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.

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.

“Andrew has spearheaded an incredible transformation of our aged care business, alongside the team, delivering customer-centred outcomes and driving efficiencies during a notably challenging period for both our business and the sector,” Mr Stone said.

“Today, we have strong customer satisfaction, based on our resident and family surveys, and a business that continues to grow to meet rising demand for quality residential aged care.

“I want to thank Andrew for his significant contribution and dedication to Bupa. He leaves the business in a strong position for the future, with an experienced team focused on delivering high quality care for residents.”

Jayant Krishnan, currently Finance Director, BVAC Australia, will be appointed Interim Managing Director, BVAC and Jayant and Andrew will work closely over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for the team. 

Mr Stone said Jayant has led the BVAC Finance team for almost four years and had played a broader leadership role across the business since Andrew stepped in to lead Customer and Strategy at Bupa. Jayant has been at Bupa since 2010 and has held a number of senior finance roles. He is a chartered accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.

The 2026 Bupa Pulse Check confirms social media is the go-to for parents, who are more likely than non-parents to trust, act on, and even spend money based on health content they view online which can lead to adverse health outcomes with no clinical oversight. The data shows Aussies are not just scrolling past online health advice, they are acting on it including three in 10 having purchased a health product influenced by online content, highlighting the growing role platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and tools such as AI play in everyday health decisions. 

The research also revealed almost four in 10 are believing bite-sized health content online helps them make healthier choices while more than a third of people have changed a health habit as a result of social media content with many global influencers having millions of followers. 

The national survey of 2000 Australians, conducted by Quantum Market Research in conjunction with Bupa, also revealed when it comes to mental health, social media is accessed almost at the same rate as clinical professionals such as psychologists and GPs when it comes to providing help. 

The annual Bupa Pulse Check showed 57% of Australians rate their mental health as good or excellent but how they access support is becoming more varied. In the past year, Aussies have turned to family and friends (34%), GPs (29%), psychologists or psychiatrists (13%), as well as digital options including social media (18%), AI tools (10%) and mental health apps (9%). 

A new theme emerging in this year’s report is the impact cost-of-living is having on health, with one in three saying cost is impacting making healthy choices with buying fresh produce, family health activities and preventive health care topping the list. 

Other key findings of the latest Bupa Pulse Check, which checks-in on attitudes and behaviours towards people’s health and wellbeing, include:

• 70% of Australians currently employed say they have experienced burnout at some point in their working life, up 2% on 2024
• 42% of Australians say they are finding it difficult to manage their health and wellbeing, the first increase in three years, with cost remaining biggest barrier  
• 33% say their quality of life has improved over the past 12 months, the highest across the past four years
• 63% say they would be likely to consider predictive medicine in future, compared to 35% in 2022
• 57% say they want to lose weight, and while exercise and dieting are primary approaches, interest in weight loss drugs continues to grow, especially amongst women in their 40s
• 72% of Australians are concerned about developing a chronic illness, with cancer the leading worry, followed by backpain and heart disease/stroke
• 51% report they are currently participating in at least one fitness activity (up 2% from 2024)
• Most Aussies are taking steps to improve their mental health, led by healthy eating (49%), exercise (47%) and spending time with family or friends (43%)

Bupa Chief Health Officer Dr Nic Woods said the research showed Aussies were choosing simple, everyday health habits over extreme fitness trends to maintain their health and wellbeing. 

“Digital health is now firmly embedded in how we look after our health,” Dr Woods said. 

“Australians aren’t swapping doctors for social media, they’re using digital platforms and tools as a first step and as an accessible, everyday support layer alongside traditional care. 

“Digital health boosts access, convenience, efficiency, and opportunities to layer on greater personalisation and more engaging prevention. However, as a health sector we all have a role to play to help ensure people are getting trusted health advice, not misinformation. 

“This year’s Bupa Pulse Check shows real signs of resilience, despite external pressures, with one in three saying their quality of life has improved over the past year, the strongest result we have seen across four years. It’s also positive to see the small, but meaningful gains in mental health and physical activity.”

Quantum Market Research Managing Director Richard Frost said cost-of-living pressures were reshaping how Australians prioritised their health. 

“People want to stay well and prevent illness, but affordability, time and access are now shaping how and whether they can act on those intentions,” Mr Frost said. 

“The rise in interest in predictive and preventative healthcare shows Australians are thinking differently about health and these approaches are increasingly front of mind. People want to get ahead of illness, not just react to it, especially when almost three in four are concerned about developing a chronic condition.” 

Other key findings include: 

• 58% would like doctors to collect and share health data electronically with allied health professionals.
• 60% have used telehealth in the past year, showing it remains a mainstream access channel.
• One in three Australians agree specialists should use AI to diagnose, but concerns about technology’s impact on mental wellbeing persist.

Dr Woods said Bupa was continuing to invest in improving access to care. 

“If we want healthier families and communities, we have to make it easier for parents to look after their own health as well and that’s why we have introduced our digital platform Blua, providing access to telehealth services, expanding our GP and primary care network and Mindplace mental health clinics,” he said.

To read the latest Bupa Pulse Survey, click here.

Approximately 453,000 Australians are blind or have low vision, with this number projected to increase to 564,000 by 2030[1]. Many are unaware of the opportunities or optical solutions available to engage in recreational or competitive sport.

Bupa Optical’s Head of Clinical Management, Karen Makin said optometrists have a key role in enabling people to live their lives to the fullest, but specialised training is needed to fill the skills gap.

