FRIDAY, 23 MAY 2025: Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, HCF, has announced a range of support measures for members affected by the severe flooding across the Hunter and NSW Mid North Coast.

“Some of our members are facing significant disruption right now, and our priority is to ease that burden,” said Lorraine Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at HCF. “Whether it's helping to relieve financial pressure or providing mental and physical health support, we’re committed to standing by our members through this difficult time.”

Support Available for Flood-Affected Members:

• Premium waivers: Eligible HCF members, including those on RT Health branded products and HCF Life members, may access premium waivers for up to three months^{^} to help ease immediate financial stress.
• Temporary suspensions: Members may also be eligible to temporarily suspend their private health cover for up to two years^{^}, noting claims cannot be made during a suspension period.
• Free mental health support: Eligible HCF members can access a free HealthyMinds Check-in^{^^} with a registered psychologist through PSYCH2U. This includes support for teenagers aged 12–17 with access to specially trained psychologists. Members can book online at psych2u.com.au/hcf-healthyminds or call 1300 472 866.
• Rural and remote access to a GP: Eligible HCF members in flood-impacted rural or remote areas can book a free 15-minute GP consultation through telehealth provider GP2U to help manage health concerns during this challenging time. Appointments are available 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm, (AEST/AEDT) by calling 1 300 472 866 and pressing #3 for HCF members or visiting gp2u.com.au/hcfregional.
• Pet Insurance emergency support: For members with HCF Pet Insurance^~, regardless of cover type, we’ve temporarily extended our emergency boarding cover and coverage for all existing insured pets directly impacted by the NSW mid North Coast floods. We will cover the costs of emergency boarding at a licensed kennel or cattery (subject to the benefit limit only), as well as any conditions your pet/s may experience directly related to this extreme weather event, until 30 June 2025. For condition coverage, all other policy terms and conditions continue to apply. Member simply need to submit their claim/s and policy number to help@petsure.com.au.

“Natural disasters don’t just affect homes and businesses — they take a real emotional toll,” Ms Thomas said. “We encourage members to take up the free mental health support and telehealth services available. Support like this can make a big difference in helping people manage the stress and uncertainty that comes in times like these.”

Members experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the Member Support team on 13 13 34 or chat with us online at service@hcf.com.au to discuss available options.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the floods. We deeply appreciate the efforts of the emergency services, volunteers, and local communities who are stepping up to support one another. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience and spirit that shines through in times of adversity,” Ms Thomas said.

ENDS

Media enquiries to:

Joni Thomes 0475 576 738 or jthomes@hcf.com.au

ABOUT HCF
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 2 million members with health and life insurance, travel, pet, home and car insurance. HCF has been awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance by Canstar nine years in a row from 2016-2024. On average over the last ten years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average.^** To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us.

^** 89.2% compared to 85.6% across the industry. Calculated based on the average of the past 10 years, sourced from APRA Statistics: Private Health Insurance Operations Reports 2014-23.
^{^} Excludes Overseas Visitors Health Cover
^{^^} Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/mental-support
^~ HCF Pet Insurance is issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd, except for policies entered into before 21 March 2024 and subsequent renewals of those policies, which are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd. HCF Pet Insurance is not part of HCF’s health insurance business and is not similar to health insurance.  Consider the PDS and TMD at hcf.com.au/pet-home-car/pet-insurance before deciding if the product is right for you.