Top 3 things to know
- HCF is not-for-profit.
- Good for member benefits.
- Good for offering a range of family packages for various budgets.
HCF health insurance policy review
Australians have trusted HCF with their health insurance needs since 1932.
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Hospitals Contribution Fund (HCF) is one of the largest and most well-known private health insurance brands operating in Australia. As a not-for-profit provider, HCF has committed to re-investing its earnings back into the fund, allowing it to offer competitive premium rates and savings to its members.
Who is HCF?
HCF is a not-for-profit insurance company, meaning any profit goes back into the fund rather than being shared among shareholders. Over the last 5 years, HCF have paid out more in premiums to members in benefits than the industry average.
What health insurance options are available?
| Benefit | HCF Hospital Bronze Plus | HCF Hospital Silver | HCF Hospital Silver Plus | HCF Hospital Gold |
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| Emergency ambulance |
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| Rehabilitation |
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| Hospital psychiatric services |
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| Palliative care |
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| Brain and nervous system |
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| Eye (not cataracts) |
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| Ear, nose and throat |
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| Tonsils, adenoids and grommets |
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| Bone, joint and muscle |
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| Joint reconstructions |
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| Kidney and bladder |
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| Male reproductive system |
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| Digestive system |
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| Hernia and appendix |
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| Gastrointestinal endoscopy |
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| Gynaecology |
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| Miscarriage and termination of pregnancy |
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| Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer |
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| Pain management |
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| Skin |
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| Breast surgery (medically necessary) |
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| Diabetes management (excluding insulin pumps) |
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| Heart and vascular system |
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| Lung and chest |
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| Blood |
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| Back, neck and spine |
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| Plastic and reconstructive surgery (medically necessary) |
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| Dental surgery |
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| Podiatric surgery (provided by a registered podiatric surgeon) |
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| Implantation of hearing devices |
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| Cataracts |
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| Joint replacements |
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| Dialysis for chronic kidney failure |
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| Pregnancy and birth |
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| Assisted reproductive services |
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| Weight loss surgery |
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| Insulin pumps |
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| Pain management with device |
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| Sleep studies |
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- HCF Starter Extras. This basic extras policy gives you 100% back on one dental check per year at participating providers and a $350 limit per person.
- HCF Starter Extras (with optical). Covers the same services as Starter Extras but also includes optical, including glasses and contact lenses and has a $400 limit per person.
- HCF Mid Extras. This comprehensive policy gives you 100% back on up to two dental checks per year. It also includes prescription glasses - excluding some add-ons - and free digital retinal imaging eye check as well as cover on a range of therapies.
- HCF Vital Extras - For around $50 a month you can get a range of important services on a range of therapies as well as everything in the Mid extras.
- HCF Top Extras - The most comprehensive cover, this one gives you higher annual limits and increases your loyalty limits each year.
Looking for both hospital and extras cover? You can combine any hospital policy and extras policy from the previous two tabs, or you can choose one of these three custom policies that combine hospital cover and extras cover you can't buy on their own:
- My Future Basic Plus 250, 500 or 750. The hospital policy in this package is an enhanced Bronze policy offering cover for bones, joints, hernias, skin issues and dental surgery. The extras policy is quite basic, covering optical, general dental, major dental, a few therapies, emergency ambulance and some vaccines. You can choose between three different hospital excesses: $250, $500 or $750. A higher excess means lower premiums, but it also reduces your benefit limits on your extras policy.
- My Family Silver Plus. The hospital policy in this package offers more than what is required of a Silver policy, but slightly less than what you'd get through HCF's standalone Silver Plus policy since it doesn't cover kidney dialysis, insulin pumps, cataracts or joint replacements. That makes it ideal for families that want a high level of cover but may not need treatments that are largely associated with ageing. The extras policy covers optical, general dental, major dental, a range of therapies and emergency ambulance. Other than optical, you get a combined limit on the other treatments meaning you can spend your limits however you choose.
- My Family Advanced Silver Plus. The hospital policy in this package is practically the same as what you get in the My Family Silver Plus policy except that you get full cover for podiatric surgery rather than limited benefits. The extras policy is very similar as well, except you're covered for orthodontics, artificial health aids, podiatry and a few others. Your benefit limits are also slightly higher on a few extras treatments.
