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.

We also call for reforms to protect consumer choice and improve the transparency of private health insurance products. We want to ensure proposed changes are supported by robust evidence and financial modelling to deliver value for consumers.

Our submission recommends a coordinated, long-term reform agenda that delivers better value and outcomes for our members, supports innovation and strengthens Australia’s private health system for the future.

“Because oral health is closely linked to overall health, collaboration between patients, dentists and prescribing doctors is key. Making sure your dental team knows about any medications you’re taking allows us to provide the best possible care and help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems,” Dr Dohlad said

This might include more frequent check-ups, tailored oral care routines, or strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your enamel.

“GLP1 medications aren’t going anywhere, so we need to make sure patients are equipped with the right information,” Dr Dohlad said

For more information about Bupa Dental visit here.

^{[1] Bupa Pulse Check
[2] Semaglutide-associated hyposalivation: A report of case series - PubMed
[3] Making Impact in Health Systems Research}

This acquisition will add Partnered Health’s national network of general practices, skin cancer, allied health and mental health clinics, alongside its corporate health and wellbeing services, to Bupa’s growing health services footprint across Australia.

Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition will include 68 primary care clinics and three urgent care clinics, in addition to corporate health and wellbeing services delivered through the Jobfit, Baseline Onsite, New View Psychology, NewPsych Psychology, and Australian EAP brands.

Bupa APAC CEO, Nick Stone, said acquiring Partnered Health’s established health network is a natural next step for Bupa as it continues to expand its health provision network and grow its multidisciplinary health offerings.

“As a diversified health care provider, we’re focused on what we can do to better meet the health and wellbeing needs of Australians, as well as help support the careers of the GPs and clinicians that deliver that care,” Mr Stone said.

“We’ve been steadily growing our national network of medical centres, urgent care and mental health clinics to help provide easier access to essential, primary health care services for all Australians.

“At the same time, we’ve been investing in the delivery of health and wellbeing services to our corporate and government customers, offering deep experience and preventative health solutions that reduce risks and drive better health outcomes in the workplace.

“Bringing Partnered Health’s services into the Bupa network is an exciting opportunity to grow a well-established primary care and corporate wellbeing network that is backed by a strong team dedicated to supporting the health of their local communities.”

Bupa currently operates 32 Bupa Medical and 13 Mindplace clinics, alongside its dental, optical and hearing services across Australia. Bupa’s network, alongside Blua, our digital health platform, will enable us to expand access to everyday care and the data shows Australians are using it. Last year, 367,000 customers used a Blua service, with usage growing strongly year on year.

“Our ambition is to improve patient care through prevention and more personalised pathways, while preserving consumer choice and clinical independence. We know when people get care earlier, health outcomes improve and costs fall. That’s good for patients and Australia’s healthcare system,” Mr Stone said.

“Our Bupa clinics are open to everyone, not just Bupa members. We continue to support full clinical autonomy for doctors and respect the critical role they play in helping to achieve better health outcomes for patients.”

Partnered Health Managing Director and CEO Dr Malcolm Parmenter said today’s announcement was an important milestone in the evolution of the Partnered Health business.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Partnered Health to continue to deliver high quality healthcare outcomes for our patients and customers. The combination with Bupa will enable us to continue to support our clinicians and our people while growing our clinic footprint and expanding our service offering,” Dr Parmenter said.

“Importantly for all of us, Bupa is committed to that same clinical autonomy that our clinicians have always enjoyed at Partnered Health.”

The acquisition is subject to ACCC and Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, and other customary conditions.

This hospital partnership supports innovative models of care including shorter length of stay where clinically appropriate supported by hospital in the home and investment in technology.

The partnership reflected a shared commitment to balance access to high-quality care with the rising cost pressures facing Australia’s health system.

Cabrini Health Chief Executive Sue Williams said: "Partnerships like this are essential to ensuring the community has access to the healthcare services they need.

