Bupa and Ramsay Health Care have announced a new three-year hospital purchaser provider agreement.
Bupa said the agreement will ensure its members continue to be covered, without additional out-of-pocket costs, when they receive treatment at a Ramsay facility in Australia.
The companies said they will also establish a new 'Strategic Collaborative Committee' to develop initiatives that further expand the value of private health service offerings for patients.
Ramsay Australia CEO Carmel Monaghan said the new agreement recognised both the current cost of living pressures facing health insurance customers as well as cost increases being experienced by hospitals in the delivery of comprehensive patient care.
“We are pleased both parties have reached an agreement that allows Bupa members to continue to be covered without the need for any additional out-of-pocket costs, while also ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the private health sector,” she said.
Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Chris Carroll said the agreement showed that health insurers and private hospitals wanted to put patients first and keep health costs under control.
Mr Carroll thanked Bupa members for their patience during the negotiations. “Our goal has always been to provide affordable, high-value private healthcare which balances affordability for our members and current health care costs.”