Information on tiers
With the introduction of the new classification system - Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic - being rolled out from April 1 2019, HCF have created a range of new policy options. The Hospital Bronze Plus and Hospital Silver Plus all exceed the minimum standards set out by the government which is why they are categorised as 'plus' categories.
Member offers
As a not-for-profit organisation, HCF have a number of member offers and benefits including:
- Diamond members. If you've been with HCF for over 25 years and have a top tier policy, you are rewarded with preferential servicing, a growing range of exclusive offers, VIP experiences and more.
- Ruby. If you've been with HCF for more than 10 years, you get access to special offers and rewards, exclusive access to unique events and more.
- Emerald. For 5 years service or more you can access an increasing range of discounts and privileges from HCF partner brands.
- Opal. Customers who have been with HCF for under 5 years are still rewarded with various exclusive offers and rewards.
How to make a claim
If you need to make an extras claim with HCF, you can lodge your claim in the following ways:
- On the spot. You can swipe your HCF membership card when you visit your service provider to claim immediately.
- Via the HCF mobile app. You can take a photo of your receipt with your smartphone to submit your claim.
- Online. Online claims can be made through the HCF member services portal. You'll need to post your original receipts to the health fund to complete your claim.
- At a branch. Claims can be lodged in an HCF branch by presenting your membership card and your original receipts.
- By post. You also have the option of downloading a claim form from the HCF website or phoning the health fund to request one. You can then send the completed claim form and your receipts to: HCF, GPO Box 4242, Sydney NSW 2001.
As for medical bills from your treating doctor, if you were treated under the HCF Medicover agreement the bills will go directly to HCF. If not, you can submit your health insurance claim at any HCFor Medicare branch.
Overseas visitors or Students
If you're planning on visiting or working in Australia, HCF have a range of options available to you. It's important you have the right level of health insurance as part of your visa requirements.
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Ask an Expert
I am 78 female, living alone. Would like quotes for hospital, ambulance, specialists doctors, some extras like heart, limbs, hips, dental, along the lines of silver in HCF. Looking what offers available.
Hi Jay,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may click on the green get deal button on this page you’re looking at and you will be redirected to HCF’s official page where you may get quotes for your health insurance needs. Also, if you enter all details asked in the table on this page, our health insurance advisor will get in touch to give you options and help you find health insurance that will suit your needs.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Do you have to have a Community First bank account to open with HCF?
Hi Rosemary,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may take out any HCF health cover even if you do not have a Community First bank account. You may click on the green get deal button on this page and you’ll be redirected to HCF’s official page where you may learn more on their offered health products or get quotes. Also, on this page you’re looking at, you may enter all details asked on the table and an expert will get in touch to help you compare up-to-date policies from eight funds to see which one is best for you.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am looking for a cover which will cover an insulin pump
Hi Cherie,
Thank you for your question.
You have contacted finder.com.au, a comparison and information service and not actually HCF Health Insurance.
On our health insurance for insulin pumps and diabetes page, you can find the HCF and other health funds who offer cover for an insulin pump.
All the best,
Zubair
Does the HCF completely cover all costs associated with “capsule endoscopy”. I have top cover for hospital and ambulance. Thanks
Hi Norm,
Thanks for getting in touch. finder.com.au is a comparison service and does not have access to that kind of information. You will need to contact HCF directly about the specifics of your policy.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Does mid cover hospital include day surgery admission? Thanks.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for getting in touch. Whether or not you’ll have cover will depend on the type of surgery. You should contact HCF directly about the specifics of your policy.
Cheers,
Richard
I cancelled my membership in HCF this year…it last more than half year…I like to make my membership active again.. i need more information how to continue with my request
Hi Tomas,
finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. You will need to contact HCF directly about this matter.
Cheers,
Richard
can you tell me what cover i need 4 if i have heart attack
Hi Rob,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may check HCF’s Critical Illness cover. It covers Heart; heart attack, angioplasty, bypass coronary arteries, open heart surgery, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle