Bupa Global
Terminating your Bupa Global policy
Disclaimer - This article is not from the insurer and is only for the reference for members under the care of The Insurance Concierge. It does not replace or override the official policy wording, which remains the legally binding document of reference.
Bupa's rules for ending cover mid-term, refunds within the first 30 days, what changes once a claim has been made, and what happens if a member dies or Bupa does not renew.
Bupa's refund on cancellation depends on when you cancel and whether anyone on the plan has claimed. To cancel the whole plan, or cover for a dependant, contact Bupa by phone, email or post.
Cancelling within the first 30 days
If you cancel the whole plan, or just a dependant's cover, within the first 30 days of that membership year, and no claims have been made in that period, Bupa refunds the full premium paid for that person.
If anyone on the plan makes a claim during those first 30 days, Bupa treats this as acceptance of membership. Your cancellation is then handled under the rules below, the same as if it had happened after 30 days.
Cancelling after the first 30 days, or once a claim has been made
If you cancel after the first 30 days and no one on the plan has claimed, Bupa cancels the plan within 14 days of receiving your notice, and refunds any premium paid beyond that 14 day point.
Once you make a claim, you cannot cancel your own cover for the rest of that membership year, and you will not be refunded for premiums already paid.
If a dependant makes a claim, you cannot cancel the whole plan for that membership year, and you cannot cancel that dependant's cover either. You can still cancel cover for any other dependant who has not claimed.
If a member dies
Tell Bupa within 30 days and provide a copy of the death certificate. Bupa backdates the cancellation to the date of death. If that person made no claims during the membership year, any premium paid after the date of death is refunded.
If Bupa ends the plan
Bupa can choose not to renew your plan. If this happens, Bupa gives at least three months' notice before your renewal date, and may offer an alternative plan with the same insurer. If you accept it, the new plan starts from your renewal date with no break in cover and no new underwriting.
How refunds are paid
Refunds are paid using the same method and currency you used to pay premiums. Any premium you still owe may be deducted from the refund.
Quick reference
| Scenario | Conditions | Outcome | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within first 30 days, no claims | No one covered has claimed | Cancelled immediately | Full refund for that person |
| Within first 30 days, claim made | Anyone covered claims | Treated as an after 30 days cancellation | No refund on that basis alone |
| After 30 days, no claims | No one on the plan has claimed | Cancelled within 14 days of notice | Refund of premium paid beyond 14 days |
| After 30 days, main member claims | Main member claims at any point | Main member's own cover cannot be cancelled | No refund for the main member |
| After 30 days, dependant claims | A dependant claims at any point | Whole plan cannot be cancelled, that dependant's cover cannot be cancelled | No refund for the whole plan or that dependant |
| Death of a member | Main member or dependant dies | Cover backdated to date of death | Refund of premium paid after that date, if no claims |
| Bupa does not renew | Bupa chooses not to renew | At least 3 months' notice, alternative plan may be offered | Not applicable |