A waiting period starts from the date you join. During a waiting period you are not covered and will not receive any benefits for the types of treatment affected by the waiting period. Once the waiting period is over, you will receive the full benefits listed under your cover for that treatment type.
If you transfer to us from another OSHC provider we will honour all the waiting periods you have already served when we receive confirmation of your previous membership and level of cover.
A pre-existing ailment is any ailment, illness or condition where the signs or symptoms of which were, in the opinion of a medical practitioner appointed by BUPA Australia, were in existence during the 6 months prior to the day of joining. Please note that pre-existing ailment rules may apply even if the patient was not aware of the signs or symptoms. Similar rules may also apply to claims relating to ancillary services.
You need a Medical Certificate to be completed for each condition requiring treatment to support this pre-existing ailment rule, so be sure to print one off before you seek treatment and take it with you.
Waiting periods – for joins or renewals on or after 1 July 2011
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Pre-existing ailments, illnesses or conditions of a psychiatric nature
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2 months
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Pregnancy related services (including childbirth)
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12 months
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All other pre-existing ailments, illnesses or conditions
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12 months
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Waiting periods – for joins or renewals BEFORE 1 July 2011
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Pre-existing ailments, illnesses or conditions of a psychiatric nature
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2 months
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All other pre-existing ailments, illnesses or conditions
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12 months
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