Bupa has today revealed its most common claims of the year with more than 123,000 gastrointestinal endoscopies performed through hospital cover, while dental topped the list for extras with more than 9.8 million claims.

Claims data from January to October provides an insight into the health and wellbeing needs of millions of Australians who made claims using their private health insurance for hospital stays and extras services.

The data for the year also shows Bupa’s most expensive benefit paid was more than $700,000 for a digestive condition followed by $669,000 for a pregnancy-related hospital stay.

Hospital claims included more than 85,000 cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, and radiotherapy and almost 80,000 claims were made for dialysis for kidney failure.

More than 13,000 members underwent hip and knee replacements, with the average benefit paid at more than $24,000. Those who went to hospital for heart-related procedures, such as valve replacements and coronary bypasses, had an average benefit paid of almost $9000.

Dental was the most common extras service used, with one benefit reaching $3800, while a member with ambulance cover in their extras received a benefit of more than $20,000 after requiring the flying doctor service in an emergency.

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Chris Carroll said Bupa paid about $3.9 billion in hospital cover and extras for its domestic customers between January and September this year.

“Our members have seen first-hand how important it is to have health insurance with some members receiving paid benefits of more than $700,000,” Mr Carroll said.

“This year, we’ve again seen how having health insurance offers peace of mind for those unexpected life moments and support better preventative health and wellbeing, especially at a time when cost of living and inflationary pressures are impacting household budgets.

“The strong uptake in private health insurance supports our world-leading mixed health system including taking pressure off our long public hospital waiting lists while giving Australians choice in their health care.”

Mr Carroll encouraged members to make the most of their extras benefits, as limits reset on January 1.

“This is a busy time of year, and we can sometimes push prioritising our health down the list,” he said.

“We want our members to make the most of their health insurance so now is the time to check your extras usage and squeeze in that massage, podiatry or acupuncture appointment, if you need to.”

Bupa reminded members to book their appointments ahead of time with data showing Bupa Optical appointments increase by 30 per cent during December compared to the yearly average.

“The lead up and beginning of the new year is a great time to take stock of your health needs for 2023. Reviewing policies to ensure they still meet your health and wellbeing needs is a good first step to help get the best value from your health insurance policies,” Mr Carroll said.