Reimagining the migrant health experience

Bupa understands Australia’s overseas workers. As the No. 1 health insurer for overseas students and visitors, they see firsthand the challenges this cohort faces as they begin life again in a new country – particularly when it comes to navigating the health care system.

They also understand that these same workers are essential to Australia’s economy, contributing vital skills and labour across countless sectors.

The question for Bupa became: how can we do more for this community group? Six Black Pens helped them use their expertise and connections to contribute to a better understanding of the migrant health experience.

Scope of work

  • Strategy
  • Input into creation of survey
  • White paper framework
  • White paper
  • Videos
  • Landing page
  • Socials
  • eDMs

The idea

With a cast of literally hundreds, SBP set out to uncover more about the healthcare experience of Australia’s overseas workers.

We wanted to deeply understand how they felt about the system and where improvements were needed. At the same time, we also wanted to demonstrate Bupa’s expertise – including the depth of insight they bring to migrant health.

Bupa surveyed a large number of members, with the goal of using their insights to expand Australia’s understanding of the migrant community. These insights would then shape a thought-leadership paper that offered not just information, but practical, actionable solutions for migrants.

The hidden strain on migrant health
The hidden strain on migrant health

The process

SBP and Bupa partnered with Quantum Market Research to develop one of the most comprehensive surveys of migrant workers on overseas visitors health cover (OVHC) to date – capturing both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Carried out between May and June 2025, the survey collected responses from 638 migrant workers. The result was a unique snapshot of the migrant health journey, revealing a wealth of insights into how our overseas workers feel about – and navigate – Australia’s healthcare system.

But we didn’t stop there. In developing the white paper, we wanted to explore the bigger picture. To that end, SBP and Bupa drew on existing Australian studies and conducted 14 in-depth interviews with experts across clinical governance, migrant health, international healthcare partnerships, immigration policy, psychological wellbeing and leadership in a high-migrant workforces.

Migrant Health Whitepaper
Migrant Health Whitepaper

The results

The final 46-page thought-leadership paper, The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health: Supporting the wellbeing of Australia’s overseas workers, was packed with compelling findings, lived-experience insights and a range of practical ideas for driving better health outcomes.

For Bupa, its value has already been significant. Not only has it provided a stronger evidence base for future initiatives, it has also become a powerful tool for further engagement with the health care community and Australia’s overseas workers themselves.

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Six Black Pens brought real dimension to our goal of improving understanding around migrant health. Bringing the research and insights to life with humanity and clarity is a huge step towards understanding, and ultimately improving, the migrant health experience.”

Melissa Spiers, Head of Marketing, Health Services, Bupa

Switched on

Ideas, inspiration and other interesting stuff from the Six Black Pens team.