“Along with boosting opportunities for social connections, the physical and mental health benefits of playing sport are well documented however understanding eligibility criteria for engaging in Para sport is not as well understood in the industry and amongst the general public.

“Through this partnership with Paralympics Australia, our Optometrists have been given the tools to guide and refer clients into Para sport pathways and provide them with knowledge of any specialised clinical products to support them on their journey,” Karen said.

Bupa is the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia, supporting the health and wellbeing of athletes, their families and their training teams. In an exciting era for Para sport, Paralympics Australia has publicly stated its goal for the Australian Paralympic Team to finish on top of Brisbane 2032 medal tally, emulating the feat achieved just once before, at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

Paralympics Australia’s General Manager, Classification and Pathways, Melissa Wilson, said this important work with Bupa demonstrates the power of collaboration in breaking down barriers to participation in Para-sport.

“Building on the achievements and performances of our athletes at Milano Cortina 2026, this innovative activation with Bupa Optical ensures we continue to expand pathways in Para sport and strengthen Australia’s talent pipeline for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.””

“Allied health professionals, such as optometrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, are often the first point of contact for people who could thrive in Para sport. By equipping them with knowledge and referral tools, we’re expanding the entrance to the Paralympic pathway and developing a stronger, deeper talent pipeline.”

“By helping more people with vision impairment understand the possibilities available to them and providing ways to take those first steps into sport, we may not only uncover potential future Paralympians, but open doors for more inclusive and active communities across Australia.”

Vision impaired Winter Paralympian Georgia Gunew, who made her Paralympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games finishing 10^th in the Women’s Giant Slalom and 11^th in the Women’s Slalom with guide Ethan Jackson, said the connection between health professionals and sport can be life changing.

“Sport has completely changed my life. It’s given me a greater sense of confidence and community and opened doors that I didn’t know existed. When I was first introduced to Para sport, it introduced so many new opportunities and people who understood my journey.”

“Health professionals, like optometrists, can play such an important role in helping others take that first step. A simple conversation or referral can be the spark that inspires someone with a vision impairment to discover what they’re capable of.”

Through this initiative, Bupa Optical and Paralympics Australia can also guide individuals who are not eligible for Para sport classification toward alternative sporting and community-based opportunities, ensuring everyone with a visual impairment can find a way to engage in sport.

For more information about Bupa Optical or to find a store visit here.

For more information about Paralympics Australia’s partnership with Bupa visit here.

^{[1] How do you know if you have low vision? | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services}

Infants aged six months to five years, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face the highest risk from influenza. These groups can access the flu vaccine for free. 

Australians can also reduce their risk of flu by washing their hands regularly, staying home when unwell and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. 

For more information about Bupa’s free flu vaccine offer, which customers can redeem at any Bupa Medical Centre located between Geelong and Townsville click here.

Bupa believes genomics (the study of our genes) can help deliver more personalised care and better health outcomes and we are making careful investments in this area to create choice for our customers. This includes our pharmacogenomic testing proposition, available to our customers which looks at how an individual’s DNA and genes may affect responses to more than 100 medications.

Importantly, this Bill supports Australia’s shift away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and towards preventive, personalised healthcare for people who choose to use genetic testing to better understand and manage their health.

That is why we were pleased to make a submission to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee supporting the Bill, as we believe it is crucial Australia’s community-rated private health insurance system remains strong, and that people retain control of their own genetic information.

Most recently, Dr Walsh returned to Australia after completing five years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare in Saudi Arabia, a joint venture between Johns Hopkins International and Aramco. Prior to this, he served as CEO of Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne for 11 years and previously led Alfred Health as CEO for seven years.

He has held executive roles with the Western Australian Department of Health, including Medical Director at Fremantle Hospital, and senior leadership positions within Victoria’s Department of Health supporting the introduction of case mix funding. Internationally, he has held leadership roles with the UK National Health Service in the South East London Strategic Health Authority and also worked in Qatar. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

Bupa ANZ Chairman Tony Johnson said: “We are incredibly fortunate to have a Director of Michael’s clinical experience and leadership calibre join the Bupa ANZ Board, and know he will have a significant impact as we continue to support delivery of Bupa’s strategic ambitions across the region.”

This model is impacted by recent telehealth changes that only allow for telehealth consultations to be billed to Medicare where there is an “established clinical relationship” with the practitioner. In our submission to the Senate inquiry into rural, regional and remote Medicare access and funding, Bupa called for practical, targeted reform to remove of the requirement for Nurse Practitioners to see Aged Care residents face-to-face every 12 months to be eligible for Medicare billing.

This change would allow nurse‑led care models to operate effectively, ensuring residents can access care when GP services are not available. For our residents, this reform is will mean faster access to care, fewer disruptions, greater continuity of care and better health outcomes.

“Programs like Try Para Sport give people the chance to try different sports, meet athletes and coaches, and realise there is a pathway for them. That first experience can change everything.” 

The program comes at a time when participation gaps remain significant. According to the Australian Sports Commission’s AusPlay data, only 14% of people with disability participate in sport weekly, compared with around 30% of people without disability. Research from Paralympics Australia also shows 75% of people with disability want to play sport but feel there are limited opportunities to do so. 

Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said the Bupa Try Para Sport Series plays a crucial role in changing that. 

“Programs like Bupa Try Para Sport help remove barriers and create clear pathways into sport,” Mr Murray said. 

“The results from the 2024 series were incredibly encouraging, with dozens of participants now progressing into the Future Green & Gold pathway. With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, initiatives like this are essential for identifying the next generation of Paralympic athletes.” 

