GET IN TOUCH
Have a question about Recover Cover? We know there’s a lot to wrap your head around, so if you can’t find an answer below, our friendly team of Recover Cover specialists are always happy to help.
You can reach us:
Mon-Fr: 8am-8pm (AEST, excludes public holidays)
Sat: 9am-5pm (AEST, excludes public holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- Why would I apply for Recover Cover if I have health insurance?
- Do I need to have private health insurance with HCF to apply for Recover Cover?
- What's a pre-existing condition?
ELIGIBILITY
- Is there an age limit to taking out Recover Cover?
- Do I need to provide personal medical information to take out a Recover Cover policy?
PRODUCTS
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Why would I apply for Recover Cover if I have health insurance?
We're lucky in Australia – our healthcare system has most accidents and illnesses covered. But sometimes the costs don't stop when you leave hospital. That’s where Recover Cover comes in – it gives you cash to help with the costs of recovery you weren't expecting, like taxis to the doctor, extra rehab, hospital parking, babysitters or help if you need time off work.
Do I need to have private health insurance with HCF to apply for Recover Cover?
For most of our products, you won’t need to have HCF private health insurance to apply for Recover Cover. But you’ll need a couple or family HCF private health insurance policy to take out a family level of Cash Back Cover or a family level of Critical Illness Cover.
What's a Pre-existing Condition?
A Pre-existing Condition means a sickness or disability to which You:
- were subject to on the Cover Commencement Date; or
- had been subject to at any time within 5 years immediately prior to the Cover Commencement Date,
and where, at the time when this Policy was entered into (i.e. the Cover Commencement Date), You were aware of, or a reasonable person in the circumstances could be expected to have been aware of the sickness or disability.
ELIGIBILITY
Is there an age limit to taking out Recover Cover?
All Recover Cover products include age limitations, and these vary depending on the cover type. To compare our types of cover, visit our page Recover Cover Made For You, or call us on 1800 560 855 to go over your options.
Do I need to provide personal medical information to take out a Recover Cover policy?
We’ll need some basic information like your age, weight and whether you smoke but we won’t do complex medical checks.
Product FAQS
CASH BACK COVER
Am I covered if the accident happens overseas?
No, Cash Back Cover only covers accidents in Australia.
Can I claim more than once on a Cash Back Cover policy?
Yes, you can claim multiple times on your Cash Back Cover policy, up to a total of $20,000 for single policies and $40,000 for family policies.
How do premiums work for Cashback Cover?
Your Cash Back Cover premium is based on the level of cover you choose (Single or Family). It doesn’t increase with age.
From time to time, we may change the Cashback Cover premium for all policyholders to allow us to cover rising claims costs and better support our members’ needs. You’ll be notified at least 30 days in advance if your premium will change.
For more information, please call us on 13 13 34.
KIDS’ ACCIDENT COVER
At what age does cover end?
Cover ends on your child's 22nd birthday. To discuss cover options for after your child turns 22, call us on 1800 560 855.
Can I cover all my kids?
You can cover all your children if they're under the age of 17 when you apply. Each child will need their own policy. A policy costs $1.25 a week, per child (for children aged under 17). If you have 2 children and you want them both covered, it'll cost you $2.50 a week.
How do premiums work for Kids’ Accident Cover?
Your Kids' Accident Cover premium is based on the Insured Person's age, with two age bands applying, from 0-16 and 17-22. Your premium increases when the Insured Person reaches the age of 17, after which Your premium will not change again because of age, with your policy ceasing when your child turns 22.
From time to time, we may also change the Kids’ Accident Cover premium for all policyholders to allow us to cover rising claims costs and better support our members’ needs. You’ll be notified at least 30 days in advance if your premium will change.
For more information, please call us on 13 13 34.
INCOME PROTECT INSURANCE
What does Income Protect Insurance cover me for?
Income Protect Insurance pays up to 70% of your average monthly income (up to $7,500 per month) for up to 12 months if you’re unable to work for more than 30 days due to an illness or injury.
Am I covered right away?
Yes, you’re covered right away. However, any illness which first became evident within 60 days after your policy’s cover commencement date, or a recurrence of the same or a related illness, isn’t covered.
What is the waiting period?
You have to be off work for more than 30 days due to an illness or injury before you can submit a claim.
How long is my benefit period?
Up to 12 months (in total for 1 or more claims).
What happens after 12 months?
Your Income Protect Insurance policy will end once the monthly benefit has been paid for 12 months.
Is there an age limit to apply for Income Protect Insurance?
Yes, you must be aged between 18-60 to apply and the cover will expire at 65.
Will I be covered overseas?
Yes, you'll be covered for any illness or injury that happens overseas which results in you being unable to work for more than 30 days. But the cover won't provide coverage for a loss of income from any occupation that you may have outside Australia or from an ineligible occupation. Claims must be made and will only be paid in Australia.
Can we get cover for more than $7,500 per month?
Unfortunately, no. The maximum benefit for this cover is $7,500 per month less any offsets (for example workers compensation), or 70% of your pre-tax income (whichever is lower). For additional examples of offsets, refer to the PDS.
