Joining HCF

How can I join HCF?

There are several ways you can join:

• Online: choose the cover that's right for you, then complete our online application form
• Call: 1800 062 063
• Branch: visit a branch

How do I choose cover that suits my needs?

We're committed to helping you choose the right cover. Your can explore your options:

• Online
• By calling 1800 062 063
• Visiting a branch

When does my cover start?

Your cover will start as soon as you've paid us the premiums due at the time that you apply, and have fully completed our application process. Waiting periods may apply so make sure you check how this affects your membership before you join.

Does HCF offer a free trial?

Yes. You'll get a 100% refund on hospital and/or extras cover if you choose to cancel your policy within 30 days, and haven't made a claim.

Will I get a membership card?

Yes. All HCF members are sent a membership card that details the membership number and the names of those covered. You'll receive your card within 10 business days of joining. Android users can also access our digital membership card in the My Membership app. You should see your digital card in the app within 2 business days. You can use your physical or digital membership card to make on the spot claims at branches or through HICAPS or CommBank Smart Health.

How do I switch to HCF from another fund?

Switching to HCF is easy. Choose the cover that works for you, then complete your application and Interfund Transfer.

You can also switch at any HCF branch or by calling 13 13 34.

If you held an equivalent level of cover with your previous fund, and join HCF within 30 days of leaving, you won't have to re-serve any waiting periods.

Once we have the details of your previous fund, we'll ask them to send us an Interfund Clearance Certificate. If they send it to you, please forward it to: HCF GPO BOX 4242, Sydney, NSW, 2001.

If you're switching and upgrading your cover, you'll need to serve the necessary waiting periods for your higher entitlements.

HCF's online member services

Go to online member services and click on 'Register now'. Follow the prompts to set your password and security questions. If you're having problems registering or logging in, please call us on 13 13 34.

Changing your details

How do I change my personal details?

To change your postal address, phone numbers or email, log into to the My Membership app or online member services. See How-To Guides. You can also call us on 13 13 34, email service@myhcf.com.au or visit one of our branches.

How we collect, use, disclose and secure your personal information is detailed in the HCF Privacy Policy.

How do I change who's covered on my membership?

Call us on 13 13 34, email service@myhcf.com.au or visit one of our branches.

My surname has changed. How do I change my name on my membership?

1. Change your name with Medicare
2. Send a copy of your name change documentation (e.g. marriage certificate) with a covering letter, to us at: GPO BOX 4242, Sydney, NSW, 2001 
3. We'll order you a new membership card

Your previous membership card won't be valid once your order has been processed. You'll get your new card in around 5 business days. 

How do I get a replacement membership card?

Log in to online member services, go to My Cover and select Membership Card. You can then order a new membership card for yourself or all your policy members. You should receive your new membership card within 10 business days. Your current card will expire after14 days. The HCF digital membership card is also available for Android users in the My Membership app and doesn’t expire.

If a dependent on your policy is under 18 and hasn't received a membership card before, contact us on 13 13 34 and we’ll place the order for you.

If you’ve lost your membership card or it’s been stolen, contact our team as soon as you can on 13 13 34 so we can deactivate it. Once we’ve cancelled your card you won’t be able to use it to claim (even if you find it again).

If you have any questions please call 13 13 34 or contact us.

Changing your cover

Some considerations if you change your level of cover:

• for a lower level of cover, you'll be entitled to the benefits of your new cover immediately
• for a higher level of cover, you'll only be entitled to the benefits from your old level of cover until you serve the necessary waiting periods for your higher entitlements
• waiting periods will also apply if you upgrade for services you weren't covered for before. To check whether you need to serve waiting periods, check your product summary, or call us on 13 13 34.

Suspending your cover

How do I suspend my membership?

You can apply to suspend your membership if you’re travelling overseas, receiving a Newstart or Sickness Allowance from Centrelink, or for a reason approved by us. Please note that everyone on the suspended policy won’t be covered for the period of suspension. Suspension is at HCF’s absolute discretion.

To discuss suspending your membership, please call 13 13 34. Alternatively, you can log in to online member services, go to contact us and then scroll down to the drop-down box enquiry type. Select suspend my cover to submit your request. 

What conditions apply to suspending my membership?

