27 March 2020

As Australia’s largest not-for-profit health insurer, our members are our priority as we work to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the major challenges people are experiencing at this time.

If you are suffering financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to contact our call centre on 13 13 34 to discuss available options.

HCF has included Involuntarily Unemployment Assistance in many of its policies. If you have hospital only or hospital and extras cover with HCF and become involuntarily unemployed through no fault of your own, we’ll pay your HCF health insurance premiums for you - up to a maximum amount of time. And you will still be covered during that period.

Other terms and conditions and some product exclusions apply. There are other general financial hardship provisions that our call centre staff can discuss with you. Members are encouraged to call us on 13 13 34 to find out more.

We have considered deeply the impending Private Health Insurance rate change which was communicated to impacted members and which takes effect on April 1. Reversal of the rate rise would provide a refund, on average, of $9.69 per month after the PHI rebate. While we know that every dollar counts, this reversal would provide, in relative terms, only a small benefit to impacted members irrespective of people’s individual circumstances.

Our focus is on assisting members on a targeted and much more substantive basis. We are urgently working through these additional options to ensure our help is provided in the most effective way and so that we can provide meaningful and sustainable financial relief for those who will need it most. We hope to share these options with members in the near future.

-ENDS-

About HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.6 million members with health and life insurance, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and over 19,000 provider locations forming part of its More for You network, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and the HCF second opinion service. HCF’s national network of branches and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. HCF has been voted the most trusted health insurer 2 years in a row – as voted in the Roy Morgan Net Trust Survey 2018 & 2019. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us