Disability Sports Australia CEO Ayden Shaw said the events are designed to make Para sport accessible for people at all stages of their sporting journey. 

“Bupa Try Para Sport is about creating welcoming environments where people with disability can explore sport without pressure,” Shaw said. 

“For some participants it’s their first experience with Para sport. For others it may be the moment they discover a Para sport they want to pursue seriously. Either way, the goal is to help people connect with local grassroots opportunities and communities that support them.” 

Bupa Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp said supporting programs that improve access to sport with local grassroots opportunities aligns with Bupa’s broader commitment to health and wellbeing. 

“Sport has the power to improve physical health, mental wellbeing and community connection,” Mr Sharp said. 

“By supporting the Bupa Try Para Sport Series alongside Paralympics Australia and Disability Sports Australia, we’re helping create more opportunities for people with disability to get involved in sport, and potentially uncover the next generation of Paralympic athletes.” 

The 2026 Bupa Try Para Sport Series will begin in Darwin and the Gold Coast on 28th – 29th March, before travelling to Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane and Wollongong. 

Participants aged 10 years and above will have the opportunity to try a range of sports including: 

• Wheelchair rugby
• Para rowing
• Wheelchair tennis
• Para athletics
   

People with disability interested in participating can register for their local event here.

The latest government data suggests 19 per cent of participants experienced an injury while playing sport with collision-heavy codes such as AFL and Rugby having more than double the hospitalisation rate of any other recreational sport. Despite these risks, only 36 per cent of Australians wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport, and even fewer wear a mouthguard during training.^[2]

Dr Mark Dohlad, Principal Dental Officer at Bupa Dental, said the start of the junior sport season is a critical moment for parents, warning that many children begin training and games without adequate mouth protection, often using mouthguards that no longer fit.

“Kids’ mouths grow and change quickly, which means a mouthguard that fitted last season may not offer the protection parents assume it does. Too often dentists see preventable injuries occur early in the season or at training, when mouthguards are forgotten or a poorly fitting one shifts on impact, leaving teeth, jaws and soft tissue exposed.”

Dr Dohlad said properly fitted, custom‑made mouthguards remain the most effective defence against sports injuries such as fractured teeth, broken jaws and painful lacerations to the tongue or cheek resulting from impact or inadvertent biting during contact sports.

“While over‑the‑counter ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards are better than nothing, they simply don’t provide the same level of coverage or stability. They’re more likely to loosen or fall out during play, particularly in fast‑moving sports like football, rugby or basketball.

Professionally fitted mouthguards are designed around a player’s individual bite by a dentist, helping them stay firmly in place during both games and training. That fit and quality makes a real difference to confidence on the field and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child has appropriate protection, not just something that looks like protection,” Dr Dohlad said.

Bupa Health Insurance members with eligible Extras cover who attend participating Members First Ultimate clinics can also get 100 per cent back on standard fitted mouthguards across Bupa’s national network of practices^[3].

“Getting fitted is simple, painless and starts with a short visit for a scan or impression, kids can choose their team colours and a follow‑up appointment ensures the mouthguard fits comfortably and securely… Once that’s taken care of, players can just focus on enjoying the game!” Dr Dohlad said.

For more information about Bupa Members First Ultimate initiative, visit here.

To find a Bupa Dental practice near you visit here.

^{[1] Sports injury in Australia, Causes of sports injuries - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
[2] Mouthguards - Australian Dental Association NSW
[3] In relation to Members First Ultimate dental benefits available to eligible Bupa members, further information can be found here. Benefits will only apply to 1 fitted mouthguard per person and per calendar year. Waiting periods, benefit claiming restrictions, and fund and policy rules apply}

In 2025, Bupa provided healthcare for a record number of customers across its businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, supporting more than 11 million people, up from 10.6 million the year prior^[1].

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said the results demonstrated that Bupa’s long-term strategy to reinvest back into healthcare was delivering greater value, access and improved health outcomes for its customers.

“We know the future of health is all about greater access, affordability, prevention and personalisation with a balance between virtual and physical health services, and a relentless focus on the customer,” Mr Stone said.

“In 2025, we accelerated our focus on preventative health to meet patient demand including growing our medical centre and Mindplace mental health network, alongside our digital health platform, Blua. This is about providing better choice to meet the changing health and wellbeing needs of our community.

“Building on Bupa’s purpose to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives, our investment in primary care and digital health is central to our long-term connected care strategy.”

Mr Stone said for the past three years, Bupa had grown its market share in Australian Private Health Insurance, with the December quarter showing our market share was 25.6%.

“This shows that more Australians are recognising the value of our products and services, including young people, which helps support private health and reduce pressure on our public health system,” he said.

“In 2025, we provided our Australian customers more than 277,000 ‘no out of pocket’ experiences during hospital stays and saved our customers more than $10 million using Blua’s 24/7 virtual doctor service, Blua Doctors.

“In Australia, we know that cost of living challenges are impacting many of our customers, and with cost pressures increasing across the health care sector, our focus remains on helping people access affordable, high-quality care in the private system.

“We are also working hard to support our private hospital partners and help them navigate challenges across the system and play our part in keeping private health care sustainable.”

Highlights for 2025 include:

• Paying $6.65 billion in hospital and extras benefits to our Australian customers – up from $6.28 billion the previous year.

• Saving customers more than $18.8 million by claiming 100 per cent back (up to yearly limits) on more than 439,000 general dental fillings through our market-leading Members First Ultimate dental initiative.

• Helping more than 20,000 customers across 20 of our healthcare programs.  

