or call 1300 795 560 to speak with a specialist
HBF Private Health Insurance Review
AHM
AIA Health Insurance
Australian Unity Health
HCF
HIF
NIBHBF Health Insurance offers easy to use health cover to millions of members across Australia. You have the option to combine their Hospital and Extras policies for cover that suits your unique requirements. As a not-for-profit health fund, HBF is owned by its members and all profits from premiums received are reinvested to allow the fund to continue to provide you with new or improved benefits.
7.3%
market share Australia wide
1,000,000
plus members
87.2 cents
per dollar returned to members
Source: HBF Annual Report 2020
Whether you’re thinking of buying a health insurance policy for the first time or you’re considering making a change to your current cover, it’s typically in your best interest to compare similar policies from various health insurance brands.
ComparingExpert does not currently have access to this provider. Visit www.hbf.com.au to request a quote and compare their price and benefits to the Australian private health insurance companies we have access to.
What is HBF Health Insurance?
THIS INSURER is one of the largest not-for-profit health insurance funds operating in Australia. Since their foundation in 1941, they have continued to provide their members with high-quality health cover when they need it most. Typically cover options from this insurer range from basic plans to more comprehensive options.
What do they cover?
They offer a variety of Hospital and Extras policy options. Generally, these plans can be combined as needed to suit your needs, lifestyle and budget. HBF’s health insurance offers five Hospital Cover options; Basic plus, Bronze plus, Silver, Silver Plus and Gold. You also have the choice of 5 Extras options, varying from the affordable basic to the comprehensive option that includes a broad list of benefits with higher limits.
Pros and Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of Hospital and Extras options and the option to combine policies for tailor-made health cover. | Generally, cover for rehabilitative and psychiatric services is restricted. |
| Finding the right policy option for your requirements is typically easy with their online comparison tool. | Longer waiting periods for major services like podiatry, major dental and prosthesis. |
| The member-based nature of the organisation ensures a focus on improving the healthcare experience of its members. | Some members report that difficulties when trying to contact the customer support centre. |
| Profits earned from premiums are generally reinvested to improve policy options for the members. |
How to become a member
Joining HBF is easy. You can sign up on their website, send in your membership form via email, call them directly, visit your nearest branch or book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can use the quote form below to request an HBF quote or call us at 1300 795 560 to speak with a specialist.
HBF Hospital cover
HBF health insurance offers Hospital cover policy options that provide benefits towards the cost of your stay in hospital and the care you receive there.
| Hospital options | Starting prices (per week) | Benefits | Restricted coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hospital Plus: provides for a few essential services and some additional clinical categories. | $13.50 |
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| Bronze Hospital Plus: a budget-friendly option generally suited to young couples without kids. | $16.10 |
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| Silver Hospital: A step up from the Bronze Hospital Plus, this option includes cover for 30 clinical categories | $20.75 | Covers all the services listed under the Bronze Hospital Plus plan, as well as the following:
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| Silver Hospital Plus:Typically, a good option for families who need a higher level of cover. | $27.95 | The Silver Hospital Plus cover option is similar to the Silver Hospital policy, but also covers:
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| Gold Hospital: a top Hospital option, covering all 38 clinical categories, and is usually ideal for those wanting to start or grow their family. | $31.55 | The Gold Hospital plan includes all the benefits of the Silver Hospital Plus plan, as well as:
| This comprehensive option covers all 38 clinical categories including pregnancy and birth-related services, assisted reproductive services, weight loss surgery, dialysis of chronic kidney failure, and full coverage for hospital psychiatric services. |
Source: HBF Hospital options (January 2021)
HBF Extras cover
HBF offers five options for Extras insurance cover. These make provision for general treatments and services received outside of hospital such as dental, physio and/or optical and minimises out-of-pocket expenses.
| Extras plan | Unique benefits | Waiting periods | Annual limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Extras: from $3.85 per week | This entry-level policy covers general dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy, urgent Ambulance and healthy living programs |
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| Flex 50 from $5.40 weekly | Comprehensive cover that offers 50% or more back on 12 popular services |
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| Flex 60 from $6.80 weekly | Comprehensive health insurance cover with 60% or more back at the provider of your choice |
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| Complete 60 from $10.00 weekly | Coverage for a wide range of Extras services with 60% or more back at the provider of your choice |
| No annual limit on preventative dental |
| Top 70 from $18.50 per week | Comprehensive cover for a wide range of Extras services with 70% or more back at the provider of your choice |
| No annual limit on preventative and general restorative dental |
Source: HBF Extras cover options (January 2021)
Does HBF offer ambulance services?
