6 September 2019 – Sydney,

Recent media reports suggest HCF members will be out of pocket an additional $320 per night if they use their private health insurance for a single room stay in a NSW or ACT public hospital. 

This is not correct, NSW Health have assured HCF that “No NSW public hospital will charge patients an out of pocket amount for a private patient accommodated in a single room”.

“We know that affordability of private insurance is a major challenge so we are doing all we can to help address this issue for our members.  One way to achieve this is to ensure we are not paying excessive fees for services and to ensure equitable arrangements exist for all members” said HCF CEO, Sheena Jack.

“Every dollar extra that we pay for a service that we shouldn’t be paying – like the higher fee in this case – is a dollar we have to recoup through premium increases for all members” Ms Jack said.

The rate we now pay for public hospital single rooms in NSW and ACT is exactly what we pay for public hospital single rooms in all other Australian States and Territories.

“As Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, we have committed that 100% of the savings from this action will go back to members in the form of lower premium increases” Ms Jack concluded.

- ENDS –

ABOUT HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, 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 approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back more for You programs, 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 including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets 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. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us