HCF: CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF HEALTH INDUSTRY INNOVATION
- HCF celebrates 90 years of Uncommon Care for members – protecting health since 1932
- History of industry-leading innovation member-first programs and investment in health tech
- In 2022 HCF is Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, putting the health of 1.8 million members before profits
MONDAY DECEMBER 5, 2022: HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, is celebrating 90 years of pioneering spirit by looking back at the ground-breaking industry firsts that have helped shape the future of healthcare for Australians.
The health fund’s industry-leading innovation has helped empower Australians to take control of their health and wellbeing since 1932, when it was first established as the ‘Metropolitan Hospitals Fund’, followed by its first branch opening in Sydney in 1937.
Over the following nine decades HCF became an industry leader as Australia’s first health fund to:
- 1975:introduce extras cover – this was the first time Australians had access to funds to help cover the cost of treatments not covered by Medicare like dental, physiotherapy and optometry
- 1980: Establish and continue to operate its Life Insurance (Recover Cover) business
- 1986: The first major sponsor of the HCF Careflight community rescue helicopter service
- 1986: The first fund to open a dedicated dental centre
- 1998: Implement HICAPS electronic claims solutions for members.
In its 90th year, HCF has proudly made quality healthcare accessible to more Australians through innovative health and wellbeing programs and investment into new technologies.
CEO Sheena Jack said a commitment to driving positive change included the establishment of the HCF Research Foundation in 2000, and launching HCF Catalyst, Australia’s first and longest-running corporate-supported health-tech accelerator program in 2016. “We’re very excited about HCF’s 90 year anniversary and extremely proud of our work driving positive change and improving access, affordability and quality of healthcare to Australians,” Ms Jack said.
Media Contact:Rebecca Page Rebecca Page 0439130400 rpage@hcf.com.au
ABOUT HCF
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers more than 1.8 million members with health and life insurance, and travel and pet insurance. On average over the last 10 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