all come under growing pressure.

That means helping people stay healthier for longer, not simply paying claims after they become unwell.

Over time, Blua will become an even more personalised health companion helping people navigate increasingly complex health journeys with greater confidence while keeping them firmly in control of the decisions and choices that matter.

For us, the future is about helping people navigate their individual healthcare journey with confidence to quickly access the right care and information available to them across the broader health system. Because trust in the system comes from understanding your options and knowing what to do next.

It's why we are advocating for a new phase of private health insurance reform.

Not reform for its own sake, but reform that helps create the system we see is essential for the future. One that is a stronger and more sustainable health system. We believe in reform that lifts participation, improves productivity and strengthens partnerships across the sector.

What is the future of healthcare in Australia?
 

The challenge is that while customer expectations are changing, many parts of our health system are still designed around a different era of healthcare - built around episodes, institutions and locations, rather than journeys, continuity and outcomes.

The challenge is that while customer expectations are changing, many parts of our health system are still designed around a different era of healthcare - built around episodes, institutions and locations, rather than journeys, continuity and outcomes.

In its early stages, Blua is showing us that better healthcare happens across a connected journey. It happens across primary care, specialist care, mental health support, hospital care, rehabilitation and recovery. It happens at home, in communities and through digital channels.

What we're seeing through Blua is the complementary role that virtual care can play – helping customers access timely support, particularly where traditional access points are constrained. More than 60% of Blua Virtual Consults are now taking place outside of business hours, demonstrating how these services can extend access when people need it most.

What I've seen consistently while working within the healthcare sector is that the best outcomes occur when organisations stop thinking about ownership of the patient journey and start thinking about stewardship of the patient experience.

The week will showcase the five established pathways in Australian tennis – wheelchair tennis, blind and low vision tennis, intellectual disability and autism tennis, deaf and hard of hearing tennis, and para-standing tennis.

This year, 65 clubs, coaching businesses, venues, disability hubs and community organisations across the country will deliver inclusive tennis activities, helping more Australians experience the benefits of the sport.

For the first time, five padel venues will also take part, extending the program beyond traditional tennis environments and creating new inclusive participation opportunities through one of Australia’s fastest growing sports.

The expanded program is designed to encourage participation beyond the week itself, with funded organisations required to deliver at least four follow up sessions. This is expected to generate a minimum of 256 ongoing playing sessions nationally, helping participants build their skills, confidence and an ongoing connection with tennis.

Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner said the growth of All Abilities Week reflected a commitment to making tennis more accessible.

“It's fantastic to see All Abilities Week grow in its second year, with more clubs, coaches and community organisations getting involved across the country,” Larner said.

“What’s particularly important is that these opportunities don’t end when the week does.

“By supporting clubs to deliver ongoing sessions, we’re helping more people with disability discover tennis, build connections in their local communities and find a pathway to continue playing.”

As presenting partner, Bupa will once again support All Abilities Week, building on its partnership with Tennis Australia and a shared commitment to improving health, wellbeing and inclusion through sport.

Bupa Marketing and Brand General Manager Naomi Driver said we all had a role to play in increasing accessibility to sports.

“All Abilities Week is all about giving people the chance to get on court, sometimes for the very first time, and giving tennis a go,” Driver said.

Being active looks different for everyone, which is why we're proud to support opportunities for more people with a disability to experience the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits of sport.”

How to get involved

Throughout All Abilities Week, participating clubs, coaches and organisations will host activities across Australia, giving people with disability the opportunity to try tennis, connect with their local tennis community and explore pathways for ongoing participation.

From introductory sessions for first time players to activities showcasing the different disability pathways, the week will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved.

To find a participating club or venue near you and learn more about All Abilities Week activities, visit the Tennis Australia website.

Joe goes from the nation’s PE teacher to health trend test pilot, taking on a series of intense, real-world experiments overseen by leading health experts. What happens when Joe spends 24 hours alone in one of the UK’s forgotten rainforests? When he almost halves his sleep? Or when he’s sealed inside a Joe-sized box to tackle one of his biggest anxieties head-on?

The series combines Joe's curiosity and passion for making healthy living simple and achievable with Bupa's almost 80 years of health expertise. It also brings together some of the world’s most trusted neuroscientists, nutritionists, movement coaches, sleep scientists and psychotherapists. Equipping audiences with evidence-backed advice that cuts through internet noise, Health or Hype will deliver simple principles to help audiences take day-to-day control of their health – it’s a one-stop-shop to healthier living.

