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Hospital cover

Choose your own doctor and the hospital you’re treated in, skip public waiting lists, and more with hospital cover from the fund putting your health before profit.

Get a quote
A woman lies in a hospital bed and smiles at her male partner who sits on the edge of the bed looking at her.

why choose hcf hospital cover?

Your hospital cover should give you the peace of mind you’ll be covered when you need it most. That’s why we offer a range of great value hospital cover options to suit your needs.

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Top coverage with 97% of medical services in hospital covered with a known or no-gap~. 

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Get the benefits of our top level hospital cover for up to 90 days if you’re in an accident^.

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Adjust your premium amount by choosing from 3 different excess amounts on eligible covers.

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30-day cooling off period+ makes sure you’re happy with the hospital cover you’ve chosen.

Find the right hospital cover for your needs

I am looking for

single couple family single parent

I’m

under 31 31 - 44 45 - 64 65 - 69 70 and above

and live in

NSW VIC QLD SA WA TAS ACT NT

My annual

My annual income is

$101,000 or less $101,001 - $118,000 $118,001 - $158,000 $158,001 or more prefer not to specify
$202,000 or less $202,001 - $236,000 $236,001 - $316,000 $316,001 or more prefer not to specify
Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Quarterly Half yearly Yearly

Hospital cover

HCF Hospital Basic Plus

From $0.0* /week

From

$0.0* /week

Affordable hospital cover

Hospital excess

Affordable hospital cover designed for anyone looking for basic coverage, including accident cover.

  • Cover for gastrointestinal endoscopy, joint reconstructions and more.
  • Your own private room in hospital depending on availability.
  • Top level hospital cover for 90 days if you're in an accident^.

  • Cover for emergency ambulance transport to the nearest hospital by a State or Territory government ambulance provider (excludes transport from another hospital or medical facility), or on-the-spot treatment by paramedics. Benefits aren’t payable for ambulance services covered by a State or Territory government scheme.

    Waiting Period: 1 day

  • Hospital treatment for physical rehabilitation for a patient related to surgery or illness. E.g. inpatient and admitted day patient rehabilitation, stroke recovery and cardiac rehabilitation.

    This is a service where Minimum Benefits apply, which means that we will pay the rate set out by the Commonwealth as the minimum shared room benefit, and benefits for Government approved Prostheses if applicable.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment for the care and management of patients with psychiatric, mental health, addiction or behavioural disorders. E.g. mood disorders like depression, eating disorders, addiction recovery, and psychoses like schizophrenia.

    Members who have held hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrade to Gold hospital cover to receive hospital psychiatric services as covered services may not be required to serve the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. This exemption can only be accessed once in a member's lifetime.

    This is a service where Minimum Benefits apply, which means that we will pay the rate set out by the Commonwealth as the minimum shared room benefit, and benefits for Government approved Prostheses if applicable. Members who have held hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrade to Gold hospital cover to receive hospital psychiatric services as covered services may not be required to serve the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. This exemption can only be accessed once in a member's lifetime.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment and care where the intent is primarily providing quality of life for a patient with a terminal illness, including treatment to alleviate and manage pain.

    This is a service where Minimum Benefits apply, which means that we will pay the rate set out by the Commonwealth as the minimum shared room benefit, and benefits for Government approved Prostheses if applicable.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the brain and brain conditions, the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. E.g. stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries and Epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat conditions affecting the eyes and eye socket contents, excluding cataracts. E.g. retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed eye trauma.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the ear, nose, throat and related areas of the head and neck. E.g. damaged ear drum, sinus surgery, removal of foreign bodies, stapedectomy and throat cancer.

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the tonsils, adenoids and insertion or removal of grommets. E.g. tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. E.g. carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and surgery for bone cancer.

  • Hospital treatment for the reconstruction of joints and associated structures. E.g. torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat kidney, adrenal gland, and bladder conditions. E.g. kidney stones, adrenal gland tumour and incontinence.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the male reproductive system, including the prostate. E.g. male sterilisation, circumcision and prostate cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat diseases and disorders affecting the digestive system. E.g. oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones and haemorrhoids.

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of hernias and appendicitis. E.g. hernia operations and appendectomy.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate, diagnose and treat the gastrointestinal system internally using an endoscope. E.g. colonoscopy, gastroscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system. E.g. endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat a miscarriage or to terminate a pregnancy. E.g. dilation and curettage (D&C), management of ectopic pregnancy and surgical termination.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer or benign tumours.

  • Hospital treatment for pain management that doesn’t need a device to be inserted or managed. E.g. treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer through procedures like nerve block injections.

