HCF to give back additional COVID-19 savings to members

HCF, one of Australia's top 10 private health insurance (PHI) providers in 2022, has announced that it will give back an additional $130 million in COVID-19-related savings to its members before the end of the year.

The savings are part of HCF's larger support package for its members since the pandemic started, including financial and increased health services support.

HCF CEO Sheena Jack said giving the additional COVID-19-related savings reaffirms the insurer's commitment to making health cover more accessible and affordable for Australians.

“Given the changed healthcare landscape over the past three years, it's only fair we work hard to find more ways to give back and to help members manage [the] mounting cost of living pressures,” she said. “A strong commitment to putting our members before profit remains a guiding force in all the decisions we make for our members.”

Read more: HCF extends cover for adult children on family policies

HCF has provided its members with over $300 million in total benefits and support since the pandemic began, including:

• Giving COVID-19-related savings back to eligible members in December 2022;
• Postponing the April 1, 2020, premium increases for six months;
• Postponing the April 1, 2022, premium increases for seven months;
• Providing premium relief for members experiencing financial difficulties;
• Providing free mental health check-ins for eligible members;
• Covering COVID-19-related hospital admissions without extra cost on all hospital policies; and
• Expanding the range of telehealth services, mental health and wellbeing programs, and in-home hospital treatments.

HCF will notify its members in November with specific details on the amount they will receive and how the savings will be returned.

Aside from the COVID-19-related savings giveback, HCF recently increased the age of adult dependents on family policies.