• Resolving 69% of consultations in our Blua telehealth service during the first appointment.

• Adding 27 medical centres, now totalling 33, and 10 Mindplace mental health clinics to our Australian Health Services primary care network.

• Receiving recognition in Australian aged care for our Nurse Practitioner‑led Wellness Hubs, intergenerational programs and palliative care innovation.

• Reaching a seven-year high of 95% occupancy in New Zealand aged care.

• Investing more than $15 million in our retirement village and aged care developments at Whitby and Riverstone in New Zealand.
• Achieving an NPS of 83.54 in Health Services.
• Being awarded two new major Hong Kong government contracts and continuing to invest in new clinics and our connected care service proposition.
• We are investing $500 million in renewing our older care homes in Australia.
• And, we purchased 250 hectares of land in Mt Eccles in Australia to establish Bupa’s first ever nature regeneration and decarbonisation project, as part of our Better World strategy.

Revenue in our APAC business increased by 6% to $12.9 billion driven by an increase of 400,000 customers, the expansion of our health provision network and high occupancy in our aged care homes. Underlying profit increased by 10% to $947 million supported by revenue growth and operating efficiencies.

Mr Stone said: “Across our business, we have been working hard to contain costs to help keep premiums down for our customers and reinvest back into the products and services they want.”

Looking ahead, Mr Stone said: “Bupa will continue to make investments and grow the footprint of our medical centres, mental health, dental and optical clinics.

“Our clinics are open to all, both Bupa customers and non-Bupa customers, to make healthcare more accessible for more people in our community. Combining our physical care presence with digital tools like Blua means more Australians can now access primary, preventative, mental health and urgent care when they need it, including out of hours, wherever they live.”

^{[1] Our customer definition now aligns with Bupa’s 3x100 Strategy and includes Associate Business customers. A customer is anyone who chooses a Bupa product or service when alternatives exist.}

Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Roger Sharp said the donations reflect Bupa’s vision for an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience equity and equality and enjoy longer, healthier and happier lives.

“Supporting First Nations health organisations is a major priority under our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which aims to deliver tangible social, cultural and economic benefits for First Nations peoples around Australia.

“By learning from and alongside these organisations, we also empower our people to deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures, and to reflect on the true histories and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities,” Roger said.

Malpa  CEO Tracey Thompson said partnerships like this help young people make healthy choices and create generational change.

“Support from the Bupa Foundation means a lot to our organisation and the communities we work with in building strong foundations in health, wellbeing, literacy, leadership, and reconciliation,” Tracey said.

Delivered in partnership with local Elders and Aboriginal health workers, Malpa’s Young Doctors Program is a 15-week school-based initiative that supports children through culture, health education and leadership development.

Weenthunga Health Network works with First Nations students from secondary school through to university by delivering mentoring, academic support, wellbeing care and connection to community. 

Deadly Ed Foundation’s Improve Country program embeds Aboriginal knowledge, connection to land and community leadership into everyday learning guided by Aboriginal educators.

As part of its commitment to enhancing mental health outcomes in First Nations communities, Bupa is also supporting seven First Nations delegates from underfunded communities to attend the National Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Conference helping to build expertise and leadership in this critical national health priority.

For more information about the Bupa Foundation visit here.

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said since beginning at Bupa in February 2024, Stuart had played an important role in Bupa’s significant growth and strong financial performance across the business.

“Stuart has been part of Bupa during a transformative time as we’ve launched important customer initiatives such as our digital platform, Blua, pharmacogenomics, and our expansion into Medical Centres and Mindplace, our mental health clinics.

“I want to thank Stuart for his contribution to the business, and I’m confident the team is well placed to continue building the momentum he has helped create. I wish him and his family well for the future,” Nick said.

A search is now underway for a new CFO to bring finance leadership capabilities for the next phase of our growth at Bupa.

“We want our customers to know we’ve worked hard to keep this year’s average premium adjustment lower than last year’s, and balance premium increases responsibly to help support our customers when it matters most,” Ms Williams said.

“Our new premium rate means we can continue offering our customers health insurance products that meet their individual and family needs, provide value for money, with low out-of-pocket costs, and some no-gap alternatives, while helping to balancing affordability and sustainability across our sector.

“We know it’s important that we carefully manage our costs to ensure we can continue to make care more accessible, personalised and affordable for our customers. These are practical changes that improve value for our customers today, while also building a stronger and more sustainable system for the future.”

Across 2025, more than 277,000 customers had a no gap experience during their hospital admissions. Bupa customers also saved more than $10 million using our 24/7 virtual doctor service on our digital health platform Blua, which is continuing to expand to provide greater digital health programs and preventative health solutions.

Bupa paid out $6.65 billion in hospital and extras benefits to our Australian customers in 2025 – up from $6.28 billion the previous year. This is one of the highest among the major insurers.

Unlike other types of insurance, health insurance is community-rated, meaning premiums do not change based on individual factors like age, health, fitness or how much someone uses their health cover.

Ms Williams said Bupa proudly continued to have one of the largest hospital networks through our hospital partnerships in Australia and supports its partners by investing in modern health care including new in-hospital treatments, out of hospital care and digital care.

“We have prioritised support for private hospitals and worked alongside our hospital partners to ensure we’re working constructively to address their challenges for our shared patients and customers,” she said.

Bupa will communicate directly with customers about their individual premium adjustments, which can vary depending on the type of cover and what state they live in.

Ms Willams said: “This is also a good time to review your current policy to ensure it meets your current health and wellbeing needs and you’re getting the most value from your health insurance.”

