Introducing Members First, Removing barriers to healthcare for your employees

We’re committed to making high-quality healthcare easier to access and more convenient for your employees. That’s why we’re introducing Members First – helping customers get fast access to expert care from Bupa when they need it, without worrying about additional costs or using up their benefit allowances.

What is Members First?

With Members First we are making changes to how your policy works for new and renewing SME group schemes, created to make accessing treatment simpler and clearer.

We're launching with Talking Therapies delivered under the care of Bupa health centres and removing common blockers to seeking support. Under this pathway, customers won't need to pay an excess or co-payment, and the cost won't be taken from their out-patient benefit allowance. These claims also won't affect a customer's no-claims discount or low claims bonus, if they have one.

This is just the beginning. Mental health is the first area of focus, with additional treatment pathways to be introduced over time.

They will receive addendums in their renewal packs outlining this change from 27 January 2026.

Why this matters:

We know from feedback and complaints data that excess and benefit allowances can cause confusion and dissatisfaction. Members First removes these barriers, helping customers get the care they need without worrying about additional costs or using up their benefit allowances.

The Bupa Advantage:

Bupa operates its own health centres. This means we can offer joined-up care pathways, ensuring your employees receive consistent support, whether the appointment is in person, by phone, or via video.

What's next?

Please keep an eye out for further communications about Members First to support you and your employees.

To view our privacy notice, please visit bupa.co.uk/privacy

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ

© Bupa 2026