Bupa’s $14m staff payout raises questions: will premiums rise?
The answer? No. But there may be questions around consumer trust.
During 2023 and 2024, Bupa issued bonuses worth $14 million to more than 20 staff members shortly after engaging in "misleading and deceptive conduct" surrounding policy coverage.
The insurer admitted to unconsciously misleading customers on the level of coverage they held, prompting many policyholders to delay or cancel medical procedures.
Due to the incorrect claim reviews, the ACCC reported more than 7,500 customers upgraded their policies when they didn't need to.
The health insurer has since paid $14.3m in compensation to customers involved.
It's expected many Bupa customers will feel befuddled by the news, as trust and value remain core pillars for many policyholders across the country.
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