How to make the most of your HCF extras cover

Published January 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributor Julie Macey, Head of Ancillary Benefits at HCF
Words by Andrea Downey

Did you claim all you could on your health insurance last year? Protect your health and your wallet by making the most of your HCF extras cover over the next 12 months.

The beginning of the year is a great time to think about your health goals and start planning for the coming 12 months. It’s also the time of the year most people consider the changes they’d like to make in their life.

An HCF survey found that 80% of respondents made New Year’s resolutions, with more than half of those being health related. Yet, 62% admit the cost of living impacted their health goals in the previous year.

By planning how you’ll use your extras cover across the next year, you can not only save money but also make sure you’re hitting your health goals.

How extras cover can help keep you healthy

More than half of Australians (54.6%) have extras cover, but we know most HCF members don’t use the majority of their extras cover benefits, says Julie Macey, HCF’s Head of Ancillary Benefits.

“We try and encourage members to use their extras cover as much as possible by providing no-gap services,” she says. “Dental check-ups, your first visit to a physiotherapist, your first visit to a podiatrist, your first visit to a chiropractor – these may be included in your cover.”

Skipping that physiotherapy appointment or ignoring that pain in your tooth because you’re busy is easy to do, but in the long run it could end up costing you more, she adds.

This is especially important as most health insurance funds reset their annual limits on 1 January each year. The amount you can claim on your extras cover is limited each year, meaning once you hit those limits you won’t be able to claim until your health fund resets your benefits. To learn more about your limits, check your cover by logging in to online member services, visiting the My Membership app or calling us on 13 13 34.

Setting your year up for better health

The best place to start when planning for your health is to know what extras your healthcare policy covers, says Julie. Does it cover everything you need, and if you’re on a couples or family policy, does it cover everything you may need in the future? Now’s a great time to think about changing your health cover but if you’re upgrading your policy, waiting periods may apply to some newly added services. When you start to look at the next 12 months in terms of your health, it can be helpful to consider the following tips.

Do your research

Spend a little time mapping out what health concerns and needs you have right now. This may include things like vaccinations (especially for your children), check-ups (dental, optical, GP) and specialist appointments. Make a note of which appointments you can book in advance, which practitioners need a referral and which specialists have long waiting lists.

Get to know your extras cover

To make sure you’re taking advantage of your extras cover, check your My Membership app. You’ll find a range of helpful information including what services you’re covered for, any past claims you’ve made, as well as your extras limits. You can also search our health and wellbeing programs and find participating healthcare providers. Using the information on the app, note down the services included in your cover that you didn’t claim last year – are they relevant and useful for your (or your family’s) current situation? Could you be claiming extra benefits, like teeth whitening? Does your cover still suit your needs and budget? If not, call us on 13 13 34 to review your cover and make sure you've got the right policy for your life stage, or request a cover review via the My Membership app. Once you’ve planned out your health year, revisit the list of all the benefits you can claim. Are there are some services you haven’t considered yet? Depending on your level of cover, these may be natural therapies, like remedial massage, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or myotherapy (a form of physical therapy used to treat or prevent soft tissue pain). You don’t need to be in pain to benefit from these treatments.

Book in your check-ups

Now you know your health needs and the details of your extras cover, it’s time to plan your check-ups for the year, including dental, optical, hearing and heart checks. While you can always change these dates later, it can help to have them booked for around the time you need to have them. Most healthcare providers send out reminders a week or two before the appointment to confirm the day and time. To save even more, HCF members can use the Find a Provider tool to locate a participating provider. You can also use BookNow to book an appointment online with selected More for Teeth providers. If the provider accepts online bookings, you'll see a ‘Book Now’ button next to their name. ​​Eligible HCF members can also access a free heart health check^* thanks to our partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Plan your child’s check-ups

Before the school year begins is a good time to organise eye tests and new prescription glasses, as well as dental check-ups, teeth cleaning and mouthguards for sport. Depending on your cover, you may also be able to claim learn to swim classes run by swim schools that are ASSA members, AUSTSWIM (Gold and Silver level) or Swim Australia swim centres. Squad training or recreational swimming isn’t covered. 

Prioritise your mental health

Now is a great time to focus on your (and your family’s) mental health. You could start by booking a free HealthyMinds Check-in^{^} – an online one-on-one chat with a PSYCH2U psychologist for eligible HCF members. HCF also provides a range of mental health support programs, including This Way Up^{^}, a digital mental health service offering a range of evidence-based online cognitive behavioural therapy treatment programs. For members with kids aged four to 11, Calm Kid Central⁺, an online educational platform about dealing with big feelings and increasing calmness and cooperation, can be helpful with the transition into the new school year. All eligible HCF members with health cover with a child aged between four and 11 years old on their policy can access a free 12-month subscription to Calm Kid Central.

Focus on your diet

Around this time of year it can be helpful to take a look at your current eating habits. As an HCF member, you may be eligible for a range of health management programs to help with healthy eating information and recipes, including receiving a 20% discount on the 12-week evidence-based CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet^#. You may also be able to claim for a dietitian-led, HCF-approved weight management program. For families, eligible members can access Healthy Families for Life and Healthy Teens for Life^**, which provide expert-led resources to support children and their nutritional needs from birth to adulthood.

Change up your exercise plan

Make this the year you move more. If your doctor or physiotherapist has recommended an exercise or gym program to treat a specific medical condition, you may be able to claim towards the cost of a gym membership or exercise classes.   

Rethink your habits

Do you find yourself scrolling on your phone until past midnight? Or perhaps you’re constantly waking up through the night? Now’s the time to start getting a better night’s sleep. Eligible HCF members can access a free 12-month subscription to Sleepfit^{^^}, which offers personalised support, a sleep health snapshot and expert-led advice. If you’re looking to change your alcohol habits or quit smoking, anytime is a good time to start. Daybreak⁺⁺, Hello Sunday Morning’s online behaviour change program, provides 24/7 digital support and access to a like-minded community. Daybreak also includes a free drink tracker so that you can be more mindful of your intake throughout the year. It’s fully subsidised by the Australian Department of Health, which means all Australians get free access, but HCF members may also get access to additional mental health support.

Get going and keep going with the HCF Healthful app

Our new health and wellbeing app, HCF Healthful^## can make managing your health feel doable, no matter where or when your journey begins. A personalised Health Score gives you a holistic snapshot of your health, so you know what areas of your wellbeing need more focus. Track your health and wellbeing in real-time by completing healthful activities, goals and achievements that have been customised to your key improvement areas with the guidance of a 24/7 smart coach. Learn more about the HCF Healthful app.