Yes, they generally cover emergency ambulance services of recognised state-based ambulance organisations or approved service providers dependent on the level of cover you have. You will generally be covered for emergency treatment, either on-site or in the emergency department, and urgent transport by road within Australia.
However, this typically depends on the level of cover you choose. Urgent Ambulance is generally not available for sale to QLD or TAS residents as their state-based schemes cover residents.
How to claim from HBF
There are several ways to lodge a claim. This includes:
- Submitting a statement of expenses directly to HBF after a procedure,
- Extras claims can be made on the spot on the HICAPS system at any Extras HBF treatment provider,
- You can claim online using the myHBF online portal or app
- at a branch, or
- via email.
Recent HBF health insurance changes
Government reforms have resulted in the following changes to this health insurance fund:
- Hospital cover has been simplified: All Hospital cover plans have been grouped into four tiers: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic. Each of these includes a set number of clinical categories.
- Specific natural therapies will no longer be covered: Aromatherapy, Pilates, yoga, naturopathy and reflexology have been removed from Extras cover.
- You can choose an excess amount that suits your pocket: Choose an excess of $250, $500 or $750 if you’re single and $1,000 to $1,500 if you’re a couple.
- Upgraded mental health cover can be accessed immediately: You can upgrade your policy to a higher tier covering in-hospital mental health treatment without serving the waiting period.
- Accommodation and meals for loved ones: HBF Hospital policies offer this for loved ones staying with you during your recovery in the hospital.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use HBF gap saver?
HPF gap saver covers the difference between your health cover benefit and your actual treatment. You can access the gap saver on a claim-by-claim basis or choose to receive benefits automatically when you make a claim electronically.How to cancel an HBF policy?
If you’re sure you want to cancel your policy, call them with your request. New members may cancel at any time during the 30-day cooling-off period and receive a refund on premiums paid if no claims have been made. However, you may want to compare your options to find a health coverage option that best suits your requirements.Does HBF offer any discounts?
Yes, as an HBF member, you get access to a range of Momentum member benefits. Typically, these including discounts on gym memberships, fitness apparel, movie tickets and more.Who is HBF best suited for?
Policy options designed to suit singletons, couples, families, single parents and overseas visitors. Make contact for an HBF health insurance quote that suits your needs, lifestyle and budget. Or call us at call 1300 795 560 to speak with a specialist.Is HBF for profit or non-profit health fund?
HBF is a non-profit health insurance fund. With over 75 years’ experience, HBF offers various health insurance products, from basic budget plans to comprehensive protection.Is HBF a good health fund?
Typically, this depends on your requirements, so it’s generally a good idea to compare all of the offerings. Not-for-profit health insurers like HBF are typically rated favourably due to higher customer retention, fewer customer complaints, and give more back to their members in paid premiums.How do I change my HBF cover?
Changes to your HBF cover can be made by calling and speaking to an agent, sending an email requesting further contact to make the change, by visiting your local HBF branch or making an appointment.Does HBF cover vaccinations?
Generally, this depends on your level of cover. HBF fully covers flu vaccinations at participating pharmacies.How much is HBF ambulance cover?
HBF Urgent Ambulance cover is available from $1.45 per week. The cost is dependent on your customer profile. Make contact for an HBF health insurance quote.How do I switch to HBF?
Typically, you’ll need to contact the insurer and inform them of your intention to switch health funds. Once you’ve shared the name of your existing health fund with HBF, they will do the rest.
Does HBF offer a benefit for Item 051 dental biopsy? I am currently with HCF and they do not.
Hi Susan,
Great question. Unfortunately, as I am not particular with the current level of cover you have I will not be able to confirm if you would be able to receive a benefit for this service. Generally, you should contact HBF or your current insurer to see if you are eligible and if not, what level of cover you may need in order to receive the benefit if this is covered. Before switching health funds, you should generally check the waiting periods you may need to serve before you can claim any sort of benefits from your cover.