“There’s so much health advice out there, even I get bogged down in it all. So I’ve teamed up with Bupa to find out what can actually help make a difference – even when that means I’m the experiment! As the experts analyse what happens, I hope everyone will come away with health advice that’s actually worth holding on to.” – Joe Wicks, host of Health or Hype.

Dr Melvin Samsom, Group Chief Medical and Sustainability Officer at Bupa, said: “Every day, people are surrounded by a constant stream of health advice and information. But when it comes to our mind and body, knowing what is genuinely helpful can be challenging.

That’s why Bupa has partnered with world-class experts and Joe Wicks to explore some of the health questions people are searching for most online. By combining evidence-based expert insight with real-world experiences, the podcast uncovers daily actions that can help us live longer, healthier, happier lives."

Episode synopses

Episode 1: Movement

What happens when Joe Wicks drastically reduces his movement? With GB Paralympian Richard Whitehead, and movement coach Darryl Edwards

What happens to your metabolism and mood when you drop down to 2,000 steps a day? Joe takes a clinical PNOE breath test to reveal the immediate costs of a sedentary lifestyle – and explores how ‘movement snacks’ and playfulness can improve our mood, energy, and long-term wellbeing.

Episode 2: Nature

What happens when Joe Wicks spends 24 hours alone in the woods? With Neuroscientist Katherine Templar Lewis, and wildlife activist Nadeem Perera

Stripped of tech and left alone in a temperate rainforest, Joe puts the power of nature to the ultimate test – and then investigates how we can feel the same health benefits without leaving the city. Cutting-edge scientific testing reveals what nature does to Joe's brain, and Joe learns how birdsong can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Episode 3: Nutrition

What happens when Joe Wicks goes on a fibre fast? With Dr Megan Rossi, The Gut Health Doctor

Which diet change plummeted Joe's happiness score from 7 to 3 in just three days? And why does Dr Rossi advise against the ‘fibremaxxing’ trend? From unpacking the "Super Six" plant-based food groups to finding budget-friendly gut hacks, discover the simple, everyday science behind building a healthier microbiome.

Episode 4: Sleep

What happens when Joe Wicks drastically reduces his sleep? With sleep scientist Dr. Sophie Bostock

What happens to your body and brain when you’re only getting five hours of sleep a night? From sudden junk food cravings to soaring screen time, Joe experiences the reality faced by parents, shift workers and insomniacs. Sleep scientist Dr Sophie Bostock reveals the science behind better sleep, why consistency beats perfection, and the daily habits that can help you recharge when you’re short on time. And what happens to our mind and body when we don’t sleep enough?

Episode 5: Anxiety

Can you befriend anxiety? Joe Wicks faces his worst fear, with psychotherapist Owen O'Kane, breathwork expert Liza Al Sady, and Rugby Union player Ruby Tui

Psychotherapist Owen O’Kane reveals why trying to eliminate anxiety can often backfire – and how embracing it can be much more helpful. Joe also explores different ways to feel calm and confident with help from international rugby legend Ruby Tui and breathwork expert Liza Al Sady… but when he gets locked in a Joe-sized box to put the lessons he's learned to work, how does he cope?

About Joe Wicks (MBE)

Known to millions as The Body Coach, Joe Wicks MBE is one of the UK's most trusted and inspiring voices in health, fitness and wellbeing. What began as simple home workout videos and "Lean in 15" recipes has grown into a global movement helping millions of people transform their lives through food, fitness and mindset.

He's sold over 5 million cookbooks, created the award-winning Body Coach App, and inspired a generation to move more - from families working out together with 'PE With Joe' during lockdown to children getting active through his new animated kids' series Activate.

Joe's passion is to make fitness accessible for everyone - regardless of age, income or ability - and to continue finding new, inspiring ways to help more people feel fitter, healthier and happier.

Alongside his fitness app business, digital content and publishing success, Joe has expanded into live events, television and philanthropy through his Body Coach Foundation.

As a best-selling author, presenter and founder of the Body Coach App, Joe has inspired millions around the world to get fitter, healthier and happier.

Bronwyn Portes, Bupa APAC Director of Social Impact and Sustainability, said the expanded program reflects Bupa’s commitment to supporting grassroots organisations delivering meaningful local impact

“As a health and care company, we know we can’t create healthier communities on our own. Real change happens when businesses, community organisations and local leaders roll up their sleeves and work together on practical initiatives.