Support options are also available for customers suffering from financial hardship to ensure our customers can continue to access the healthcare services they need.

The submission focuses on three priority areas:

• Securing a sustainable healthcare system through modern, innovative care models, greater transparency, and measures to keep private health insurance affordable.
• Ensuring access to quality care wherever people live, including strengthened primary care, a supported workforce and critical investment in regional aged care.
• Embedding prevention and early intervention, with regulatory reforms that enable private health insurers to fund more preventive services, expand access to mental health support, and integrate pharmacogenomic testing into routine care.

As one of Australia’s largest health care organisations, Bupa is committed to working with government and sector partners to deliver reforms that help people live longer, healthier, happier lives now and into the future.

In our submission, we emphasised the need for strong safeguards to ensure safe, appropriate prescribing, especially for higher‑risk medications, and the importance of nationally consistent regulation across states and territories. We also highlight the need for appropriate funding, training support, and Medicare arrangements so primary care, aged care and hospital providers can implement these reforms sustainably.

Bupa is committed to working with Government and the sector to ensure these reforms improve access while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and continuity of care for all Australians.

The review of the Aged Care Rules provided Bupa with an opportunity to advocate for our residents. In our submission, we highlight the remove administrative burdens for older Australians entering care to ensure reforms enhance, rather than complicate, the care experience.

We also emphasise the urgent need for policy measures that support the long-term sustainability of the sector, including incentives to build the additional residential aged care capacity Australia will require as demand grows. Bupa remains committed to working with Government to deliver a high quality, person centred aged care system that supports the wellbeing of older Australians.

Spending time outdoors has been proven to be beneficial for reducing myopia risk amongst children however outdoor play is on the decline with separate research noting that 50 per cent of kids reported not being allowed to play outside alone or with friends at various times. Additionally, a quarter of Aussie kids say they need improvement in the opportunities to play outside and hang out with friends.^[1]

Bupa Optical Optometrist Karen Makin said childhood myopia rates have been on the rise, especially in the years following the COVID pandemic, with fundamental changes to children’s lifestyles lingering well beyond lockdowns.

“We continue to see more and more parents coming in to report that their children have been having trouble in the classroom as a result of vision problems.

“While factors such as genetics play a significant role in the development of myopia, the common thread amongst many of these new cases is more time in front of screens and less time spent playing outdoors in natural light, which improves contrast sensitivity, reduces eye fatigue, and stimulates dopamine release in the retina, which helps regulate eye growth,” Karen said.

A 2025 study from Macquarie University found secondary school students averaged 9.03 hours daily on screens, while primary students spent 6.34 hours^[2]. This is despite Government recommendations that for young people aged 5–17 years, it is recommended they have no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day^[3].

“While there is a growing trend towards more schoolwork being undertaken online or via devices, we are concerned that recreational time has followed suit, with time spent gaming, on social media or watching entertainment on smart devices at the expense of time spent playing outside.

“While physical conditions are often easier for parents to spot, vision problems can be much harder to detect. That’s why we recommend yearly eye-tests for children ahead of the school year to ensure any issues are detected and addressed early,” Karen said.

Along with special purpose glasses and contact lenses to help control myopia progression, other ways Bupa Optometrists can treat myopia include through Orthokeratology. This is a form of vision correction where hard contact lenses are worn overnight while sleeping and are fitted such that they change the shape of the cornea, resulting in clear vision when the lenses are removed in the morning, as well as keeping the progression of myopia in check.

“But we would much prefer a child didn’t get to the stage of needing vision correction and myopia management, so send your children out into the backyard to play,” added Karen.

With cost-of-living pressures affecting many families, parents can rest assured that eye tests are bulk-billed for eligible Medicare cardholders at Bupa Optical.

Visit your local Bupa Optical store to book an eye test or visit here.

^{[1] https://www.playaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/State%20of%20Play_final.pdf
[2] Gaming addiction starts in primary school as screen time soars: new research | The Lighthouse
[3] Screen time recommendations for children 5-12 years}

Genomics and pharmacogenomics are rapidly transforming healthcare, offering more personalised, preventive, and effective treatment pathways. Yet many Australians remain hesitant to pursue genetic testing due to concerns about how their data might be used. Strengthening protections in law will give people the confidence to engage with genomic testing helping detect risks earlier, guide safer prescribing, and improve long term health outcomes.

As a leading healthcare organisation, Bupa supports robust safeguards, clear privacy protections, and a regulatory environment that promotes innovation while upholding clinical independence and ethical standards. We are committed to ensuring genomic services remain accessible, safe, and beneficial for all Australians so the shift toward personalised healthcare is both equitable and trusted.

Through the Bupa Foundation, $100,000 has been donated to the Australian Red Cross' Emergency Fund to help support frontline efforts, recovery and support and a further $30,000 will be donated to the Salvation Army to assist with their on-the-ground efforts for impacted communities.

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams said we all had a role to play in supporting those directly impacted by the fires and the surrounding communities.

“Our thoughts are with the people, our customers and those communities affected by the Victorian bushfires, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and whose lives have been changed in unimaginable ways,” she said.

“We want our customers to know we are here to support them, and we hope this financial assistance will help take some of their stress away as they begin the difficult recovery and rebuilding process.

“We also want to thank the emergency services for their tireless work, and to all the communities who have rallied together to help and care for each other.”

To be eligible for the Victorian relief fire package, customers must have been a domestic Bupa member on January 6, 2026 and be able to provide us with evidence they have received or can provide confirmation that they will receive Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment issued from the Department of Human Services.