Hi Expert,
Could you tell me, is there cover to assist with the cost of entry for public pool use for people with chronic conditions? Eg, Arthritis.
If so what medical paperwork needed from my GP?
Hi Louise. This is a very interesting question.
According to my research, by law public pools should be accessible to all people with disabilities. Pools that aren’t should be upgraded as soon as possible. There shouldn’t be any fees involved when using the pool’s accessibility facilities, including changing rooms, support stations, ramps and/or mobility lifts.
Regarding the fees and charges required for the use of public pools, some might offer free entry or discounts to people with disabilities. You’ll generally need to show proof of your disability status, however, what that proof entails depends on the public pool and what they accept. I am not aware of health funds supplementing the costs for the use of public pools.
Hello, l am an Australian citizen and will be relocating back to Australia with my wife, aged 48 and daughter aged 20. I have lived abroad for the last 26yrs and my wife and child are immigrating to OZ. Will they automatically qualify for Medicare and what would be the cost for the best full-coverage plan for our family?
I appreciate your help.
Thank you.
Hi John.
As an Australian citizen who has lived overseas for more than 5 years, you are generally no longer eligible for Medicare and will need to re-enrol when you move back. In the meantime, you and your family might want to purchase Visa health insurance. The cost of a family health insurance policy is dependent on your unique requirements, where n Australia you’ll be living and which health fund you choose. Please give our specialists a call on 1300 795 560 for assistance.
Hi there
I’m 65 and I would like to know if I can have private health insurance? Do I have to pay that gap from age 30 to now like other companies?
Hi Sharee. Thanks for reaching out.
Are you maybe referring to the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading? If so, then yes, the LHC loading applies to everyone and all health funds. If you did not have a complying hospital policy on the 1st of July following your 31st birthday or been granted an exemption, you’re generally liable to pay the 2% yearly loading. In your case, you might have to pay 68% more for your private health insurance policy. Please call 1300 795 560 for immediate assistance from a health insurance specialist.
Hi.
I would like to know if my husband and I would be eligible to join HBF if we live in South Australia? Would we share all the benefits of those that live in WA are privy to?
We are in or close to our 60s.
Thank you.
Hi Janet.
Generally, the state you live in should not affect the benefits you have access to. However, it will affect the premium you pay for the same level of coverage. Please call 1300 795 560 for assistance.
I set up health cover for my daughter, transferring to HBF from Goldfields Medical Fund a few years ago. She has now moved to Melbourne for work which was to be short term, but it looks like it will be extended. Is she covered for treatment at any hospitals in Melbourne? and is she covered on her Young Singles Saver Twinpack & Gap Saver if she remains living in Melbourne for a couple of years?
Hello Glenys.
Generally, when moving interstate your health fund will still provide coverage, however, insurance premiums and some benefits might change. Your daughter will need to contact HBF and update her details, then review whether her current policy still suits her. She can register for myHBF (their online member’s portal) and easily manage and update her cover.
What is HBF service and performance in Victoria like ? How many members do they have in Victoria ?
Hello Mary.
You might want to request a quote from HBF and compare their offering to other health insurance companies in Australia to determine how they stack up. To learn more about what others think about the health fund, you could jump onto a chat forum, like whirlpool, and have a read of some of the discussion there.
Hi there,
I am interested in applying for insurance. I am a Canadian on a working visa in Australia.
Can I apply for insurance under these circumstances? How much would it cost me?
Does the insurance cover me in Australia, Canada, Indonesia or anywhere I travel to?
Is there a limit of how much you can use the insurance in a year/month?
Do I send the claims to you or does the hospitals etc fill out the claim?
The services that I am interested having covered are:
Optical
Osteopathy
Urgent ambulance
Remedial massage
Natural therapies
Nutritionist
Psychology
Occupational therapy
Healthy living programs
Thank you!
Hi Jazzmyn.
I’m going to try and answer all your questions, but if I miss anything please feel free to call 1300 786 328 for a specialist to assist you.