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin-related conditions and nails. E.g. surgery to remove a melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction after breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy. E.g. breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and manage diabetes, excludes insulin pumps. E.g. stabilisation of hypo- or hyper-glycaemia and addressing contour problems caused by insulin injections.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the heart, heart-related conditions, and the vascular system. E.g. heart failure, heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat conditions affecting the lungs and chest. E.g. lung cancer, respiratory disorders like asthma and pneumonia, and trauma to the chest.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat blood-related conditions and disorders. E.g. blood clotting disorders and bone marrow transplants.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion. E.g. sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, spinal disc replacement, and spine curvature disorders like scoliosis.

  • Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident, or congenital. E.g. burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma.

  • Hospital treatment for teeth and gum surgery. E.g. surgery to remove wisdom teeth and dental implant surgery.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 months pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon.

  • Hospital treatment to correct hearing loss, including implantation of a prosthetic hearing device.

  • Hospital treatment for surgery to remove a cataract and replace it with an artificial lens.

  • Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses. E.g. knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, finger, toe or ankle joint replacements.

  • Hospital treatment for dialysis to manage chronic kidney failure, including both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and childbirth. E.g. prenatal care, childbirth (vaginal or caesarean) and postnatal recovery.

  • Hospital treatment for fertility treatments or procedures. E.g. egg or sperm retrieval, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT).

  • Hospital treatment for surgery that’s designed to reduce a person’s weight, remove excess skin because of weight loss, and reverse a bariatric procedure. E.g. gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.

  • Hospital treatment to provide and replace insulin pumps to treat diabetes, including certified Type C procedures and certified overnight Type C procedures to treat diabetes.

  • Hospital treatment to implant, replace, or for other surgical device management for pain treatment. E.g. nerve pain and back pain treatment, pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate sleep patterns and anomalies. E.g. sleep apnoea and snoring.

  • The waiting period for pre-existing ailments is 12 months. The waiting period for hospital psychiatric services, rehabilitation services and palliative care is 2 months. A pre-existing ailment, illness or condition is one where the signs or symptoms existed in the six months before joining HCF or upgrading your cover.

    Waiting Period: 12 months

View product summary

Most popular

Hospital cover

HCF Hospital Bronze Plus

From $0.0* /week

From

$0.0* /week

Affordable hospital cover

Hospital excess

Hospital cover designed for the budget conscious that covers a range of hospital treatments.

  • Cover for gastrointestinal endoscopy, digestive system procedures and more.
  • Your own private room in hospital depending on availability.
  • Top level hospital cover for 90 days if you're in an accident^.

  • Cover for emergency ambulance transport to the nearest hospital by a State or Territory government ambulance provider (excludes transport from another hospital or medical facility), or on-the-spot treatment by paramedics. Benefits aren’t payable for ambulance services covered by a State or Territory government scheme.

    Waiting Period: 1 day

  • Hospital treatment for physical rehabilitation for a patient related to surgery or illness. E.g. inpatient and admitted day patient rehabilitation, stroke recovery and cardiac rehabilitation.

    This is a service where Minimum Benefits apply, which means that we will pay the rate set out by the Commonwealth as the minimum shared room benefit, and benefits for Government approved Prostheses if applicable.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment for the care and management of patients with psychiatric, mental health, addiction or behavioural disorders. E.g. mood disorders like depression, eating disorders, addiction recovery, and psychoses like schizophrenia.

    Members who have held hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrade to Gold hospital cover to receive hospital psychiatric services as covered services may not be required to serve the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. This exemption can only be accessed once in a member's lifetime.