Customers can apply for the bushfire relief package until July 6, 2026 and are encouraged to phone Bupa on 134 135 or email BupaBushfireRelief@bupa.com.au

Following the jointly proposed submissions from the ACCC and Bupa Australia, the Federal Court has approved the orders including an agreed penalty of $35 million.

We remain deeply sorry for these errors and have apologised to our affected customers for the impact this has had on them and their families and have taken actions to ensure this doesn’t occur again.

Bupa Australia has already compensated almost all our impacted customers, and as of November 5, 2025, we have paid back a total of $14.3 million.

We have accepted the Federal Court’s decision and have cooperated fully with the ACCC throughout this process.

Amidst these year-round time pressures, Australians are hurrying to secure healthcare appointments ahead of the festive season, with a notable increase in last-minute bookings for optical, dental, and physiotherapy services as people look to maximise their Extras benefits. Data from Bupa Optical suggests appointments spike 30 per cent in December compared to the rest of the year.

Bupa Health Services Clinical Director Dr Tony MacDermott said our modern, busy lifestyles means that often we relegate health appointments to the ‘to-do later’ list or when our health deteriorates, particularly in the lead up to the silly season.

“Appointments like dental check-ups and eye tests are important health activities for Australians of all ages, but we continue to see many people deferring these,” Dr MacDermott said.

Across 2025, the most popular Extras claims were dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic, optometry and remedial massage.

Dr MacDermott also encouraged Australians to take practical steps to ensure they can start 2026 off on a healthy note.

“The new year is also a great opportunity to think about your health goals and what you might need to incorporate into your lifestyle to feel your best, both physically and mentally. An open conversation with a trusted health professional is the best place to start.”

With cost-of-living continuing to impact Australians, Bupa claims data shows approximately 1 million health insurance customers received no-gap preventative dental treatments such as general check-ups over the past year. Eligible customers have also collectively saved $15.5 million by claiming 100 per cent back (up to yearly limits) on 358,000 general dental fillings through Bupa’s market-leading Members First Ultimate benefit^[2].

Claims data also shows, the highest total benefits have been paid out for the removal of calculus, physiotherapy, dental x-rays with full crowns among the highest where the average benefit has been $845.

The new year is also a good time for Australians to review their health insurance policy to ensure it meets their current health and wellbeing needs.

_{^{[1] https://media.bupa.com.au/download/f49b3c5c-2cbb-4fa1-92fa-1d3612bb80d7/bupapulsecheck2025.pdf 
[2] Select direct restoration and general fillings only. Benefit claiming restrictions, waiting periods, yearly limits, fund and policy rules apply. Available on all Extras products with general dental at Members First Ultimate Providers. Not available in all areas.}}

The global study^[1] showed Australian entrepreneurs are the most likely to buck this trend – 14% say they proactively manage their mental health compared to those in the UK (6%), US (6%) and Spain (11%). Entrepreneurs in Australia are also most likely to reflect their own proactive approach Austrato mental health into the company culture.  Nearly half (49%) say they have implemented mental health resources and tools to support employees, compared to entrepreneurs in Poland (34%), US (33%), UK (28%), Spain (22%).

The research also revealed that those entrepreneurs from across the globe projecting strong company growth are more likely to be proactive about managing their mental health. Those anticipating 10%+ business growth over the next year are twice as likely (10% v 5%) to proactively manage their mental health compared to entrepreneurs predicting lower company growth (0-5%).

Globally, almost 1 in 5 (17%) say they never check in on their mental health or wellbeing. This prevention gap highlights the need to make mental health support as routine and accessible as physical healthcare, a challenge Bupa aims to address through opening 60 Mindplace mental health clinic by the end of 2027.

Bupa has also partnered with Australian founder Marita Cheng, founder of AI and robotics companies Aubot, Aipoly and Robogals, to shine a light on the importance of protecting mental health.

Marita Cheng, founder of AI and robotics companies Aubot, Aipoly and Robogals, said: “As a founder, how you show up mentally sets the tone for your whole company. When I’m well-rested, positive, and calm, that energy ripples through my team. It’s not about being endlessly strong - it’s about creating space to recharge, connect with others, and bring that steady mindset back into the business.”

“Founders carry a huge responsibility, not just for their own success, but for the livelihoods of their teams and the people who believe in their vision. That weight can be intense, which is why it’s so important to take care of your own mental health along the way. Taking breaks, getting perspective, and finding the things that help you feel grounded all build resilience over time. Looking after your mind isn’t a luxury - it’s part of leading well and staying the course.”

Andrea Christie-David, Director of Mental Health at Bupa, said: “In our busy lives, mental health often gets pushed to the sidelines. Our research shows that an ‘always on’ approach to mental health is key for personal wellbeing and integral to business success.

Yet even leaders who recognise this fact don’t always find it easy to engage proactively with their mental health. We’ve launched our new Mindplace mental health clinics in cities around Australia and available to anyone via telehealth, to make it as simple as possible for busy people to take a proactive approach to mental wellbeing - supporting everyday resilience, not just recovery.”

Work related pressures have led to many Australian entrepreneurs experiencing symptoms of poor mental health - three in five (65%) say they have experienced anxiety in the past year, while over half (54%) report sleep disturbances. In addition, to physical symptoms 42% also say they have experienced low mood or persistent sadness, and the same number (42%) have felt loss of motivation, impacting both their professional and personal lives. 

