HCF's Health Agenda - Research and Insights Hub

HCF Research Foundation funding for healthy ageing

The HCF Research Foundation’s Translational Research Grants will turn six innovative research projects into practical solutions for ageing Australians to live stronger, healthier and more enriching lives.

Supporting families by putting money where our members are

With the rising cost in living, it's important to know your health cover provides value, is supporting your family and helping you to be your healthiest self.

A guide to health cover for over 50s

Growing older can bring unique health priorities and challenges like chronic diseases, weight management and joint issues. Here’s how to maximise your health cover to get the best value in your 50s and beyond.

What does my dental cover pay for?

Need some help understanding exactly how dental cover works? We explain what can and can’t be covered, and how you can get the best value from your cover.

Top 7 reasons to have private health cover

With the rising cost of living, investing in your health is one of the best ways you can future-proof your wellbeing, get treatment faster and even save money.

HOW HCF’S RESEARCH FOUNDATION IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO EVERYDAY AUSSIES

HCF’s Translational Research Grants scheme turns research into action, creating a better hospital experience for all Aussies. Read about six programs helping to shape the future of health.

Digital healthcare: What the future holds for our health

Recent innovation in healthcare has evolved the way we’re looking after ourselves. Here’s how AI and digital technology are shaping our health and wellbeing for years to come.

Insuring members’ financial health and wellbeing

At HCF, we’re proud of being the first Australian health fund to offer life insurance products in 1980, so you and your family can be protected when life’s hurdles come your way.

EXTRAS COVER TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HEALTH

A key highlight of HCF’s story of innovation is when we introduced extras cover in 1975, helping Australians access services for better health and wellbeing.

HOW HCF IS MAKING OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS MORE TRANSPARENT

HCF’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Cottrill explains how HCF was one of the first healthcare funds to make out-of-pocket costs more transparent for our members.

HELPING HEALTH STARTUPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

HCF Catalyst was Australia’s first corporate-backed health-tech accelerator to help health and wellness startups and scaleups. Here’s how it works.

A NEW INNOVATION IN INSURANCE

HCF has recently launched Australia’s first on-demand accidental injury cover, a new innovation in insurance designed for people who need quick and simple cover for a day, a week, or even longer.

PERSONALISED HEALTH SUPPORT FOR MEMBERS

In 2009, HCF launched My Health Guardian, our award-winning chronic disease management program which helped more than 50,000 Australians.

EYE HEALTH IN SAFE HANDS

HCF’s Kris Dang explains why we opened our first HCF Eyecare centre in 1992 and how high-quality eye care and the experience in our centres keep members coming back.

CLOSING THE GAP ON DENTAL CARE

Since opening our first HCF dental centre in 1987, we’ve always been committed to the wellbeing and care of our patients, both young and old.

FUNDING HEALTHCARE RESEARCH FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS

The HCF Research Foundation was set up to fund research into health services to benefit HCF members and all Australians. Now in its 22nd year, its work shows why research is important in healthcare.

THE TOP TEETH STRAIGHTENING OPTIONS FOR ADULTS

Keen to boost your confidence with a straighter smile? Here are the top options for adult teeth straightening, including how long it takes and how much it costs.

5 ways to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses

Getting the most out of your private hospital cover is more important than ever. We show you five ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Prevention is best: Why you should add extras use to your list of new year’s resolutions

One of the best new year’s resolutions you can make is a commitment to your wellbeing.

An app that could improve how you communicate with healthcare professionals

When it comes to sharing medical information, it’s an important balance between privacy and communication with the right healthcare professionals. Here’s how one app could help to get better results for the whole family.

How private health cover can help young people

Is private health insurance worth it? Even if you’re young and healthy, our programs and services can help young people take charge of their health.

ARE THERE HEALTH BENEFITS TO LATER RETIREMENT?

Gone are the days when a typical working career ended at age 65. For a growing number of Australians, delaying retirement brings a sense of meaning, connection and better health.

Recover at your own pace

It’s hard to imagine the impact having an accident or illness can have on your life. What’s more unexpected are recovery expenses like taxis, babysitters and extra rehab.

Here’s how HCF can help with the cost of recovery.

8 ways HCF is looking out for your family

Whatever the shape or size of your family, HCF has you covered for all stages of your life. Here are eight ways we provide you with Uncommon Care.

Why men avoid going to the doctor

Men seek out medical help a lot less than women, which can have a huge impact on their health and longevity. Here's why it's important we start the conversation to reduce stigma around male health.

Falls in the elderly: Can you prevent them?

Having a fall can be a lot more serious as you age but, thankfully, some are avoidable. Here’s your guide to fall prevention, including balance exercises for older adults.

Private health insurance waiting periods: Your questions answered

Confused about waiting periods with private health funds? Get the lowdown on how they work and why they exist.

How Australian technology is changing the face of health care

HCF’s support of health-tech innovators is delivering member opportunities that go beyond what you might expect from a health fund.

INDIGENOUS HEALTH: MEET THE OUTBACK HERO TREATING KIDNEY DISEASE

Find out how one organisation is improving Indigenous health by tackling chronic kidney disease and reducing hospital stays in remote areas.

E-cigarettes and your health: what you need to know

Some people believe e-cigarettes have less health risks than conventional cigarettes and can help if you want to quit smoking. But how much do we know about vaping?

Robots helping patients recover from a stroke

In a new era of rehabilitation, robotic technology is helping people who’ve had a stroke regain their movement, physical strength and independence.