“That’s why we’re proud to be increasing both the size of our grant pool and the value of individual grants this year. We want to help community organisations take their impact further, whether that’s supporting mental wellbeing, strengthening social connections, improving physical health, or helping people and nature thrive together,” Ms Portes said.

Previous grant recipients have included organisations such as the Legacy Club Brisbane, Delta Therapy Dogs and Waipuna Hospice, alongside dozens of other community groups delivering positive outcomes for people and the environment.

“The introduction of larger grants of up to $50,000 is designed to help organisations scale successful programs, expand their reach and create lasting impact in the communities they serve.

“Across Australia and New Zealand, there are countless community-led initiatives making a real difference every day in metropolitan areas but also in remote regions, First Nations communities and amongst veterans. We encourage eligible organisations to apply and share their vision for creating healthier communities,” Ms Portes said.

Applications for the 2026 Bupa Foundation Community Grants Program are now open. For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit here.

Despite changes to treatment advice^[2] which recommends a move away from traditional ‘blue puffers’ to inhaled steroids, there are concerns many of the 2.8 million Aussies living with asthma,^[3] may not have the right medication for spring when increased pollen levels and wind can increase the risk of attacks.

Dr Jonathan Brown, Medical Director of Bupa Medical said too many Australians don’t think about asthma until they need to reach for their inhalers.

“Asthma flare ups can happen quickly due to spikes in pollen during thunderstorms and high winds so being prepared is essential. If you are asthmatic and using your blue reliever inhaler more than twice a week, then your asthma isn’t well controlled.

"We understand cost-of-living pressures are forcing many Australians to make difficult choices about their healthcare but delaying or skipping asthma medication can increase the risk of serious health consequences, particularly as we enter the spring asthma season. If you've been stretching out prescriptions, using expired medication or haven't reviewed your asthma management recently please book in to see your local GP who can get your asthma management back on track,” Dr Brown said.

Bupa research also revealed that cost was nominated as the number one barrier to maintaining health and wellbeing for Australians^[4], ahead of time pressures and general complacency.

“Asthma flare-ups can be unpredictable, so it’s vital to be prepared, have an action plan and seek urgent medical attention where required. The right treatment and preparation can help prevent symptoms from escalating and reduce the likelihood of needing emergency care."

“Knowing what services are available, particularly after hours, such as Medicare Urgent Care Clinics or 24/7 online doctors can be great resources for when a non-urgent medical situation does not necessarily require a visit to your local Hospital Emergency department,” Dr Brown said.

Through Blua, eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers can arrange to speak to a doctor 24/7, with 100% of appointment fees covered for up to 3 or 6 appointments per person each year, depending on their level of cover^[5].

To find a Bupa Medical Centre near you visit here.

^{[1] McKell-Stil-out-of-pocket-2026.pdf
[2] https://www.asthmahandbook.org.au/management/adults-and-adolescents/medication-management/initial-asthma-treatment-for-adults-and-adolescents-after-diagnosis
[3] Chronic respiratory conditions: Asthma - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
[4] Bupa Pulse Check 2026.pdf}

Last year, the Healthy Cities challenge saw more than 16,000 participants take over 4.4 billion steps across Asia Pacific, helping create greener, healthier and more climate-resilient communities through partnerships with Landcare Australia and Trees that Count in New Zealand.

Bupa Asia Pacific CEO Nick Stone said Healthy Cities continues to build in momentum because it combines two issues people care deeply about, their health and the future of their communities.

"We're seeing more people recognise the connection between healthy people and healthy places. The Healthy Cities challenge gives everyone the opportunity to take simple actions that improve their own wellbeing while helping create greener, more liveable communities for future generations."

"This year, we're aiming to make our biggest impact yet. We want to inspire thousands of people across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong to get moving, get outdoors and help unlock significant new investment into local projects that make a lasting difference," Mr Stone said.

The Challenge, launched with the support of Australian marathon legend Robert de Castella AO, MBE comes at a time of growing climate change anxiety, with 44 per cent of Australians saying they are stressed about society’s’ impact on the environment, including 47 per cent of those under 40[2].

"The environments we live in shape our health every day. Greener neighbourhoods can encourage physical activity, strengthen social connection, support biodiversity and help communities become more resilient to a changing climate.