Nearly three quarters (72%) say work-related stress has affected their ability to switch off during family events and special occasions during the last year, while over half (58%) say work-related pressure always or often prevents them from switching off at weekends. Australian entrepreneurs also recognise the dangers to their business of neglecting their mental health, with 61% saying that poor mental health has impacted their ability to lead in the past year.

For more information about Mindplace, visit here.

^{[1] Bupa, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, surveyed 500 active company entrepreneurs across five global markets: Australia, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The survey was fielded in October 2025 and was conducted via online methodology.} 

“During her time at Bupa, Liz has fostered strong and mutually beneficial relationships with our government stakeholders and been a true champion of innovative, customer-centric healthcare.

“I want to personally thank Liz for her contribution and dedication to Bupa and wish her and her family well for the future,” Mr Stone said.

Given this, and the significant growth and establishment of new businesses within Bupa’s Health Services portfolio, two new Executive leadership roles will be created to support healthcare delivery and government services.

Guneet Sawhney will take up the role of Managing Director, Healthcare Services, and Glenn McPhee, the role of Managing Director, Government Services, reporting into APAC CEO, Nick Stone.

Mr Stone said: “Bupa has ambitious plans to scale and expand our health provision footprint to create services that better meet the changing needs of our customers.

“The decision to create these two focused leadership positions will ensure we have additional executive oversight in these critical areas as we head into 2026.”

Guneet has been with Bupa for more than a decade, most recently leading our Dental, and Optical & Hearing businesses. Guneet is a passionate customer advocate and has contributed significantly to shaping the success of our healthcare provisioning business, putting patients at the centre of everything we do. Glenn joined Bupa this year as Director, Bupa Medical Visa Services and Government Partnerships, bringing with him extensive operational and government contract experience, including as a member of the Australian Defence Force for more than 15 years.

“I look forward to Guneet and Glenn continuing to build on the great momentum that has been established in our health provisioning business, leading our hard-working teams to deliver the best healthcare for our customers along with our Government and Defence partners,” Mr Stone added.

Over the coming 25 years, the Bupa Nature Regeneration Project at Mount Eccles intends to bring back local wildlife and rejuvenate the site with more than 200,000 native trees and shrubs including Blue Gum, Blackwood and Silver Wattle. The amount of carbon intended to be captured in plants, trees and soil over the life of the project is estimated to be around 200,000 tonnes, the equivalent of the greenhouse gas emissions created by simultaneously recharging sixteen billion smartphones^[2].  

Bupa Asia Pacific CEO, Nick Stone said: We’re already seeing the impacts of climate change on the health of Australians with increases in pollution related illnesses and extreme weather events impacting hospitalisation rates.

“There’s increasing evidence that in the long-term, reducing the impacts of climate change will keep more people out of hospital,” Mr Stone said.

“However, we also can’t shy away from the fact that the healthcare sector is a significant contributor to both waste and emissions, responsible for around 5.4 per cent of the nation’s total emissions each year^[3].”

By undertaking this nature regeneration project, along with its other carbon emission reduction programs, Bupa is committed to cleaning the environment, creating a healthier Australia and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

“Tangible actions such as nature regeneration and local carbon sequestration projects are major priorities under our sustainability strategy. That’s why we’re proud that Bupa in Australia is taking a leading position as the first business in the global Bupa Group to undertake this kind of investment.

“At a local level, the introduction of native plants and trees, will help attract wildlife back to the area, and we’re also expecting to make a positive impact on the overall rejuvenation of the wider farm surrounds,” Mr Stone said.  

Bupa has also contributed to nature regeneration through initiatives such as its Healthy Cities Challenge, which has seen the organisation contribute more than $3 million in the region to nature regeneration projects through partnerships with organisations such as Landcare Australia. Bupa also made the move to 100 per cent renewable electricity in all of its locations across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, removing an estimated 26,500 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually.

Bupa Asia Pacific Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp said: “We know every action we take can make a difference. By consistently taking these small steps, we’re able to drive environmental action across our Asia Pacific and global network.

“We know our customers and the broader community want us to do more to address climate change, with our research suggesting 46 per cent of people are feeling stressed about the impact society is having on the environment^[4]. That’s why we’re committed to working collaboratively with community, regulatory and health sector partners, along with our people and customers to drive innovative and lasting change,” Mr Sharp said.

The Bupa Nature Regeneration Project at Mount Eccles will have no impact on health insurance premiums or other healthcare delivery costs for customers and has been registered by the Clean Energy Regulator.

For more information about Bupa’s sustainability strategy visit here.

^{[1] Carbon farming is managing land to reduce carbon in the atmosphere. This can be achieved by either storing carbon in soil and vegetation (sequestration) or avoiding greenhouse gases being released in the first place (emissions avoidance).
[2] Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator - Calculations and References | US EPA
Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator - Calculations and References | US EPA
[3] Urgent push to reduce emissions and costs, provide better patient care in Australia’s health system - Monash University}

The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health Whitepaper found more than a third (39%) of migrant workers had never taken a single sick day, while another 38% had taken just one or two days off in the past year. By comparison, the national average per worker is between nine and 14 sick days annually.

Bupa Health Services Clinical Director Dr Tony MacDermott said cultural attitudes played a role in sick days including the fact that formal sick leave may not exist in a person’s country of origin and some new arrivals may be unaware of their work entitlements in Australia.

The report also reveals Australia’s healthcare system is a major drawcard for migrant workers with 72% agreeing it makes Australia a more attractive place to live and work compared to others with high trust of our health system among migrant workers.