"Bupa’s leadership in advocating for innovative models of care such as Hospital in the Home services, aligns closely with our own vision. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bupa and working alongside our medical staff to deliver world-class care for Victorian patients," she said.

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams said the ongoing partnership put patients first and ensured they have choice in their healthcare.

“We know cost of living pressures are front of mind for Australians, which makes it more important than ever for health insurers and hospitals to work together to keep healthcare affordable,” Ms Williams said.

“Together, we’re supporting modern models of care and investing in technology that improves patient outcomes, while improving access, reducing out-of-pocket costs and strengthening the sustainability of the private health system.

“We’re proud to continue offering certainty for our joint customers and patients while supporting the delivery of high-quality care.”

This Modern Slavery Statement has been prepared in accordance with the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), covering the reporting period between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025. Throughout the year, we improved our approach to managing and responding to modern slavery risk. In the reporting period, we:

• Launched our new third-party governance system, requiring suppliers of potentially higher modern slavery risk to complete a modern slavery due diligence questionnaire at onboarding;

• Uplifted our governance of modern slavery risk, including through the new modern slavery standard and enhanced reporting to Bupa Australia management;

• Refreshed our modern slavery training module training module to better illustrate what modern slavery is and how it can occur; and

• Continued to collaborate within our sector, with civil society and, newly, with the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Office.

We are committed to taking steps to continuously improve our response to modern slavery. In 2026, we are focused on governance; strengthening supplier due diligence; further educating our people; and collaborating internally and with external modern slavery experts.

Effectively tackling modern slavery requires strategic collaboration between industry, government, civil society and people with lived experience. Bupa Australia is committed to playing our part to help make a better world for all.

“At the same time, cybercrime and scams continue to increase, leaving many Australians financially exposed.

“This is a cover that protects your phone and your digital life together, giving people real peace of mind when things go wrong.

“At Bupa, we’re focused on putting customers first, and as more Australians use their phones to manage their health, we’re adapting our products to better support and protect them."

Ms Young said while the new insurance product could help customers get back online faster, Australians should still take steps to safeguard their digital identity. 

“Your digital ID is just as valuable as your wallet, so simple steps like using strong passwords, staying alert to scams and taking basic precautions can help protect yourself,” she said. 

“When it comes to your phone, simple steps like using a quality protective case and a screen protector can go a long way in preventing costly damage.” 

Unlike most phone insurance currently available in Australia, Bupa’s cover is not tied to buying a new phone, does not lock customers into long contracts and can cover both new and existing phones, including accidental damage away from the home. 

Customers can insure a single phone with cyber cover for $19.99 per month, or cover up to four phones under one household policy for $49.99 per month. Policies include protection against online fraud, with financial reimbursement for stolen funds and out of pocket expenses, alongside online preventative cyber care support services. 

TOP MOBILE PHONE CLAIMS

1. Back glass damage
2. Display bleed / panel damage
3. Touch / screen unresponsive
4. Front screen crack
5. Device no power
6. Device bent / structural damage
7. Camera damage (crack, chip, fault)
8. Charging / USB port failure
9. Water damage

Bupa Asia Pacific Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Roger Sharp said the program reflects Bupa’s commitment to improving access to preventative healthcare for people facing disadvantage.

“Through the Bupa Foundation, we’re proud to support vendors with access to flu vaccinations that can help protect against infection and support their wellbeing as the colder months approach.”

“The Big Issue plays a vital role in creating pathways out of hardship by helping people rebuild their independence through meaningful work. Providing free and easy access to flu vaccinations through visits from our nurses along with vouchers is just one small way we can lend a hand,” Mr Sharp said.

Government data suggests flu causes about 3,500 deaths 18,000 hospitalisations in Australia with those living with disadvantage having a higher risk

CEO of The Big Issue Steven Persson said the program remains an important way to keep vendors safe. 

“As we enter flu season, it’s important that every member of our community has access to vaccinations. For our community of Big Issue vendors, staying safe is a priority, especially as they’re out in the community every day and, during winter, often out in the cold. Supporting vendors to stay healthy helps them continue their work, maintain their independence and keep showing up for their customers and communities. 