“Healthy Cities demonstrates how collective action can drive meaningful change. No single organisation can solve the challenges facing our communities alone, but when thousands of people take small steps together, the impact can be extraordinary,” Mr Stone said.

The Healthy Cities program form an essential part of Bupa’s commitment to grass-roots sustainability initiatives and launches alongside its sponsorship of Fed Square’s RESET Festival which provides free, family-friendly activities to help attendees reconnect with nature.

For more information about the Healthy Cities challenge visit here.

^{[1] Bupa Pulse Check 2026.pdf
[2] Bupa Pulse Check 2026.pdf}

Reporting to APAC CEO, Nick Stone, and joining Bupa’s Executive Leadership team, Mr Rose will commence at Bupa in November 2026. Mr Rose’s appointment follows previous Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Roger Sharp, recently leaving Bupa to take up a role in the not-for-profit health sector.

Jonathan will play a pivotal role in shaping our communications and engagement, public affairs, media, external relations and sustainability agenda. Throughout his career, Jonathan has worked across the Asia-Pacific region, helping organisations navigate complex issues and build trust with governments, investors, media and communities. He has extensive experience managing major reputation programs and advising leadership teams during periods of significant change and public interest.

Jonathan’s career has spanned diverse industries, having worked for organisations including General Motors, Telstra, Cricket Australia, NAB, and Bupa, prior to his most recent role at Rio Tinto where he was responsible for communications in Australia.

Mr Stone said: “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan back to Bupa. He brings deep experience in corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement, and his leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver on our purpose and support the continued growth and success of Bupa across the region.”

Mr Rose said: “I’m proud to be returning to Bupa to lead Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.

“I’m looking forward to working with talented colleagues across the organisation, supporting the business through both opportunities and challenges, and helping tell the Bupa story in a meaningful and engaging way.”

We are calling for targeted support for older Australians on low incomes and a broader review of private health insurance participation incentives to strengthen affordability, sustainability, and consumer choice across the health system.

Bupa’s discussion paper, Building a More Accessible, Modern and Sustainable Health System, sets out a vision for a health system better equipped to address the chronic disease burden affecting 15.4 million Australians, with Australians spending almost 11 years of their lives in ill health, much of it linked to preventable or manageable conditions.

Developed in part with economics, strategy and policy consulting firm, Mandala Partners, and launched today at Parliament House in Canberra, the paper focuses on ways to expand access to preventive and primary care, accelerate adoption of innovative models of care, improve access and affordability in specialist services, and strengthen the long-term sustainability and viability of Australia's health system.

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said: “We have one of the best health systems in the world, but it was designed for a different Australia and a different era of care. The next generation of healthcare will require bold, practical reform.

“Prevention should be at the centre of Australia's next phase of health reform,” Mr Stone said.

“An ageing population, rising chronic disease, workforce shortages, growing out-of-pocket costs and increasing financial pressure on governments and households are already affecting how Australians access care. Customer expectations have also changed dramatically.

“Too often, the system is organised around health episodes, institutions and locations rather than the journeys, continuity of care and outcomes that people face.

“Our ambition is simple: to help Australians live longer, healthier and happier lives. To achieve that, healthcare must become more connected, preventative, convenient and centred around patients. That’s why we want to work with government and key sector leaders to ensure Australia’s health system remains sustainable, accessible and fit for the future.”

Key recommendations in the report include:

• Establish a National Prevention Partnership Framework to help governments, providers and insurers invest in prevention, improve health outcomes and reduce pressure on hospitals.

• Enable private health insurers to fund prevention and early intervention including health checks, screening, coaching and care coordination before conditions become serious.

• Give insurers greater flexibility to fund mental health care outside hospitals, potentially avoiding 41,000 admissions and saving $140 million a year.

• Expand Hospital in the Home so more Australians can receive hospital-level treatment including IV antibiotics, wound care and post-operative recovery safely at home.

• Continue moving Medicare towards blended funding that rewards prevention, chronic disease management and coordinated care involving nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals.

• Fast-track workforce reforms, including streamlined pathways for overseas-trained doctors, a national specialist workforce plan and expanded specialist training.

The paper reinforces healthcare workforce shortages are becoming one of the biggest threats to access and affordability, with Australia facing a projected shortfall of more than 8,600 GPs and 12,800 specialists by 2048, while four in ten GPs are already aged 55 and above.

Bupa is calling for urgent reforms focusing on prevention, early intervention and chronic disease management, as current funding and regulations remain largely focused on treating illness after it becomes more serious.