• the minimum period of suspension is 30 days
• the maximum period of suspension is 2 years, after which time your membership will lapse
• no benefits are payable during the period of suspension
• the period of suspension doesn't count towards waiting periods and loyalty benefits won't increase
• the additional Medicare Levy Surcharge may be payable for the period of suspension, depending on your annual taxable income
• if you want to suspend your cover for travel reasons, please advise us before leaving Australia
• active and financial membership must be held for more than 6 months before suspension and at least 6 months between suspensions
• Recover Cover and life insurance policies can't be suspended. To maintain your cover, please call 13 13 34 to arrange for your premiums to be paid while your health cover is suspended
• only health products can be suspended. You can’t suspend if you’re have Overseas Visitors Cover or life insurance.

I'm currently suspended, how do I resume my cover?

Your policy must be resumed within 30 days of no longer receiving a Newstart or Sickness Allowance from Centrelink, or within 30 days of your return to Australia.

Please complete and submit a Application to Resume Membership and Payment Authority Form, together with proof that benefits were being received (e.g. a letter from Centrelink or current employer) or proof of departure and arrival into Australia.

How do I cancel my membership?

To cancel your membership, the policyholder needs to let us know in writing. Any premiums paid in advance of the effective cancellation date will be refunded in full, provided you haven’t made a claim after your cancellation date.

If you're considering cancelling, please let us know so we can try and find cover that better meets your needs. You can call us on 13 13 34. Alternatively, you can log in to online member services, go to contact us and then scroll down to the drop-down box enquiry type. Select cancel my cover to submit your request.

Tax statements

When will I get my private health insurance tax statement?

Your tax statement may be mailed or emailed to you during the first 2 weeks of July (depending on your communication preference). You can also access your tax statement on the My Membership app and online member services. See How-To Guides.

How do I get my statement?

If you're an existing member, or have had HCF health insurance during the last financial year, we'll contact you with your tax statement details. You'll be notified by SMS, email or post depending on your communication preference.

Can I get a statement earlier?

Tax statements include details of all payments processed by HCF up to and including 30 June. This means that we can't begin to process them until after that date. We aim to get statements out to all members as quickly as possible. 

Why do I need a tax statement?

You may need it to complete your tax return. Your tax statement will confirm the number of days you had an appropriate level of hospital cover over the last financial year. If you weren't covered for the full financial year, and you fall within certain income brackets, you may be liable for the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

Your statement will also outline premium reductions you've received due to the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance, as well as details of any additional rebate you may be able to claim as part of your tax return.

Will I receive anything else with my statement?

If you're an existing member, you'll also get an Annual Policy Summary. This provides a summary of your current Lifetime Health Cover status and an overview of your current level of cover. You may also receive a Standard Information Statement.

Do I need my Annual Policy Summary or Standard Information Statement to complete my tax return?

No. These are for your personal records.

What information from my statement do I need to complete my tax return?

You may need these details to complete your tax return.

What are HCF's Fund Rules?

You can read all about our rules in this download.

Your privacy

We're committed to protecting your privacy. How we collect, use, disclose and secure your personal information is detailed in the HCF Privacy Policy.

Complaints

We’re committed to making sure your concerns are resolved as quickly as possible. Guidance on how to make a complaint and our approach to handling your complaint is outlined on our page Complaints & Feedback and our Complaint Management Policy. For a copy of this policy you can also visit your local branch. 

If you have a complaint about your membership or cover, our products or services, or wish to find out the status of an existing complaint, please contact us so that we can help.

Private Health or life insurance (product, service or cover): 13 13 34 or service@myhcf.com.au.

Overseas Visitors health insurance (product, service or cover):  13 68 42 or OVHC_Service@hcf.com.au.

Pet insurance (product, service or cover): PetSure on 1800 630 681 or petinsurance@hcf.com.au.

Travel insurance (product, cover or claim): Allianz on 1300 657 046 or HCF@Allianz-assistance.com.au.

Travel insurance (service): 13 13 34 or service@myhcf.com.au.

HCF also supports the Private Patients Hospital Charter, which outlines what members can expect from doctors, hospitals and health funds. You can call us on 13 13 34 to request a copy of the Charter.