“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in June this year, we’re grateful for the ongoing partnerships and initiatives like this from Bupa, which have supported vendors’ health and wellbeing for many years,” Mr Persson said. 

Since 1996, The Big Issue has supported vendors across Australia to earn a meaningful income, build confidence and strengthen connections with their communities, with almost $42 million earned by vendors to date.

Bupa is encouraging Australians to support The Big Issue by purchasing a copy of the magazine, and to book their own flu vaccination with their local GP or pharmacy to help protect themselves and their loved ones this winter. Bupa has announced 40,000 free flu shots for its health insurance customers and eligible health services customers and patients at Bupa Medical Centres.

For more information about The Big Issue, visit here.

For more information about the Bupa Foundation, visit here.

^{[1] Influenza immunisation and Provider information for the 2026 Free Flu Vaccination Program | Queensland Health}

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said: “Because of the commitments we have made and the work we have undertaken, we are now partnering with First Nations-led health organisations to deliver improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We have nearly doubled our procurement spend with First Nations businesses and suppliers across the duration of the 2023-2026 RAP through a dedicated First Nations Procurement Strategy.”  

“While we have increased the number of our employees who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person from 0.5% to 0.99%, this is an area where we know we have more work to do,” Mr Stone said.

Bupa’s First Nations Employment Strategy has focused on increasing recruitment, retention, and progression of First Nations employees, and we have continued to expand cultural learning across our workforce. This will continue to be a focus throughout this new RAP. 

Our 2026-2029 RAP 

For the next three years, we aim to build on this foundation to help elevate the voices and needs of First Nations communities, to advocate within our sphere of influence and to push ourselves to go beyond what is expected of an organisation with a Stretch RAP. 

Mr Stone said: “Building on the strong foundations achieved to date, this RAP will strive to foster equity and equality through four new key areas: supporting community-led health care, advocating for better health outcomes, delivering strategic employment and engagement and supporting First Nations businesses. These focus areas align with, and go beyond, the expected deliverables of a Stretch RAP.

“Bupa remains committed to its position that First Nations voices should be heard, and that community health must be directed and delivered with First Nations experts and practitioners. To that end, this RAP has a stronger focus on advocacy, as we look at how Bupa can use its size and scale to help elevate the voices of First Nations peoples, communities and health organisations,” Mr Stone said.

Bupa also continues to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and we continue to listen and be guided by community on how we can help deliver on its intent in the future.  

To read Bupa's Reconciliation Action Plan click here.

Developed in partnership with lead creative agency 2045, the platform is built on a simple but powerful truth: Australians are already putting significant effort into managing their health, often across multiple dimensions of their lives, but often feel like they’re going it alone.

“Everything for Health” reframes Bupa’s role as more than a health insurer, positioning the business as a partner that supports people across their whole health - from prevention and everyday wellbeing, through to treatment, recovery and ongoing care.

The integrated campaign launches nationally across TV, online, social, out-of-home, owned channels and retail environments, reflecting the reality that Australians are already putting significant effort into their health, and Bupa is committed to matching that effort with connected support across the journey.

The campaign also represents a broader shift internally for Bupa, bringing together the organisation’s different business units under a single enterprise platform.

Naomi Driver, General Manager of Brand & Marketing at Bupa, said the platform reflects a more connected and contemporary view of health.

“Health isn’t one-dimensional, and neither are our customers. Australians are juggling physical health, mental wellbeing, family care, prevention, recovery and everyday habits, often all at once,” said Driver.

‘Everything for Health’ recognises the effort people are already putting into their health and reinforces Bupa’s role in supporting them across every stage and every aspect of that journey.”

Tim Evans, Founder of 2045, said the ambition was to create a platform expansive enough to unite the full Bupa ecosystem, while still feeling deeply human.

“A lot of health advertising focuses on moments of crisis or idealised outcomes. What we found was that people already feel like they’re trying hard to look after themselves and those around them,” said Evans.