The paper notes Australia recorded almost 788,000 preventable hospitalisations at a cost of $7.7 billion in 2023-24, highlighting the growing cost of treating illness after it develops.

“Preventive health represents one of the greatest opportunities to improve health outcomes, reduce long-term costs and ensure the sustainability of the health system. Improving health outcomes through better management of chronic disease and reduced hospitalisations is key and reorienting our healthcare system towards prevention… is a large part of the solution to tackling chronic disease,” the paper states.

Evidence in the paper shows prevention initiatives generate a median return of $14.30 for every dollar invested, making prevention one of the most effective investments available to the health system.

The discussion paper highlights current funding has not kept pace with contemporary healthcare needs, with lower returns for longer consultations, where patient needs are complex or chronic conditions are involved and favouring consultations and interventions after illness develops rather than preventive care and ongoing management.

“While Medicare's fee-for-service design funds individual episodes of care, it is poorly suited to prevention and coordination. As demand for health services continues to increase, investment alone will not be enough. We must look at preventative health models to help slow this rise,” the paper says.

“GPs frequently need specialist input on a discrete question, but the MBS provides no dedicated mechanism for brief specialist advice outside a formal consultation, and case-conferencing items are ill-suited to routine secondary consultation.”

More than 300,000 mental health-related presentations to public emergency departments in 2024-25 highlight the need for earlier intervention, with the paper calling for greater flexibility to fund evidence-based mental health care in community and digital settings before people reach crisis point.

“Mental health is one of the most substantial and persistent pressures on Australia's health system, workforce and economy. Rebalancing towards prevention and out-of-hospital care would improve system efficiency and increase the return on existing investment,” the report says.

Mr Stone said achieving meaningful and lasting change will require shared responsibility and genuine collaboration between governments, clinicians, insurers, providers, consumers and the broader health sector.

“We welcome the important steps the Government has already taken to lay the foundations for reform in several of these key areas. Our recommendations are intended to complement those efforts and support a health system that is more connected, prevention-focused and centred on the needs of patients,” he said.

To read the full Building a More Accessible, Modern and Sustainable Health System discussion paper, click here.

Jayant has been acting in the interim role since April this year, following his role as Finance Director for BVAC Australia. During more than 15 years with Bupa, he has made a significant contribution to the growth and performance of the aged care business, earning a reputation as a values-led leader who keeps residents, customers and people at the centre. His deep understanding of the aged care sector, combined with his focus on high-quality care, positions him well to lead BVAC into its next chapter.

Nick Stone, CEO, Bupa APAC, said the appointment reflected the depth leadership talent within Bupa and would further strengthen Bupa’s ability to deliver for residents and customers.

“Jayant has been an outstanding leader at Bupa for many years and has played a significant role in the success of our aged care business. I know he will continue to make a meaningful difference for our residents and their families.”

Mr Krishnan said: "It’s a privilege to be leading our aged care business in Australia. I’ve seen first-hand the dedication of our people in our homes and how hard they work to make a difference in the lives of our residents and their families every day.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our teams across Australia to deliver high-quality care and exceptional experiences for those we serve."

Since launching nationally in 2020, the program has supported 3387 clients, of those one in five have been Bupa customers, to safely withdraw from alcohol and begin structured recovery support at home. Thousands of clients are currently engaged in active treatment, reflecting growing demand for accessible, telehealth-delivered care.

Of those who have gone through the program, more than 60% are female and 39% are male. Those aged between 35 and 54 make up the majority needing help (almost 55%) followed by 55+ (almost 27%).

The program includes daily telehealth calls with a specialist nurse during the detox period, 12 months of follow-up support, access to a personalised recovery plan and peer support group, and regular communication with the client’s GP to ensure continuity of care.

Traditionally, people seeking help for alcohol dependence are required to be admitted to a hospital or inpatient facility for several days or weeks.

It comes as new data in the annual Bupa Pulse Check also reveals Aussies are cutting back on alcohol with 45% reducing alcohol consumption and 16% saying they would like to cut back on drinking alcohol, indicating a positive trend towards healthier habits.

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams said the collaboration showed how healthcare could be delivered beyond traditional settings and help improve access to vital support.

“Through our partnership with Clean Slate Clinic, we are helping make treatment easier to access at home, with support from clinical care and telehealth. It is about removing barriers and making sure people can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Clean Slate Clinic’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Davis said: “We’re seeing a clear cultural shift. More Australians are reflecting on their relationship with alcohol and actively looking to cut back. The challenge is ensuring that when someone decides they’re ready for support - safe and clinically appropriate care is accessible without delay.

