Supporting families by putting money where our members are
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Research & Insights
Supporting families by putting money where our members are
Published November 2023 | 3 min read
Words by Karen Burge
With the rising cost in living, it’s important to know your health cover provides value, is supporting your family and helping you to be your healthiest self.
As Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, we believe it’s important to reinvest into the health of our members, providing value and affordability across all stages of life.
Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve helped ease the cost of living by providing over $536 million in total COVID-19 member benefits and support, including premium increase freezes three times in three years and $309 million in cash givebacks directly to eligible members*.
We returned an average of nearly 90 cents in every dollar spent on premiums back to members^ – more than any other health fund.
Here’s our guide to how you can find value in your health cover.
Support for established families
Whether it's nutrition support for your family, finding ways to save money on your healthcare or protecting your loved ones, our range of programs and services can help keep your family's health in check all year round.
Manage your weight
Need support to manage your weight? HCF offers free access to eligible members in managing their weight using the evidence-based programs, Healthy Weight for Life# and the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.
Nutrition for teens
Teenagers go through physical changes during puberty, and they need extra nutrition to fuel this growth. We know teens can benefit from guidance and support to develop a positive relationship with food, that’s why we offer eligible members access to the Healthy Teens for Life education hub+.
Change your drinking habits
Need help to change your relationship with alcohol? Connect with an anonymous peer community and online resources to reset your drinking habits through Hello Sunday Morning’s Daybreak app**.
Reducing your medical costs
We’ve partnered with hundreds of medical specialists and extras providers so that you can focus on getting better. Use our Dr Gap tool to find a provider to suit your needs.
Help protect your loved ones
Our Life Protect Insurance^^ is designed to help you look after your family if you’re no longer able to. It pays a lump sum benefit if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness## to help cover the costs that come at this difficult time, like your mortgage, school fees or day-to-day living expenses.
Supporting women’s health
In our Women's Health hub, we give you practical, no-nonsense information and real-life inspiration for a strong body and mind. We explore topics like endometriosis, fertility, mental health, fitness, pregnancy and menopause so you can stay informed and find the support that's right for you.
More affordable healthcare
We know cost-of-living pressures can increase the costs of healthcare. Our partnership with Ramsay Health Care means HCF members get a 5% discount on selected purchases when signing up to the Ramsay Pharmacy better rewards program.
Financial support
Losing your job can be incredibly stressful. We help our eligible members with their health cover with our Involuntary Unemployment Assistance.
How to get the most from your health cover
We’re always looking for ways to innovate and help you be your healthiest self. We give back to members in ways big and small, helping you find value in your health cover. Give our friendly team a call on 13 13 34 to make sure you’re on the right cover for you. You might discover a new way HCF is helping to support you and your family, by putting its money back into improving the health of our members.
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HCF RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Read about why this charitable trust was set up and the work we do.
FUNDING RESEARCH FOR AUSSIES
The HCF Research Foundation funds research into health services to benefit HCF members and all Aussies.
RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS
Read a summary of each funded project and the impact it has had to date.
Important Information
* HCF Year in Review FY 2022-23.
^ 89.2% compared to 85.6% across the industry. Calculated based on the average of the past 10 years, sourced from APRA Statistics: Private Health Insurance Operations Reports 2014–23.
# Osteoarthritis program: must have held hospital cover that covers joint replacement surgery for 2 months, have knee or hip osteoarthritis and a Body Mass Index of 28 and above. Essentials program: must have hospital cover, have no chronic conditions but have multiple lifestyle risk factors (e.g. smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition) and a Body Mass Index of 28 and above. Clinical eligibility applies. See hcf.com.au/hwfl
+ Service is available to all HCF members with any HCF health insurance product (excluding Overseas Visitors Health Cover).
** This service is not affiliated or associated with HCF in any way. You should make your own enquiries to determine whether this service is suitable for you. If you decide to use this service, it'll be on the basis that HCF won't be responsible, and you won't hold HCF responsible, for any liability that may arise from that use.
^^ Subject to terms and conditions, exclusions, limitations and definitions. Please refer to the Life Protect Insurance PDS and Policy Document for further information. Terms and conditions apply. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Policy Document and Financial Services Guide available by calling 1800 560 855 or visiting hcf.com.au/lifeinfo, and consider your financial situation, objectives, and needs before deciding on these products as any advice provided does not take these into account. In addition to these documents, you should also read the Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product, which is available at hcf.com.au/lifeinfo. Our Recover Cover products are issued by our own HCF Life Insurance Company Pty Ltd. ABN 37 001 831 250, AFSL 236 806 (HCF Life). HCF Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd ABN 68 000 026 746, AFSL 241 414 (HCF). The premiums for Recover Cover products are paid to HCF Life. HCF receives commission from HCF Life for their sale of up to 40% of the first year’s premium plus an additional commission of 80% of HCF Life’s underwriting profit each year calculated as premiums less claims and expenses. HCF’s staff may receive an incentive depending on the annual premium of these products which they sell. This will not exceed 15% of the first year’s premium.
## Less than 24 months life expectancy. Subject to terms and conditions, exclusions, limitations and definitions. Please refer to the PDS and Policy Document for further information.
This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.