“This platform acknowledges that effort. It positions Bupa as the company backing Australians across the whole spectrum of health, not just a single transaction or service.”

The launch comes as Australians increasingly take a more proactive and holistic approach to their health, spanning physical, mental and preventative wellbeing.

The new platform will roll out progressively across Bupa’s customer experience, communications and services throughout 2026.

Rory Heffernan, CEO of Atomic 212, said the media strategy was designed to ensure the platform showed up in the moments where health is lived every day.

“To match the scale of ‘Everything for Health’, our approach was about more than reach alone. We wanted the campaign to appear in the everyday environments, behaviours and moments where Australians are already engaging with their health,” said Heffernan.

“The strategy was designed to make Bupa feel present in a more connected and contextual way, reinforcing the idea that health isn’t confined to one moment or one interaction, but shaped by the many decisions people make every day.”

Tony has chaired Bupa’s ANZ Board since January 2024 and will continue in that role following his appointment to the Bupa Board.

Tony brings extensive leadership and financial services experience across Australia and New Zealand. He was a Partner and CEO of EY Oceania and served on EY’s Asia Pacific and global leadership teams. He currently serves on the boards of Allianz Australia, where he is Audit Committee Chair, Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited, Kieser Australia and E&P Financial Group. He is also a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club Committee, the Board of Management of the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Council of Monash University and is a Trustee of the Collier Charitable Fund.

He holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Master of Business Administration (Executive), and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment, and is a Graduate and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a recipient of Monash University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia.

Don Robert, CBE, Bupa Board Chair said: “We are delighted to welcome Tony to the Bupa Group Board. His appointment will enhance the financial services experience on the Board, particularly with his experience in Australia, Bupa’s largest market, as well as further strengthening the relationship with the Bupa ANZ Board.”

This coincides with new research, which surveyed 1000 Aussies, and highlighted the impact creativity has on one’s health and wellbeing including:

• 64% feeling relaxed and calm when participating in activities like art. 

• 79% say having a creative outlet helps them better process their emotions. 

• 88% recognise their creative hobbies like drawing, doodling, painting or crafts positively impact health and wellbeing.

• 75% saying they would benefit from more opportunities to be creative in daily life.

• Lack of time and tiredness were the biggest barriers of not participating in creative activities.

Weightman’s contribution to the campaign draws on his experience of navigating significant injury setbacks throughout his AFL career. During long recovery periods, he turned to drawing and painting as a creative outlet, producing artwork that reflected his rehabilitation journey and the life he was working towards returning to.

His piece for the Express Your Health campaign, titled Patella, captures that goal, portraying his desire to be back surfing, playing football and feeling fit again.

 He said the canvas was critical to his mental health while recovering from injury.

"Over my career I’ve faced significant injury challenges, most recently a complex knee injury requiring five procedures. During long recovery periods, I turned to drawing and painting, as a way to visualise recovery, and reflect on the life I wanted to return to, supported by my team,” he said.

“Art lets me express what words can’t. It gives me focus, calm, and escape, helping me process health challenges and stay positive throughout. It means a lot to me to be a part of this Bupa campaign and help to demonstrate the connection between art and health for others to see."

The campaign, which launches in Australia today with digital billboards in Melbourne and a light projection in Sydney, celebrates creativity as a powerful way to share health experiences and encouraging people to open up so they can feel less alone and empowered to seek care.

Bupa Marketing and Brand General Manager Naomi Driver said: “Our research shows how creative activities like drawing or painting can help people unwind and make sense of difficult moments, even in a short space of time. This campaign encourages people to share their health stories creatively, because when words are hard to find, expressing yourself can help you connect, cope and feel more in control of your health.

As part of the global campaign, one of Europe’s largest hand-painted murals has been unveiled in London which is equivalent to 22 double decker buses. The project brings together artists and storytellers from around the world, each sharing a personal health story through their artwork.