Clinical trials: an explainer

Everything you need to know about clinical trials. And, if you’re interested, how to join one.

Do you need to update your private health cover?

Get the most out of your cover by making sure your private health cover is right for you and your life stage.

Behind the scenes with a paramedic

Ever wondered what life is like for paramedics? One paramedic takes us through the skill and drama of his life-saving role.

Paramedic standing in front of an ambulance

Two people sitting at a table looking at a tablet screen and smiling

Hospital cover: the new tiers and categories explained

The government introduced new tiers, clinical categories and definitions to make hospital cover easier to understand. Learn what they are and why they matter.

Community rating and private health insurance: a fair deal for all

Thanks to community rating, you won’t pay more for your health insurance because you’re getting older, or have health issues.

My Health Record: what you need to know

With My Health Record, you can store and share your medical information with health professionals. Here’s how you use it and who can see it.

HOW AIR POLLUTION AFFECTS US, AND HOW TO REDUCE IT

As our cities grow, town planners look for ways to improve air quality and limit respiratory problems caused by pollution.

FAKE HEALTH NEWS STORIES: HOW TO SPOT THEM

Some telltale signs an online health story might not be true and where to go for credible information.

Life expectancy: why we’re living longer than ever

Australians have one of the best life expectancies in the world. Why and what can you do to improve your own life expectancy?

Living with Parkinson's disease

Though a cure is still a far-off goal for Parkinson’s researchers, recent studies have reported promising results in the areas of diagnosis and treatment.

Robots teaching social skills to children with autism

For children with autism, processing emotions and social cues can be a real challenge. Robot teachers may offer the right kind of support.

HOW TO RECOGNISE A HEALTH EMERGENCY

When medical symptoms strike suddenly or worsen, it can be tough to know what to do. Here’s a high-level guide.

RESEARCH IMPROVING MEDICATION USE IN AUSTRALIA

A significant research program is helping to facilitate safe medication practices with Indigenous Australians.

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH

This debilitating neurodegenerative disease is currently incurable. But an exciting breakthrough treatment is offering patients hope.

How VR can help patients understand cancer

Cancer patients could better understand their condition through a virtual reality project from a cutting-edge scientific artist and cancer researchers.

How to be your own health advocate

How being an active participant in your health care can help you live a longer, healthier life.

WHO PAYS FOR AN AMBULANCE IN AN EMERGENCY?

A growing number of Australians are being hit with unexpected costs for emergency ambulance call-outs. Here’s what you need to know.

INNOVATION IN CHRONIC CONDITION CARE

Health Care Homes is empowering Australians with chronic and complex conditions to better manage their care.

CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP OLDER PEOPLE STAY IN THEIR HOMES FOR LONGER?

Melbourne-based brothers are reimagining the way aged care is provided in Australia.

Working with your body clock for better health

Understanding your circadian rhythm can help you make healthier choices.

HOW FAECAL TRANSPLANTS WORK

Faecal transplants are already being used to treat gut infections, could they also help with chronic illnesses?

What’s Lifetime Health Cover?

It affects Australians over the age of 31, but how is Lifetime Health Cover loading actually calculated and what do you need to know?

Antibiotic resistance: health in crisis

If we keep overusing antibiotics, common bacterial infections may put our lives at risk in the future.

CAN YOU CLAIM FOR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION?

Here’s what you need to know about claiming for medicines through private health insurance.

A NEW WEAPON AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

A vaccine shown to reduce rates of cervical cancer has been released in Australia. Here’s what you need to know.

THE TELOMERE REVOLUTION

The tiny telomeres on our DNA may hold the key to living longer, ageing better and staying healthier. But can we improve our telomere health?

Are we too clean?

As a society we’ve worked hard to sanitise our lives, but have we gone too far?

HOW DOCTOR–PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS ARE CHANGING

Technology is changing the way patients interact with GPs in Australia. How does this affect you?

IS YOUR BODY OLDER THAN YOUR ACTUAL AGE?

Ways to get your ‘biological age’ to match your ‘chronological age’.

Gene editing – the future of health?

From faster, cheaper research to potential cures for cancer, new gene-editing techniques are dramatically changing what’s possible.

Addressing diabetes: a dual approach

The rate of diabetes in Australia has tripled in the last 25 years. At HCF, we’re tackling this issue by investing in research and providing access to tailored health management programs.

How nanotechnology is revolutionising medicine

Australia is leading the world in the miniaturisation of medical devices that will transform medical treatment.

The future of virtual reality in medicine

Virtual reality is here, and the medical industry is using it to improve our health.

Expert insight: Breast cancer under the microscope

Scientist Dr Dharmica Mistry explains how her work is pushing the boundaries of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

3D printing in medicine

With the capacity to generate human body parts, 3D printing may soon revolutionise implant procedures.

The future of medicine: the flu and antibiotics

Infection expert Dr Frank Bowden turns his microscope to the risk of a modern-day influenza pandemic and the fading effectiveness of antibiotics.

Personalising breast cancer treatment for better results

Future breast cancer treatments are evolving towards targeted therapies individualised for each patient’s condition.

Healthcare for an ageing population

How Australian healthcare will meet the challenge of providing for the increasing number of people living longer.

Tackling our health crisis

The Australian Partnership Prevention Centre is working on solutions to halt the increasing trend of chronic health conditions.

Important Information

This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.

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