In its role as the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office) seeks to protect the interests of people who are covered by private health insurance.

To date, Ramsay Health Care and health insurer, Bupa, have been unable to reach a new agreement about cover for Bupa members accessing Ramsay facilities, following the expiration of their contract today. We understand consumers will not begin to be affected by this until 2 October 2022 or later, depending on transitional arrangements.

These transitional arrangements are explained by both Bupa and Ramsay on their websites:

In the interests of protecting consumers, the Office has offered to arrange mediation in August to assist Ramsay and Bupa to reach agreement.

Consumers can contact Bupa for further information about their benefits at Ramsay hospitals both before and after 2 October 2022.

Consumers can contact Ramsay for further information about out-of-pocket costs both before and after 2 October 2022.