Alongside Weightman, contributors include Olympic diver Tom Daley, and renowned artists such as Sophie Tea, Yinka Ilori and Coco Dávez. The campaign represents stories spanning fertility, sickle cell, diabetes, anxiety, ageing, grief, and more, showing how art can express the physical, mental and emotional sides of health.

Bupa is inviting people around the world to share their health story through creativity and art at bupa.com/express where it will become part of a global collection. To help inspire people, the site includes tips and advice on how to start a creative activity.

“But honestly, it still kind of works. It’s just a different kind of fellowship.”

It’s exactly the kind of answer you’d expect from Anya, who’s funny, warm and a little unexpected.

But beneath the humour is something important.

IDAHOBIT is about standing against discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ communities and recognising that visibility, allyship and inclusion still matter.

For Anya, those things are deeply personal.

By day, Anya works in Bupa’s Customer Relations team and co-leads Bupa Pride. Outside of work, she’s a lifelong gamer, former improv theatre facilitator and someone who believes humour can change almost any interaction.

Even difficult ones.

“Even when I’m dealing with frustrated customers, I’ll try to crack jokes to help make them smile and build rapport,” she says.

“My favourite thing is when I realise someone shares a birthday close to mine. It instantly changes the mood.”

For Anya, humour helps build trust.

“Something I learned from theatre is the idea of swift trust. That instant connection where people feel safe with you. A joke can do that.”

Creating safe spaces matters to Anya because she knows what it feels like when acceptance isn’t guaranteed.

She says she first felt a sense of who she really was as a teenager.

“For the first time, I was allowed to grow my hair long,” she says.

“When I pulled it forward, I looked almost identical to my sister. It was both a little creepy and amazing.”

But understanding what that meant took time.

Like many trans people, Anya spent years trying to convince herself otherwise.

“When I was younger, I kept repeating to myself, “That’s not what normal people do.”

Today, her message to that younger version of herself is simple.

“It is normal. It is okay. It is fine. And you’re going to be so much happier when you stop resisting it.”

Three years ago, Anya transitioned after moving to Melbourne.

Unexpectedly, social media became a source of understanding and connection.

“Trans creators started sharing their stories, and for the first time, I could actually relate.”

Gaming communities helped too.

Anya plays Warframe, a game she describes as welcoming and supportive. She even customised her in-game character in the colours of the trans flag.

“The comments are always positive. People are just like, ‘Hell yeah. Go for it.’”

That sense of belonging shaped how she thinks about inclusion more broadly.

“Community support is everything,” she says.

Whether at work, with friends or even in everyday moments.

She remembers walking past a pastry shop she had no intention of entering.

“The person behind the counter said, ‘Excuse me, ma’am, would you like to buy something?’ and instantly I was like… yes.”

That small moment of recognition meant more than they probably realised.

Inclusion is often found in moments that seem small.

“Feeling safe and included at work can be as simple as being comfortable enough to use the correct bathroom and not feeling like someone’s going to cause a hassle,” Anya says.

She believes visibility matters too.

“As much as policies say a place is inclusive, having visible reminders makes a difference. Pride flags, posters, signs that show support. It’s the difference between being told something and actually experiencing it.”

For Anya, genuine allyship is easy to spot.

“When something is genuine, it feels genuine. When it’s performative, something feels off.”

Her advice for people wanting to better understand trans experiences?

“Treat people how you’d want to be treated.”

“If you wouldn’t want someone questioning who you are, why would you do that to someone else?”

IDAHOBIT is a reminder that creating safe, inclusive spaces matters.

And sometimes, that starts with something simple.

Making someone feel seen.

Making someone feel safe.

Making someone feel like they belong.

Bupa APAC CEO, Nick Stone said investing in prevention, early intervention and community-based care is key to building a health system that is more accessible, affordable and sustainable. 

“We’re at an inflection point in healthcare which means it’s time to build on this momentum through further customer-centred reform to deliver a genuinely sustainable and affordable health system for all Australians,” Mr Stone said. 