“Our partnership with Bupa plays an important role in reducing these financial and structural barriers, helping more Australians to access medically supervised treatment at home.”

Before starting the program, participants undergo a telehealth assessment with a Clean Slate Clinic nurse to ensure clinical suitability. With the client’s consent, Clean Slate Clinic will also liaise with their regular GP to coordinate ongoing support.

The 12-month program includes psychological and physical preparation for detox success, prescribed medications and vitamins (if needed) to manage withdrawal, a personalised post-detox recovery plan with relapse prevention strategies, scheduled follow-up calls with their dedicated nurse for ongoing guidance.

I'd like to start with a story about a customer named Rhys.

For fifteen years, Rhys lived with chronic back pain.

Like many Australians, Rhys did everything he was supposed to do. He sought advice, tried treatments and followed recommendations. Yet despite years of effort, the pain remained.

Eventually, he found himself asking the same question many Australians ask when navigating our health system: 'What am I supposed to do next?'

Then one day, while carrying his infant daughter, Rhys collapsed. Fortunately, she wasn't hurt.

But the moment mattered. Because it wasn’t just about the pain – it was about what the pain had taken. His sense of control. His ability to be present as a father, without fear.

Rhys needed confidence that there was a clear path forward.

We often talk about access to healthcare, and it matters enormously. But one of the biggest challenges facing Australians is confidence - knowing where to go, what to do next and that somebody is helping guide them.

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. But for many people, the experience of navigating it can still feel confusing and uncertain. You receive a diagnosis, a referral or a set of test results and suddenly you're faced with a series of decisions. What happens next? How urgently do I need to act? What will it cost? And what are my options?

Too often we ask people at their most vulnerable to coordinate their own care. And that uncertainty has consequences. People delay seeking help. They disengage.

That is why the opportunity in front of us is not just improving access. It is improving confidence.

In many ways, navigating healthcare today can feel like trying to find your way through a new city using an old street directory. You can eventually get where you need to go, but it is slow, stressful and there is always a lingering uncertainty about whether you're heading in the right direction.

Most of us wouldn't travel that way today. We use GPS. Not because it drives the car, but because it helps us understand our options, adjust when circumstances change and move forward with confidence.

That future rests on three things: connection, collaboration and care.

Those same principles shape how we think about Blua – our digital health experience designed to make it simple to access care, understand your options and take the next step.

• Blua connects people to the information and healthcare services available to them, whether face-to-face or virtual.
• Through strong collaboration with providers and industry partners, we’re making it easier to see what care is available and how to access it.
• And at every step, care remains central; helping people feel supported, informed and confident in their health decisions.

While still evolving, Blua is how Bupa is making it easier for customers to see and access the care available to them – bringing together a range of Bupa services and partner programs into one place, while better connecting people to the broader health system.

Today, that includes helping customers find relevant information, connect with healthcare providers, book virtual GP consultations and access support programs, while also making it easier to identify providers in Bupa’s Members First network to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Over time, Blua will become an even more personalised health companion helping people navigate increasingly complex health journeys with greater confidence while keeping them firmly in control of the decisions and choices that matter. Importantly, Blua is available to both Bupa customers and the broader Australian community, making trusted health support more accessible to everyone.

And, Blua is not about directing people into Bupa services.

For us, the future is about helping people navigate their individual healthcare journey with confidence to quickly access the right care and information available to them across the broader health system. Because trust in the system comes from understanding your options and knowing what to do next. 

And this brings me back to Rhys.

What changed for him wasn’t a single appointment or intervention, it was finally having his care connected.

Through Blua, Rhys was connected with MoreGoodDays, an evidence-based program combining physiotherapy, psychology and digital support – with more than 80 per cent of participants reporting significant improvements in back pain.^[1]

What struck me most about Rhys’ story wasn't that he hadn’t tried physiotherapy or digital tools before. It was that, for the first time, those elements were brought together into a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to his care.

That’s what connected care looks like in practice. The physiotherapist, the psychologist and the digital support all worked together to provide continuity and guidance. Rhys had a pathway – and the confidence to follow it.

Last year more than 367,000 of our customers used a Blua service, and 230,000 people accessed online GP services through Blua Virtual Consults. Almost 70% of these appointments were resolved in the first consultation, with millions saved in out-of-pocket costs for customers.