1. Yes, you can apply for private health insurance when on a working visa in Australia. In fact, since 2009, if you apply for a working visa you are required to apply for at least a minimum level of health insurance prior to being granted a visa.
2. The cost of health insurance depends on the type and level of cover you choose; Hospital only, Extras only or Combined Hospital and Extras.
3. Generally, private health funds in Australia covers you Australian-wide but will not cover overseas medical expenses.
4. Health insurance policies have an annual limit on the maximum benefit you can claim for. The limit is dependent on the level of cover you choose; basic, medium or comprehensive.
5. You can claim health insurance Extras usually on the spot by swiping your membership card at the place where you’ve received treatment OR go online and claim via the health fund’s online claim section OR fill out a claim form (which you can download from the insurer’s website), attach your invoice and receipt and post it to the insurer. For in-hospital expenses, the bill will generally be sent straight to your health insurance provider.
6. Please fill in the quote form above for a specialist to give you a call and help you compare which health fund will give you coverage for the items you’ve listed. Or you can start your search by reviewing the top 10 health funds in Australia.
Hello,
Does the 10% off gym memberships apply to all gym memberships and what are the healthy living programs mentioned?
Hi Paul,
HBF Momentum members get 10% off their Snap Fitness gym memberships and up to 15% at Jetta.
Please visit the HBF website for the types of services included in their Healthy Living Programs.
No one can give me a simple answer to the below questions. I am a HBF member, number is 28788***, with a single prime health policy.
Appoint with Psychiatrist only. Who relate to HBF.
The Cost of first appointment
The cost following each other appointments
Kindly give understandable answers to above.
Hello Dulcie,
From your question, it seems you’re wanting to know what HBF will pay for psychiatric appointments (first time, as well as follow-ups) and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Psychologists and psychiatrists usually work in tandem:
• Psychologists focus on treating emotional and mental suffering and cannot write prescriptions. You might have regular appointments with your psychologist to address specific issues.
• Psychiatrist are trained medical doctors that can prescribe medications. You’ll probably only have to visit your Psychiatrist every 3 to 6 months to manage your medications.
As an HBF Prime Health Package holder, you can claim on Clinical Psychologist assessments from $79 up to a maximum of $720. Consultations and individual treatment from a clinical psychologist will provide a benefit from $44 up to a maximum of $720.
According to their website, HBF only provides cover for psychiatric care and treatment when carried out in a hospital. Of course, as an HBF client, they would be the best people to contact. Please call them on 133 423.
There is generally a 2-month waiting period for clinical psychologists and psychiatric care.
Hello,
Could you please advise what the waiting period is for IVF services. I live in NSW and would be using a NSW hospital, would this also be covered?
Thanks
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
Generally, most private health funds will apply a 12 month waiting period for assisted reproductive services, like IVF. However, HBF does state on their website that if there is no pre-existing condition that has led to the need for IVF, your waiting period might only be 2 months.
HBF’s Smart Saver Twin Pack provides cover for IVF treatment. Premiums start at about $29.35 per week as at February 2018. This does not include the premium increases that apply from 1 April 2018.
Medicare rebates normally cover a portion of the costs of each treatment cycle, up to 75% of the standard fees charged. Private health insurers usually cover the costs associated with in-hospital treatments and some of the IVF related medications, depending on your insurer.
Other private health insurers providing cover for IVF include:
• Medibank Growing Family Complete
• Bupa Growing Family
• Australian Unity Platinum Hospital
• HCF Premium Hospital
Hello,
I am writing this email inquiry since the website’s price comparison window didn’t submit the info I inputted.
What would your quote be for a four-person family (2 adults, 2 kids) to sign up for the ‘Young Saver Hospital’ option and just basic GP visits (60% coverage of GP costs)?
We live in NSW. I presume that your coverage would apply to us here as well.
I’d appreciate your reply. Thanks!
Karin
Hello Karin,
Thanks for reaching out. When filling in the above quote form be sure to provide a relevant contact number as a health insurance specialist will give you a call and take you through the companies and cover types most suited to your particular situation.
In the meantime, you can read our review of Australia’s Best Family Health Insurers or perhaps you would like to consult the privatehealth.gov.au website for a complete list of health funds and their respective offerings.