“Making Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of our system, alongside additional investment in aged care, are all important steps in the right direction. The investments in public and primary care, dental care, and mental health will help protect and safeguard our health system so that it can better support the growing health and wellbeing needs of Australians.  

“But, to future proof our world-class health system for generations to come, we need to recognise that we have to invest in both the public and private systems so they can work seamlessly together.” 

Mr Stone said Bupa looked forward to more detail on the consultations proposed by the Government for further reforms to improve the private healthcare system. We want to work with the Government to invest in and improve the private health system to ensure it is modern, relevant, and sustainable for all Australians, for now, and into the future. 

Removing PHI rebates for Australians aged 65 and above 
 

As a business that provides care to older Australians, we share Private Healthcare Australia’s concerns that removing rebates for Australians aged 65 and above may have unintended consequences for participation and the overall sustainability of the system, particularly as our public system remains under pressure. 

Reform should focus on strengthening the sustainability of private health insurance by improving affordability and accessibility for all Australians, regardless of age. 

Supporting access to care through Urgent Care Clinics 
 

Bupa welcomed the Government’s commitment to invest $1.8 billion over five years to help make Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of Australia’s health system. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are an important part of the broader healthcare system, helping to triage and treat non-emergency conditions outside hospital emergency departments, improving patient flow and allowing hospitals to focus on more acute and complex care. 

Mr Stone said: “Medicare Urgent Care Clinics play a critical role in ensuring people can access the care they need, when they need it, and in the right setting.  

“As an operator of a growing number of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics around Australia, Bupa is proud to partner with Government to support communities around Australia to ensure people can get the right care at the right time, while relieving pressure on local hospital emergency departments.”   

Building capacity in aged care 
 

Mr Stone said the Government’s continued focus on strengthening the aged care sector, which includes greater flexibility in how room prices are set and a $606.5 million investment to deliver more residential aged care beds, was an important step towards meeting the growing demand of an ageing population but more needed to be done.  

“As one of Australia’s largest aged care providers, we know we need to support the sustainable growth of residential care capacity as without this, older Australians, especially those in regional Australia, will not be able to access care when and where they need it most,” he said. 

“We look forward to working closely with Government and industry partners to help deliver the services and support required to allow the sustainable growth of the sector.” 

Continuing to support veterans and their families 
 

The additional $583.4 million to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, along with $169.7 million for allied health services for veterans, is a positive step towards improving access to support services for veterans. 

Reviewing specialist fees 
 

We welcome the Federal Government’s review of specialist fees which will enhance transparency for patients, supporting improved financial literacy, and promoting greater choice, access and affordability in healthcare. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the medical community to ensure these goals are achieved in a balanced and effective manner. 

Even though HITH delivers benefits for patients, current funding models make it harder for private patients to access HITH programs. Bupa is calling for practical reforms to expand access, including improved Medicare support for telehealth, clearer service standards, and funding models that reflect the way care is delivered at home.

By making HITH more accessible, we can give patients more choice, reduce pressure on hospitals, and ensure high-quality care is delivered in the most appropriate setting.

Hospital in the home allows people who need acute care to be treated at home or in another non-hospital setting, rather than staying in hospital. These services are already well established in many countries and clinically proven, but access remains limited within Australia.

One of the biggest barriers to expanding hospital in the home is the current Medicare telehealth settings which prevent doctors from claiming Medicare for virtual consultations for patients receiving hospital-level care at home. This discourages referrals and reduces access to these programs even though virtual check-ins are now common and used by clinicians.

Data from Australian hospital in the home programs has demonstrated that it can be a safer, more appealing option than staying in hospital, with fewer deaths, fewer returns to hospital and patients saying they would choose to be treated at home again.

Catholic Health Australia and Bupa are recommending the adoption of five-point reform plan to make hospital in the home accessible for more Australians, including: 

• Creating new Medicare telehealth items that allow specialists to support admitted hospital in the home patients while remaining responsible for their ongoing hospital care.
• Prioritising services such as intravenous antibiotics, infection treatment, complex wound care and hospital-level palliative care, which are already operating successfully across Australia and are well suited to home-based care.
• Ensuring Hospital in the home care is held to the same safety and quality standards as care delivered in a hospital, including national accreditation and reporting against recognised quality measures. Services should already meet these standards or be able to do so within 12 months, supported by hospital in the home specific guidance and audit tools to clearly demonstrate compliance.
• Clear minimum service expectations are needed to ensure patients receive hospital quality care at home, including daily nursing, regular medical review, 24-hour escalation support and access to hospital level treatments when clinically required, including for palliative and end-of-life care.
• Hospital in the home funding, including a default benefit, should cover the real costs of delivering safe care at home, including nursing, medical reviews, afterhours support, travel and consumables, with extra support for culturally appropriate care while major infrastructure costs remain funded through existing systems.

Catholic Health Australia Director of Health Policy Dr Katharine Bassett said: “We know our patients want more hospital in the home care. It allows them to stay in the comfort of their own homes and delivers better outcomes, while also taking pressure off the strained hospital system, which is vital as our population ages.

“Unfortunately, Australia is lagging well behind comparable nations such as the UK and Canada when it comes to offering care at home. The good news is the solutions are clear - the government must fix funding arrangements to allow hospital in the home care to thrive."  

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams said with clinical approval and guidance, more Australians could safely receive hospital care in their own homes.

“It’s time to move forward and properly fund hospital in the home services which we know improve patient choice, deliver care that Australians increasingly want and expect, and importantly ease pressure on hospitals,” she said.

“These services are already delivering safe, high-quality outcomes and they should be supported with a clear framework to grow. Strong clinical oversight should remain central to any expansion to give patients real choice without compromising safety or quality.”

To read more about our recommendations and our position paper, click here. 

The Bupa Foundation has supported the Legacy Club of Brisbane since 2024, providing funding for programs that deliver long-term social, emotional and financial assistance to the families of Australia’s veterans. This is part of Bupa’s support for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Australian Defence Force (Defence) members and active reservists, along with veterans, their families and the communities around them.

Bupa ADF Health Services Director, Peter Livanes said it’s vital we take a holistic view when it comes to how we support the physical and mental wellbeing of our Defence community.

“Bupa is investing in a connected network of healthcare services across Australia that strengthens support for the entire Defence community, including families, veterans and the regional communities in which Defence operates. By expanding access to primary care, urgent care and mental health in particular, we are contributing to stronger health systems that support Defence capability and long-term wellbeing of its community.

"Across our organisation, we have a clear purpose to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of our Defence community, under all conditions and in any location required around Australia. In keeping with this purpose, I’m proud the Bupa Foundation has once again provided support to essential organisations like the Legacy Club of Brisbane,” Mr Livanes said.

The Legacy Club of Brisbane’s Season’s program aims at providing a safe, stigma-free space that engages People with A Disability through social activities while also promoting the learning of new skills through art and musical workshops.

Legacy Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Cox said Legacy is truly grateful for the wonderful support of the Bupa Foundation who have been providing enriching social programs for our clients with disabilities for several years.

“These programs are critical to building community, confidence and life-long friendships for these vulnerable members of the Legacy Family,” Mr Cox said.

Bupa is also committed to a diverse workplace and champions female leadership across its business, including within the Defence industry through support for the Women in Defence Network.  Bupa is also a proud employer of veterans as a participant in the Prime Minister’s Veterans' Employment Commitment, actively recruiting former Defence members who bring unique skillsets and lived experience to our organisation.

“With veterans serving in clinical and operational roles throughout Bupa, we have a deep understanding across our business about Defence capability needs and culture. We serve members across more than 50 on-base health services around Australia and in complex and high tempo environments such as domestic national disaster situations and large-scale training exercises,” Mr Livanes said.

Since 2019, Bupa has delivered an integrated healthcare system that supports Defence capability and ensures ADF members are ready to deploy in times of conflict and crisis.