HCF won multiple 2026 Finder Highly Commended Awards for its hospital cover and extras policies.
The fund has a sub-standard complaint record, accounting for 13.5% of complaints last financial year.
Our verdict
Pros
If you're looking for Gold standard hospital cover, HCF's policy is one of the cheapest.
HCF's Bronze Plus policy is cheaper than average, at around $91 a month.
HCF was a multiple Highly Commended Award winner in the 2026 Finder Health Insurance Awards for its hospital and extras policies. It also received the Finder Award for Best Hospital Cover in the Northern Territory.
There are lots of ways to claim on your HCF policy, including:
On the spot - Use your membership card to claim at your service provider.
Online - Use the online member services portal or the My Membership app.
In person - Visit a HCF branch to claim in-store.
By post - Send a completed claim form and receipts to HCF, GPO Box 4242, Sydney, NSW, 2001.
Complaints info
HCF has a sub-standard complaints record. In the last financial year, it claimed 12.5% of market share but accounted for 13.5% of private health insurance complaints lodged to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. This means it received a higher-than-average share of complaints.
Congratulations, HCF!
HCF was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.
Winner, Best Health Insurance: NT
Winner, Best Hospital Cover: NT
Highly commended, Best Health Insurance: National, NSW, WA and TAS
Highly commended, Best Hospital Cover: TAS
Highly commended, Best Extras Cover: WA, TAS and NT
"I've had HCF ambulance cover for years now, and it's given me the peace of mind that I need. There's nothing worse than having to worry about the cost of an ambulance when you need it."
No. HCF and Bupa are different health insurance brands and are not part of the same network.
HCF is owned by the Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia.
The benefits you receive from HCF depend on which policy you take out and any waiting periods you may have served. Always read your PDS carefully to understand benefits and exclusions.
Nicola Middlemiss is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance and insurance. She has contributed to Domain, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Insurance Business Australia, offering in-depth insights into commercial insurance in the Australian market. Nicola holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Leeds and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which complies with ASIC standards.
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