    This is a service where Minimum Benefits apply, which means that we will pay the rate set out by the Commonwealth as the minimum shared room benefit, and benefits for Government approved Prostheses if applicable. Members who have held hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrade to Gold hospital cover to receive hospital psychiatric services as covered services may not be required to serve the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. This exemption can only be accessed once in a member's lifetime.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment and care where the intent is primarily providing quality of life for a patient with a terminal illness, including treatment to alleviate and manage pain.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the brain and brain conditions, the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. E.g. stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries and Epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat conditions affecting the eyes and eye socket contents, excluding cataracts. E.g. retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed eye trauma.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the ear, nose, throat and related areas of the head and neck. E.g. damaged ear drum, sinus surgery, removal of foreign bodies, stapedectomy and throat cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the tonsils, adenoids and insertion or removal of grommets. E.g. tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. E.g. carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and surgery for bone cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the reconstruction of joints and associated structures. E.g. torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat kidney, adrenal gland, and bladder conditions. E.g. kidney stones, adrenal gland tumour and incontinence.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the male reproductive system, including the prostate. E.g. male sterilisation, circumcision and prostate cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat diseases and disorders affecting the digestive system. E.g. oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones and haemorrhoids.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of hernias and appendicitis. E.g. hernia operations and appendectomy.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate, diagnose and treat the gastrointestinal system internally using an endoscope. E.g. colonoscopy, gastroscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system. E.g. endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat a miscarriage or to terminate a pregnancy. E.g. dilation and curettage (D&C), management of ectopic pregnancy and surgical termination.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer or benign tumours.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for pain management that doesn’t need a device to be inserted or managed. E.g. treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer through procedures like nerve block injections.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin-related conditions and nails. E.g. surgery to remove a melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction after breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy. E.g. breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and manage diabetes, excludes insulin pumps. E.g. stabilisation of hypo- or hyper-glycaemia and addressing contour problems caused by insulin injections.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the heart, heart-related conditions, and the vascular system. E.g. heart failure, heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat conditions affecting the lungs and chest. E.g. lung cancer, respiratory disorders like asthma and pneumonia, and trauma to the chest.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat blood-related conditions and disorders. E.g. blood clotting disorders and bone marrow transplants.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion. E.g. sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, spinal disc replacement, and spine curvature disorders like scoliosis.

  • Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident, or congenital. E.g. burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for teeth and gum surgery. E.g. surgery to remove wisdom teeth and dental implant surgery.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 months pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon.

    Limited benefits apply. Minimum Benefit level payable by HCF for Hospital accommodation as determined under the Private Health Insurance Act and the cost of prosthesis (as listed on the Prescribed List of Medical Devices and Human Tissue Products). No benefit is payable for podiatric surgeon fees. Ensure you have Informed Financial Consent prior to your treatment, for any out-of-pocket expenses.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to correct hearing loss, including implantation of a prosthetic hearing device.

  • Hospital treatment for surgery to remove a cataract and replace it with an artificial lens.

  • Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses. E.g. knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, finger, toe or ankle joint replacements.

  • Hospital treatment for dialysis to manage chronic kidney failure, including both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and childbirth. E.g. prenatal care, childbirth (vaginal or caesarean) and postnatal recovery.

  • Hospital treatment for fertility treatments or procedures. E.g. egg or sperm retrieval, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT).

  • Hospital treatment for surgery that’s designed to reduce a person’s weight, remove excess skin because of weight loss, and reverse a bariatric procedure. E.g. gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.

  • Hospital treatment to provide and replace insulin pumps to treat diabetes, including certified Type C procedures and certified overnight Type C procedures to treat diabetes.

  • Hospital treatment to implant, replace, or for other surgical device management for pain treatment. E.g. nerve pain and back pain treatment, pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate sleep patterns and anomalies. E.g. sleep apnoea and snoring.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • The waiting period for pre-existing ailments is 12 months. The waiting period for hospital psychiatric services, rehabilitation services and palliative care is 2 months. A pre-existing ailment, illness or condition is one where the signs or symptoms existed in the six months before joining HCF or upgrading your cover.

    Waiting Period: 12 months

View product summary

Hospital cover

HCF Hospital Standard Silver Plus

From $0.0* /week

From

$0.0* /week

Great value hospital cover

Hospital excess

Great value hospital cover for a range of hospital treatments and common procedures.

  • Cover for heart and vascular system, joint reconstructions and more.
  • Your own private room in hospital depending on availability.
  • Access to a range of health programs like heart and diabetes support+++.

  • Cover for emergency ambulance transport to the nearest hospital by a State or Territory government ambulance provider (excludes transport from another hospital or medical facility), or on-the-spot treatment by paramedics. Benefits aren’t payable for ambulance services covered by a State or Territory government scheme.

    Waiting Period: 1 day

  • Hospital treatment for physical rehabilitation for a patient related to surgery or illness. E.g. inpatient and admitted day patient rehabilitation, stroke recovery and cardiac rehabilitation.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment for the care and management of patients with psychiatric, mental health, addiction or behavioural disorders. E.g. mood disorders like depression, eating disorders, addiction recovery, and psychoses like schizophrenia.

    Members who have held hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrade to Gold hospital cover to receive hospital psychiatric services as covered services may not be required to serve the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. This exemption can only be accessed once in a member's lifetime.

    This is a service where Minimum Benefits apply, which means that we will pay the rate set out by the Commonwealth as the minimum shared room benefit, and benefits for Government approved Prostheses if applicable. Members who have held hospital cover for at least 2 months and upgrade to Gold hospital cover to receive hospital psychiatric services as covered services may not be required to serve the waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. This exemption can only be accessed once in a member's lifetime.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment and care where the intent is primarily providing quality of life for a patient with a terminal illness, including treatment to alleviate and manage pain.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the brain and brain conditions, the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. E.g. stroke, brain or spinal cord tumours, head injuries and Epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat conditions affecting the eyes and eye socket contents, excluding cataracts. E.g. retinal detachment, tear duct conditions, eye infections and medically managed eye trauma.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the ear, nose, throat and related areas of the head and neck. E.g. damaged ear drum, sinus surgery, removal of foreign bodies, stapedectomy and throat cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the tonsils, adenoids and insertion or removal of grommets. E.g. tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. E.g. carpal tunnel, fractures, hand surgery, joint fusion, bone spurs, osteomyelitis and surgery for bone cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the reconstruction of joints and associated structures. E.g. torn tendons, rotator cuff tears and damaged ligaments.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat kidney, adrenal gland, and bladder conditions. E.g. kidney stones, adrenal gland tumour and incontinence.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the male reproductive system, including the prostate. E.g. male sterilisation, circumcision and prostate cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat diseases and disorders affecting the digestive system. E.g. oesophageal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones and haemorrhoids.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of hernias and appendicitis. E.g. hernia operations and appendectomy.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate, diagnose and treat the gastrointestinal system internally using an endoscope. E.g. colonoscopy, gastroscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of the female reproductive system. E.g. endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, female sterilisation and cervical cancer.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat a miscarriage or to terminate a pregnancy. E.g. dilation and curettage (D&C), management of ectopic pregnancy and surgical termination.

    Waiting Period: 2 months

  • Hospital treatment for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer or benign tumours.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for pain management that doesn’t need a device to be inserted or managed. E.g. treatment of nerve pain and chest pain due to cancer through procedures like nerve block injections.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of skin-related conditions and nails. E.g. surgery to remove a melanoma, minor wound repair and abscesses.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat breast disorders and associated lymph nodes, and reconstruction and/or reduction after breast surgery or a preventative mastectomy. E.g. breast lesions, breast tumours, asymmetry due to breast cancer surgery, and gynecomastia.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and manage diabetes, excludes insulin pumps. E.g. stabilisation of hypo- or hyper-glycaemia and addressing contour problems caused by insulin injections.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the heart, heart-related conditions, and the vascular system. E.g. heart failure, heart attack, monitoring of heart conditions, varicose veins and removal of plaque from arterial walls.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat conditions affecting the lungs and chest. E.g. lung cancer, respiratory disorders like asthma and pneumonia, and trauma to the chest.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat blood-related conditions and disorders. E.g. blood clotting disorders and bone marrow transplants.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to investigate and treat the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion. E.g. sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, spinal disc replacement, and spine curvature disorders like scoliosis.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment which is medically necessary for the investigation and treatment of any physical deformity, whether acquired as a result of illness or accident, or congenital. E.g. burns requiring a graft, cleft palate, club foot and angioma.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for teeth and gum surgery. E.g. surgery to remove wisdom teeth and dental implant surgery.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 months pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for the investigation and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and/or ankle, provided by a registered podiatric surgeon.

    Limited benefits apply. Minimum Benefit level payable by HCF for Hospital accommodation as determined under the Private Health Insurance Act and the cost of prosthesis (as listed on the Prescribed List of Medical Devices and Human Tissue Products). No benefit is payable for podiatric surgeon fees. Ensure you have Informed Financial Consent prior to your treatment, for any out-of-pocket expenses.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment to correct hearing loss, including implantation of a prosthetic hearing device.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • Hospital treatment for surgery to remove a cataract and replace it with an artificial lens.

  • Hospital treatment for surgery for joint replacements, including revisions, resurfacing, partial replacements and removal of prostheses. E.g. knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, finger, toe or ankle joint replacements.

  • Hospital treatment for dialysis to manage chronic kidney failure, including both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hospital treatment for investigation and treatment of conditions associated with pregnancy and childbirth. E.g. prenatal care, childbirth (vaginal or caesarean) and postnatal recovery.

  • Hospital treatment for fertility treatments or procedures. E.g. egg or sperm retrieval, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT).

  • Hospital treatment for surgery that’s designed to reduce a person’s weight, remove excess skin because of weight loss, and reverse a bariatric procedure. E.g. gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.

  • Hospital treatment to provide and replace insulin pumps to treat diabetes, including certified Type C procedures and certified overnight Type C procedures to treat diabetes.