Now, to be clear – nothing replaces the role of the ‘family medical home’: a patient’s regular GP as their trusted coordinator of care.

We also recognise that GPs are under increasing pressure, and access and affordability remain real challenges for many Australians.

What we’re seeing through Blua is the complementary role that virtual care can play – helping customers access timely support, particularly where traditional access points are constrained. More than 60% of Blua Virtual Consults are now taking place outside of business hours, demonstrating how these services can extend access when people need it most.

But it goes far beyond that. Blua is also starting to put more control in people’s hands – making it easier to take a more proactive role in their health, whether that’s initiating preventative checks, accessing support earlier, or building healthier habits over time.

This expanded choice is helping meet growing consumer expectations, while supporting better use of the health system overall.

The impact is threefold: improving patient experiences, supporting clinicians, and helping people connect to the care setting that best meets their needs – whether that’s a GP, a specialist, a hospital, a virtual appointment, or care at home.

What gives me confidence is what we're already seeing. More Australians are using services like Blua to access support earlier, navigate complexity and make more informed decisions about their health.

None of this can happen without collaboration.

No single organisation can solve the challenges facing healthcare alone. Not hospitals. Not clinicians. Not insurers. Not governments. Not technology companies.

Customers expect all of us to work together around them.

The challenge is that while customer expectations are changing, many parts of our health system are still designed around a different era of healthcare - built around episodes, institutions and locations, rather than journeys, continuity and outcomes.

In its early stages, Blua is showing us that better healthcare happens across a connected journey. It happens across primary care, specialist care, mental health support, hospital care, rehabilitation and recovery. It happens at home, in communities and through digital channels.

What I’ve seen consistently while working within the healthcare sector is that the best outcomes occur when organisations stop thinking about ownership of the patient journey and start thinking about stewardship of the patient experience.

This is how we build trust in the care the system provides.

Trust is becoming one of the most important currencies in healthcare – and it’s under pressure.

Australians paid more than $1.3 billion in out-of-pocket medical costs in 2024. Affordability is no longer just a financial issue; it is increasingly an access issue and a health outcome issue^[2].

Behind every one of those statistics is a person – a parent, a partner, a son or daughter. Perhaps someone we know, perhaps someone sitting around our own kitchen table.

Their decision could be about delaying treatment, it could be anxiety about paying a bill, they could be questioning whether they can afford to continue or simply trying to navigate the system while already dealing with the emotional burden of being unwell.

The stakes are high. If we fail to make healthcare easier to navigate, confidence will continue to decline. People will delay care. Conditions will become more complex. Costs will continue to rise. And trust in the system will come under increasing pressure.

This matters a lot to us and it’s why we believe we have responsibility not only to support our customers, but to help shape the future of a more connected healthcare system.

Yet our policy and funding settings do not always make it easy to deliver the kinds of experiences at scale that I’ve been talking about.

If private health is to remain trusted and relevant over the next decade, it cannot remain simply a financing mechanism. It must become better co-ordinated, more preventative and more customer led. If it does not evolve, participation, relevance and trust in the category will all come under growing pressure.

That means helping people stay healthier for longer, not simply paying claims after they become unwell.

It’s why we are advocating for a new phase of private health insurance reform.

Not reform for its own sake, but reform that helps create the system we see is essential for the future. One that is a stronger and more sustainable health system. We believe in reform that lifts participation, improves productivity and strengthens partnerships across the sector.

Because if we want more than 45% of Australians^[3] to continue choosing private health insurance, we need to ensure it delivers value, trust and experiences that feel relevant to the way people live, enhancing support for younger Australians and people of working age. Participation delivers measurable affordability – a 3-5% lift in participation equates to around 380,000 to 640,000 more Australians insured, spreading the cost and slowing premium growth^[4].

So, if we want the system to remain sustainable, we need to create greater flexibility for new models of care that improve outcomes. And we need to reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals – to improve productivity. Without flexibility, and a modern way forward, the system will remain under stress despite better alternatives existing.

One of the clearest examples is Hospital in the Home.

It represents a different philosophy of care, one that starts with a simple question: what is best for the patient? Not, where has care traditionally been delivered? Supported by clinicians, enabled by technology and focused on outcomes rather than location.

