Bupa has reached a six-year milestone in its role as a health services provider for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), active reservists, and the broader Defence community.
This includes veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Since 2019, Bupa has worked alongside the Department of Defence (DoD) to deliver an integrated healthcare system focused on maintaining the readiness and well-being of ADF personnel.
The collaboration aims to ensure that Defence members are medically prepared for deployment, both domestically and internationally, during periods of conflict and crisis.
Bupa’s involvement extends to supporting the physical and mental health needs of Defence members, with services tailored to meet operational requirements.
Over the past six years, Bupa has contributed to the ADF’s response during major national emergencies.
The company has played a role in delivering healthcare services in remote and rural regions, particularly during events such as the:
More recently, Bupa supported recovery efforts following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025.
Bupa health services managing director Liz Curran said that adaptability in healthcare delivery is essential to meet Defence objectives.
“We continue to work constructively and collaboratively with the ADF and DVA to deliver health systems, workforce. and capability that supports their objectives today and into the future. This work has been complex, wide-ranging, but above all, extremely meaningful for all of us at Bupa,” she said. “Through this partnership, we have demonstrated a deep understanding of what is required to enable Defence capability, delivering a health system that supports both ADF members and operational requirements.”
Bupa’s support is evident in large-scale military activities such as Exercise Talisman Sabre, which involves participants from multiple nations and includes a range of training and operational exercises.
Healthcare professionals employed by Bupa are stationed at Defence bases and within the wider community, providing ongoing support to Defence personnel.
Curran acknowledged the contributions of these teams, stating that their work is critical to the health of the Defence community.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of our healthcare workforce operating in ADF bases around Australia as well as in the community. Their collective role, supporting the health of our Defence community, is to be commended,” she said.
Bupa’s services are regularly reviewed and audited to ensure compliance with best practice standards.
The company’s remit has also expanded to include support for DVA programs, such as transition health initiatives, clinical advisory services, and a mental health provider network for veterans and their families.
A recent survey by comparison platform Money.com.au found that a significant portion of Australians consider health insurance – particularly extras cover – to deliver the greatest value among insurance products.
According to the survey, 20% of respondents identified extras policies as providing the most savings, while 19% cited hospital insurance.
The survey also found that individuals with extras cover tend to make more claims annually – about five per year – compared to those with hospital-only policies, who average two claims per year.
