A move that is part of Bupa’s drive to deliver greater flexibility and convenience during COVID-19, the insurer is now offering customer rebates on many health aids and appliances purchased online.
From now until 30 June, Bupa will allow claiming on non-custom-made, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) certified health aids and appliances purchased online, from a pharmacy, Bupa-recognised provider or medical device company located within Australia.
It’s important for customers to adhere to the purchasing rules in order to claim – purchases made from other resellers and online marketplaces will not be able to be claimed.
Equipment covered by Bupa
Medical aids and equipment covered includes:
- Asthma pumps or nebulisers
- Hearing aids
- Insulin pens
- Blood glucose monitors
- Blood pressure monitors
- CPAP and BPAP machines
- Hearing aids
- Impotency pumps
- INR devices
- Surgical (compression) stockings
- TENS machines
- Vitrectomy equipment
- Wigs and hair pieces.
This move comes as social distancing requirements continue to drive more people online.
“Along with enabling customers to reduce their exposure to the community, this initiative will also empower them to do their own research online, where the range and options can be larger and less expensive than in a single store our outlet,” Bupa’s Director, Healthcare Management and Innovation, Cindy Shay says.
“For our members located in regional and remote areas of Australia, providing rebates for online health aid and appliance purchases will also ensure they don’t have to travel to metropolitan areas to make these purchases in-store during this challenging time.”
Proof of referral
While previously Bupa members required a written referral from a GP or specialist to validate their medical equipment purchase, customers will now be able to use new or updated electronic referrals from their GPs or specialists to make claims.
“This service acts as an important link between new telehealth services, which Australians are relying upon and the devices required to maintain health and wellbeing, at a time when the broader health system is focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Shay says.