Evidence shows that clinically appropriate care delivered at home can support faster recovery, improve productivity and achieve outcomes that are as good as, or better than, equivalent inpatient care. It can also reduce the cost of delivering care by between 18 and 45 per cent compared with equivalent inpatient treatment^[5].

Customers want this. Providers are demonstrating it can work. The challenge now is making it easier to scale.

The same principle sits behind programs like MoreGoodDays. Why wait until someone reaches surgery if earlier intervention may achieve a better health outcome? Why wait until somebody reaches crisis if multidisciplinary support can help sooner? Why organise care around settings when we can organise it around people?

These are questions about customer experience. They are questions about sustainability. They are questions about outcomes.

What gives me hope is that we do not need to invent the future. Many of these models already exist. Our challenge now is to create the policy settings that allow these models to scale. And that will require collaboration and partnership between providers, insurers, governments and everyone in this room.

Ultimately, this speech is not about technology. It is not about apps. And it is not even about health insurance.

It is about giving customers the confidence to take the first step. Confidence to know where to turn. And the reassurance that someone is helping connect the pieces. It is about the role all players in the system have to work together to be the stewards of the patient experience.

Rhys did not need somebody to make decisions for him. He needed to understand the options and pathways and the confidence to follow it.

Not more complexity. Not more fragmentation.

Because when people have certainty, they act earlier, outcomes improve and trust grows.

That is the opportunity in front of us. And that is why Bupa is committed to being more than a payer. We want to be a healthcare partner helping Australians navigate their health journey with greater confidence, helping co-ordinate care across the system and working alongside providers, governments and communities to build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system for the future.

If we can achieve that together, we will do more than improve the experience of healthcare.

We will improve the health of Australians.

Thank you.

^{[1] MoreGoodDays® at home back pain program | Bupa
[2] Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) 2025, Quarterly private health insurance membership and benefits summary – December 2024, APRA, Sydney
[3] Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Quarterly Private Health Insurance Membership and Benefits Summary – March 2026
[4] Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Quarterly private health insurance membership and benefits summary – March 2026
[5] 20230523_PHA-Report_Reforming-out-of-hospital-care.pdf}

Australians who took proactive steps to manage their mental health such as talking to friends and family, seeking professional support or speaking to a healthcare provider, took an average of two fewer days off work each year. Around 70 per cent of Australian respondents said they wished they had taken earlier action before or during a major life event.

Bupa Healthcare Services Managing Director, Guneet Sawhney said: “We often spend a lot of time preparing financially and practically for life’s biggest moments, but give far less thought to the impact they can have on our mental health.

“What stands out in this research is how many people wish they had sought support earlier. Whether becoming a parent, caring for a loved one, or coping with loss, our mental wellbeing shapes how we experience those moments,” Mr Sawhney said.

The research is a clear signal to employers that major life events don’t stop at the workplace door. Helping employees access mental health support earlier can protect wellbeing and reduce the impact on productivity, absence and performance.

“At our Mindplace mental health clinics, we want to help people take a proactive approach to their mental health support. By making support easier to recognise and access, we can help more people navigate life’s biggest moments with greater confidence and resilience,” Mr Sawhney said.

Respondents globally who had experienced one or more major life events reported reduced concentration at work and difficulty focusing (53%), emotional overwhelm (69%) and lower confidence (52%), all indicators of presenteeism that contribute to lower overall economic productivity. These findings highlight a clear opportunity to improve mental wellbeing and workplace productivity by encouraging proactive mental health support before and during major life events.

Commenting on the findings, Liam Daly, Senior Economist at Cebr, said: “Life's biggest moments, the joyful ones and the difficult ones alike, rarely stay confined to our personal lives. They follow us into work too, often in ways that are easy to underestimate.

“Drawing on primary research across multiple national markets, we set out to measure how much these moments disrupt working life, and what that disruption is actually worth,” Mr Daly said.

“The findings are significant and point to a key factor shaping the scale of the cost for any given person: preparation. People who take proactive steps to support their mental and physical health around these moments tend to see a smaller dip in productivity than those who don’t.

“Together, the findings offer a clearer picture of just how much major life events can affect people and their ability to focus at work, and how much of the resulting personal and economic impact could be reduced if people had the chance to prepare for them,” he added.

Mindplace centres offer psychology sessions, alongside complimentary physical allied health services such as occupational therapy and exercise physiology in recognition that mental health is complex, and people often need more than one discipline to achieve better wellbeing outcomes.

To learn more about our Mindplace clinics, visit us here.