How HCF members are using their extras cover

Published March 2025 | 4 min read
Words by Lucy E Cousins

Whether you have HCF extras cover or are looking into it, here are some of the ways our members are getting value from their extras cover.

Thinking of taking out extras cover? You’re not alone. Over 54% of Australians have some kind of extras cover, with most choosing combined hospital and extras cover for a variety of treatments and health needs.

We know Aussies expect value for money, flexibility and a wide range of services. That’s why there's something for everyone in our range of extras options. You'll find an option to suit your age, lifestyle and most healthcare needs.

What is extras cover?

Extras cover can help to reduce non-hospital-related, out-of-pocket expenses. These are usually services that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Depending on which extras cover you choose, you can claim on a range of services like dental, optical, physio, chiro, some weight management programs and more. Waiting periods apply and vary according to the type of service.

What makes HCF extras cover different?

As part of HCF’s commitment to deliver value and flexibility to our members, we’ve created a range of extras cover options, tailored to suit every Aussie, and those they love the most.

If you’re looking for basic coverage, HCF Starter Extras covers general dental, physio, chiro and some natural therapies. Or you could opt for Flex My Extras where you can get a flexible single limit for your extras services, as well as a separate optical limit and remedial massage and myotherapy limit per person, per calendar year.

Members can also get up to 60% back on included extras like dental, optical and physio, teeth whitening (12-month waiting period applies) and HCF-approved online mental health support. Plus, the Gap Bonus^* helps reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs by topping up the benefits we pay on included extras (it kicks in 12 months into your Flex My Extras cover).

Choose My Extras is our most flexible extras cover as it lets you tailor your extras cover even more. You select four extras services from a selected range and, if your lifestyle or health needs change, you can swap^{^} a service for a different one (as long as no one on the policy has claimed on it during the calendar year).

Eligible HCF members with selected extras cover can also benefit from our More for You programs, which offer 100% back⁺ on dental, optical and hearing services, as well as a first visit for physio, osteo and chiro services. Using our Find a Provider tool, members can search and access our network of over 16,000 health providers who offer No-Gap services. Last year, our members saved $207 million by using this growing network.

So, how do HCF members use their extras cover?

From 2023 to 2024, we covered over 11 million extras services for our members, like dental check-ups, physio visits and remedial massage. That's over $732 million paid out for extras over the year to help our members look after their health.

The most popular services with our members are dental, physio and optical – these three areas of healthcare made up 78% of all the services claimed in 2023 to 2024. But many other services are also being claimed by our members.

We've expanded our mental health cover, so members with selected extras cover can now claim towards consultations with a psychologist, an HCF-approved counsellor, an accredited mental health social worker or online cognitive behavioural therapy courses delivered by This Way Up^#. In 2024, we covered nearly 1.8 million services to help support our members look after their mental health.

How older members use HCF extras cover

When it comes to our older members, extras cover remains important. Hearing and eye tests become essential, alongside regular podiatry visits. Eligible members can also use our free heart health checks^** and health programs.

Example: A retired couple wanting to get healthier

Terrence and Mei, both in their 60s, have been married for over 30 years. Since Terrence retired five years ago, they’ve been focusing on eating better and moving more – though Mei’s recent knee replacement surgery was followed by a few months of recovery. Luckily some of her recovery and some of her hospital-related costs were covered by their HCF Hospital Silver Plus and HCF Top Extras combined policy. This year, Terrence has claimed his hearing aids and foot orthotics, and to help Mei sleep a little better she has signed up to the free^{^^} 12-month Sleepfit subscription available to eligible HCF members. To help them both maintain a healthy weight, they’re trying the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet this year, using the HCF discount⁺⁺. On their to-do list for this month is a free heart health check^** through our partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

How families use HCF extras cover

Caring for your family can be a challenging but rewarding job, especially if you have young kids. Families are big on dental services – including mouthguards for their kids – eyecare check-ups and prescription glasses, and services like speech pathology.

Example: A busy family of four needing a little support

Parents Toby, 41, and Margaret, 43, are constantly running after their three boys (aged seven, nine and 12). Whether it’s driving them to sport, swimming or school, they’re constantly on the move. Their HCF My Family Silver Plus combines hospital and extras cover; they’ve claimed mouthguards for their oldest son and HCF-approved swimming lessons for their youngest. Recently, they’ve signed up to receive a free 12-month subscription to Calm Kid Central^## – part of our health support for families – to support their children’s emotional wellbeing, too. Margaret is a regular listener to our free Navigating Parenthood podcast, and Toby is looking to cut down on his drinking this year using the Daybreak app, which is free for all Aussies.

How younger members and couples use HCF extras cover

Our younger members, including couples, claim for a range of services covered by extras. They're focused on flexibility and cover for the services they're most likely to use, including dental check-ups and teeth whitening as well as mental health support.

Example: A young and fit couple looking for work-life balance

Troy, 35, and Helene, 31, have lived together for three years. They’re keen runners and are training for their first marathon. They both use their Flex My Extras cover for their annual dental check-up but also regularly see a physio about their running niggles (including some remedial massages). Helene’s been stressed at work lately, so she’s considering using HCF’s range of mental health support this year to help her navigate a better work–life balance. Troy wants to try out acupuncture (covered by his policy) for his backaches.

Get extras cover with even more flexibility

With Choose My Extras you can build extras cover that’s right for you. Simply choose four extras services that suit your health needs and lifestyle, and swap^{^} any unused extras services at any time, as long as no one on the policy has claimed on them during the calendar year.

Chat to us online or over the phone on 13 13 34 to switch or join Choose My Extras, or to select and swap the extras services you need.