What's a Pre-existing Condition?
Pre-existing Condition(s) aren't covered by Income Protect Insurance.
A Pre-existing Condition means a sickness or disability to which You:
- were subject to on the Cover Commencement Date; or
- had been subject to at any time within 5 years immediately prior to the Cover Commencement Date,
and where, at the time when this Policy was entered into (i.e. the Cover Commencement Date), You were aware of, or a reasonable person in the circumstances could be expected to have been aware of the sickness or disability.
Do I need a medical test to get Income Protect Insurance?
No, you don’t need to have a medical test.
Is any type of occupation covered?
No, there are some occupations that are ineligible for cover. This list of ineligible occupations can be found here.
Can I get Income Protect Insurance if I’m self-employed?
Yes, you can, provided that you have been self-employed in the same occupation for at least 12 months.
Can I get Income Protect Insurance if I’m working part-time?
Yes, you can, provided you meet the minimum income and hours working per week. You must be earning at least $2,000 pre-tax per month and working at least 21 hours per week. You must also have been employed by the same employer or been in the same occupation for at least 12 months.
How do I claim Income Protect Insurance?
You can call us on 13 13 34 or email us at lifeclaims@hcf.com.au and we’ll provide you with a claim form to complete and return to our claims team to assess.
Am I covered if I'm made redundant?
No, redundancy isn't covered under Income Protect Insurance.
I have 2 jobs and work more than 21 hours on each. Will I be covered for both jobs if I become sick and unable to work?
You can only be covered for 1 job. You'll have to decide which job you'd like to be covered for.
How do premiums work for Income Protect Insurance?
Your Income Protect Insurance premium changes each year on your policy anniversary date. It will generally increase over time, with increases typically getting larger as you get older.
Your premium is based on factors like:
- Age
- Gender
- Smoking status
- Occupation
- Weight to height ratio
- Insured benefit amount
- Inflation
From time to time, we may also change the Income Protect Insurance premium for all policyholders to allow us to cover rising claims costs and better support our members’ needs. You’ll be notified at least 30 days in advance if your premium will change.
For more information, please call us on 13 13 34.
If my income changes, will this affect my eligible benefit amount?
Possibly, particularly if your income has reduced since you purchased your policy and is different from what is noted on your policy schedule.
It is a good idea to review your level of cover regularly as your income changes to ensure it continues to suit your needs. You can call us on 13 13 34 if you would like to make any changes to your cover or for any other information.
CRITICAL ILLNESS COVER
Who's covered under my Family Critical Illness Cover and how much is the benefit amount for each person covered under the policy?
Family policies cover all the people listed on your HCF family health cover, provided they meet eligibility criteria of the policy. The maximum benefit amount of $25,000 or $50,000 (depending on the level of cover) is payable to each insured person.
What happens to our Family Critical Illness Cover when my partner or I turn 65?
All cover ends when the person listed as insured turns 65. Cover will end for other family members if they turn 65 beforehand or are no longer a Dependant. See the PDS for more information.
Does the premium increase with age?
Yes, premiums increase with your age every 5 years, with the first increase at age 20.
How do premiums work for Critical Illness Cover?
Your Critical Illness Cover premium increases with your age in 5-year bands. The first increase occurs at age 20, and then continues every 5 years after that until your policy ceases at age 65.
From time to time, we may also change the Critical Illness Cover premium for all policyholders to allow us to cover rising claims costs and better support our members’ needs. You’ll be notified at least 30 days in advance if your premium will change.
For more information, please call us on 13 13 34.
LIFE PROTECT INSURANCE
How can Life Protect help you?
Sometimes it’s hard to think about planning for your family’s future if you’re no longer around, when you still have so much life to live. But there are certain moments that make you realise the importance of protecting the life you love.
Life Protect Insurance is designed to provide a direct payment in the event you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness^ or pass away. It means your family has financial support to continue living the life you planned.
What does it pay for?
Depending on your age and level of cover, Life Protect covers you:
- from $100,000 up to $1.5 million* in the event of death or terminal illness^
- for an advance payment of $15,000 that can be used to reduce the stress on your family with immediate support for living expenses, bills or funeral costs while we assess your claim+.
How much cover do I need?
Cover requirements depend on your expenses and the needs of your loved ones. If you have a mortgage, car loan, investment properties or children, consider a limit that meets any longer-term needs. You can increase or decrease your cover level as you go through big life events.
Are there any waiting periods with Life Protect Insurance?
You’re covered for death and terminal illness from the commencement date listed on your policy schedule.
If you’ve chosen to take out a life event increase, the increased amount has a 6 month waiting period except in the event of your accidental death. The waiting period also does not apply if the life event is the birth or adoption of a child.
For more information on conditions that apply to a Life Event increase, read the Life Protect Insurance PDS.
What’s a health and lifestyle assessment?
It’s a process where we ask you questions about your health such as your medical history and your family’s medical history, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol and drug use, and your recreational and occupational activities. This helps us assess whether we can provide you cover and helps to calculate your premiums. This is also called underwriting.
