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.