Dr MacDermott said: “There are places around the world where migrant workers have fewer rights than they have in Australia. Some countries deport migrant workers at their discretion, including when workers are found to have certain health conditions.

“That may influence a migrant worker’s perceptions of what their rights are in Australia. For example, they may worry about losing their job if they take unscheduled leave, or that their visa status might be jeopardised if they have a health condition.”

The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health Whitepaper, commissioned by Bupa in partnership with Quantum Market Research, draws on survey results of migrant workers on overseas health cover, examining the health and wellbeing experience of migrants and highlights where the health system is working well, where it isn’t and what solutions might help address productivity and wellbeing challenges.

Other key findings in The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health whitepaper include:

• Just 13% of those who report poor or very poor mental health have sought help from a doctor and only 18% have accessed some form of counselling

• 36% struggled to find a GP that spoke their language and 41% said language barriers were the key obstacle in getting medical help.

• Workers in mining, retail and construction reported better mental and physical health while white-collar professionals, including those in accounting, banking and IT, are among the migrant workers most likely to self-report poorer health

• 27% avoided medical treatment due to difficulty in talking time off work

• 51% said cultural background influenced healthcare needs, highlighting the danger of treating migrants as a single, homogenous group.

• The biggest stressor was uncertainty, with almost 1 in 2 worrying about their visa status.

• Young people were the most proactive in seeking care with 77% of 18 to 24-year-olds visiting a GP in Australia – well above the average of 59% across all age groups.

• 44% reported exercise as average or poor, 31% said diet was average or poor and 35% said sleep was average or poor.

• 59% have seen a GP and 23% used a telehealth service

In the report, Bupa acknowledges healthcare challenges were complex and calls for action across government, employers, healthcare providers, universities, migration agents and the broader community to create pathways that are safe, accessible and sustainable.

“Now is the time to invest in care that supports all cultures, expand affordable and flexible access, mandate cost transparency, normalise mental health support and equip workplaces to reduce presenteeism. These actions are essential to ensure Australia’s healthcare system serves everyone, strengthens the workforce and protects the health and future of migrant communities,” the report states.

“For Australia to thrive, we must ensure that our culturally diverse communities are supported in every aspect of their health and wellbeing – physically, mentally and socially.

“Employers, policymakers and healthcare providers must prioritise mental health while addressing workplace pressures and general workplace readiness, as well as visa uncertainty and financial stresses that are playing into the fear of taking sick leave.”

The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health paper recommends a six-point plan to remove barriers and make access simple, transparent and accessible.

• Improve cost transparency: Require providers to publish upfront costs, give written out-of-pocket estimates, and ensure insured patients aren’t billed upfront for emergency public hospital.

• Expand multilingual and culturally competent care: Strengthen training, education, and resources to improve health literacy and access for diverse communities.

• Enhance mental health support and reduce stigma: Normalise mental health conversations and deliver culturally tailored, language-accessible education and support through workplaces, schools, and community networks to reduce stigma and improve wellbeing.

• Expand flexible access to healthcare: Increase virtual, after-hours, and on-site health services in workplaces and universities to better meet migrants’ needs.

• Empower workplaces as agents of change: Support migrant wellbeing through inclusive education, diversity programs, flexible work, and subsidised health insurance.

• Support young migrants and international students: Provide targeted employment, financial, and community programs through migration agents and universities to build skills and connections.

Bupa found there was optimism for migrant workers and their health and wellbeing needs.

“The good news is that change is possible and there’s much that can be done to support migrants’ mental and physical health. It’s not about a single, sweeping solution but, rather, small, practical steps that can add up over time,” the report says.

“We need to move beyond the narrow ‘fix healthcare’ narrative. It’s about advocacy, normalising things like how sick leave is used, supporting people to be at their best and broadening the conversation to include wellbeing before someone gets sick or needs hospital care.

“Ensuring they receive adequate healthcare, mental health support and workplace protections is vital for maintaining resilient and equitable communities.”

To read the full report click here.

The 2026 program marks the very first time the Graduate Program has been extended to oral health therapists in keeping with Bupa’s ongoing commitment to supporting the dental industry as a whole. As part of the Dental and OHT programs, participants will be paired with a dedicated mentor and have the opportunity to develop their skills across Bupa Dental Care’s national network of 175 practices nationwide.

Bupa Dental Care Director, Guneet Sawhney said the program is crafted to equip emerging dentists and OHTs with all the resources they need to forge a rewarding and impactful career in dentistry.

“At Bupa Dental Care, we are deeply invested in the professional growth of our graduates who will shape the future of the industry in their own right. This means delivering interactive training that encompasses clinical practice, financial management, leadership and community impact.

“Mentorship is at the heart of our approach. Our experienced dentists and OHTs are committed to guiding, teaching, and supporting graduates, tailoring their advice to each individuals’ interests and goals. The program’s flexibility ensures that guidance is both practical and meaningful,” said Guneet.

Understanding the value of flexibility and professional development, the program also offers dentists and OHTs the opportunity to work at different locations during the program, the opportunity to attend three in-person CPD workshops and access to Bupa’s industry-leading digital clinical tools.

“We know that administrative and non-clinical duties can be daunting for new graduates. That’s why our support team handles these tasks, allowing graduates to focus on patient care while honing their clinical skills,” said Guneet.

Graduate dentists interested in the 2026 Bupa Dental Care Graduate Dentist Program (6 or 12 months) can express their interest here.

Graduate Oral health therapists interested in the 2026 Bupa Dental Care Graduate Oral Health Therapist Program (12 months) can express their interest here.