What’s not covered by Life Protect Insurance?
Certain events are not covered by Life Protect Insurance, which means claims are not payable for these events. Exclusions for Life Protect include:
- suicide within 13 months of the commencement date, or within 13 months of your policy being reinstated;
- acts of war, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil commotion, terrorism or insurrection; or
- any special conditions agreed with you after your health and lifestyle assessment. These conditions will be detailed in your policy schedule.
For full terms and conditions, read the Life Protect Insurance PDS.
Am I covered outside of Australia with Life Protect Insurance?
Yes, you're insured worldwide while temporarily travelling abroad, if:
- the travel is for 90 days or less in total, during a 12 month period; and
- you are not travelling to any level three or level four locations which have been classified as “Reconsider your need to travel” or “Do not travel” by Smart Traveller Advice (for more information, please visit the Australian Government travel advice website smartraveller.gov.au/destinations).
Claims must be made and will only be paid in Australia. Terminal illness^ diagnosis has to occur in Australia and in the event of death, we require evidence that the death is recognised in Australia. Can I nominate a beneficiary for my Life Protect Insurance policy?
No, the proceeds of your policy are based on your last will and testament.
Do I need a medical test to get Life Protect insurance?
No, you’ll be asked a series of health and lifestyle questions as part of your application, but you don’t need to do any medical tests to apply for Life Protect Insurance.
Can I still apply for Life Protect Insurance if I already have a life insurance policy with another insurance company?
The sum insured amount will be paid even if you have other life insurance policies.
At what age will my cover expire?
Your policy ends when you turn 99.
How do premiums work for Life Protect Insurance?
Your Life Protect Insurance premium changes each year on your policy anniversary date. It will generally increase over time, with increases typically getting larger as you get older.
Your premium is based on factors like:
- age
- gender
- smoking status
- insured benefit amount
- inflation
- health and lifestyle factors as assessed at the time of application
You can make changes to your policy to manage premium increases. For example, you can reduce your level of cover or decline the automatic inflation increase applied each year#. You should consider whether these features suit your needs before deciding what to do.
From time to time, we may also change the Life Protect Insurance premium for all policy holders to allow us to cover rising claims costs and better support our members’ needs. You’ll be notified at least 30 days in advance if your premium will change.
For more information, please call us on 13 13 34.
# If you decline the automatic inflation increase on 2 consecutive occasions, we will not offer the inflation increase again.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Who can apply for Personal Accident Insurance?
Personal Accident Insurance is available to Australian permanent residents aged 55–74.
When does my cover begin?
Your cover starts the day after the cover commencement date.
Does the premium increase with age?
No, your premium does not increase with age.
Is there a maximum benefit for injuries caused by the same accident?
The maximum benefit paid for all injuries caused by the same accident is $7,500 on the $25,000 level of cover and $15,000 on the $50,000 level of cover.
How do premiums work for Personal Accident Insurance?
Your Personal Accident Insurance premium is based on the level of cover you choose ($25,000 or $50,000). It does not increase with age.
From time to time, we may change the Personal Accident Insurance premium for all policyholders to allow us to cover rising claims costs and better support our members’ needs. You’ll be notified at least 30 days in advance if your premium will change.
For more information, please call us on 13 13 34.
Get in touch
Have another question? Get in touch with our award-winning team.
We've been awarded the Customer Service Organisation of the Year (Large) award by the Customer Service Institute of Australia for the second year running in 2022 and 2023.
Important Information
Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Policy Document and Financial Services Guide available by calling 1800 560 855 or visiting hcf.com.au/lifeinfo, and consider your financial situation, objectives, and needs before deciding on these products as any advice provided does not take these into account. In addition to these documents, you should also read the Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product, which is available at hcf.com.au/lifeinfo. Recover Cover is issued by our own HCF Life Insurance Company Pty Ltd. ABN 37 001 831 250, AFSL 236 806 (HCF Life). HCF Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited ABN 68 000 026 746, AFSL 241 414 (HCF). The premiums for Recover Cover products are paid to HCF Life. HCF receives commission from HCF Life for their sale of up to 40% of the first year's premium plus an additional commission of 80% of HCF Life's underwriting profit each year calculated as premiums less claims and expenses. HCF's staff may receive an incentive depending on the annual premium of these products which they sell. This will not exceed 15% of the first year's premium.
* This is the maximum benefit amount depending on your age and level of cover. Premiums will vary depending on age, gender, smoking status, level of cover, any applicable inflation increases and discounts and your health and lifestyle assessment.
^ Less than 24 months life expectancy. Subject to terms and conditions, exclusions, limitations and definitions. Please refer to the PDS and Policy Document for further information.
+ Payment of the advance payment does not mean your claim for the death benefit is approved. The advance payment will be subtracted from the total Insured Benefit and the balance remaining will be payable on settlement of the death claim.
LIFE INSURANCE CODE OF PRACTICE
HCF Life is bound by the Life Insurance Code of Practice which sets out the Australian life insurance industry’s key commitments and obligations to customers. Further information is available at CALI Life Insurance Code of Practice.