  • Hospital treatment to implant, replace, or for other surgical device management for pain treatment. E.g. nerve pain and back pain treatment, pain caused by coronary heart disease with a device.

  • Hospital treatment to investigate sleep patterns and anomalies. E.g. sleep apnoea and snoring.

    Waiting Period: 2 months
    (12 mths pre-existing)

  • The waiting period for pre-existing ailments is 12 months. The waiting period for hospital psychiatric services, rehabilitation services and palliative care is 2 months. A pre-existing ailment, illness or condition is one where the signs or symptoms existed in the six months before joining HCF or upgrading your cover.

    Waiting Period: 12 months

View product summary

Looking for health cover that matches your needs?

Whether you’re after a higher level of cover for more treatments and services, or something that better fits your budget, get a quote to find the right cover for you.

Get a quote

More benefits of private hospital cover

If you’re looking for faster access to care, greater choice over your health, and protection for life’s uncertainties, HCF private hospital cover is there for your peace of mind.

An icon of two coins.

Hospital cover could help you save on tax by avoiding the Medicare Levy Surcharge if your income is above a certain threshold.

An icon of a hospital bed.

Eligible members can access their own private room during their hospital stay, depending on availability.

An icon of a house.

Receive treatment in the comfort of your home with a range of treatment at home options for eligible members#.

Get a quote

do i need hospital, extras cover or both?

A illustration of a girl holding two cases with a medical cover and a dental cover icon.

Hospital and extras cover

Get hospital and extras cover for more protection and coverage, from private hospital care and treatments to a range of extras like dental, physio, optical, chiro and remedial massage.

View hospital and extras
Two hospital buildings with teal clouds.

Hospital cover

Choose hospital cover to make sure you’re covered for private hospital admission, emergency ambulance services**, a range of in-hospital treatments and costs, and more.    

Get hospital cover
A illustration of a woman with healthcare spinning icons around her, each one representing a health insurance extra.

Extras cover

Use extras cover for services generally not covered by Medicare, and claim on extras like physio and optical and get 100% back^^ on a dental check-up through our No-Gap network.

View extras cover
A giftcard icon.

Offers and discounts

HCF hospital cover helps you save more. Members can save an average of $900++ a year on essentials through discounted e-Gift cards## plus discounts on pet*** and travel insurance^^^. 

Get more with HCF hospital cover
A father and son sitting next to each other outside, talking.

Holistic health support

Eligible members can access a range of health programs+++ like mental health support, weight management and heart and diabetes health checks### for the support they need on their health journey.

Discover health programs

Award-winning insurance trusted by more than 2 million australians

Canstar 2025 outstanding value for health insurance award logo.
Outstanding value 10 years in a row

We've won Canstar’s Outstanding Value Award for Health Insurance 10 years in a row (2016 to 2025).

Roy Morgan 2025 most trusted brand for private health insurance award logo.
Australia’s most trusted health fund 2025

We're Roy Morgan’s 2025 Most Trusted Private Health Insurance Brand#####. 

A finder 2024 hospital cover award logo.
2024 Finder Health Insurance Award winner

Based on value for money, we scored higher than all eligible bronze hospital policies on the market for our Hospital Bronze Plus $750 Excess cover.

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Need help to find the right private Hospital cover for your needs?

Answers to commonly asked questions to help you make the right choice.

When comparing hospital cover options, start by thinking about the healthcare services important to you. Consider potential out-of-pocket costs you might need to pay when you make a claim, as different levels of cover might have varying costs, along with inclusions, the option to choose your own excess on eligible cover, waiting periods and hospital network coverage.

At HCF, we make it easier for you to compare hospital cover options to make sure you get the right level cover for your needs and budget.

Compare health insurance at HCF

Private hospital cover gives you the option to choose your own doctor and the hospital you’re treated in, lowers out-of-pocket costs for in-hospital treatments, provides you with emergency ambulance coverage (depending on your state or territory), and helps you avoid long public waiting lists, however it doesn’t cover you for everyday health services. 

Also known as extras, services like general dental, physio, optical, chiro, remedial massage, osteo, and more are all covered under extras cover, which can be combined with your private hospital cover policy.

Learn about hospital and extras cover

If your individual income is above the specified threshold of $101,000 and you don’t have private hospital cover, you’ll need to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which can be between 1% and 1.5% of your income. To avoid this additional tax, you need to have and maintain any level of hospital cover, whether it’s Basic, Bronze, Silver or Gold tier.

Find out more about the Medicare Levy

Private hospital cover generally includes:

  • in-hospital treatments and costs 
  • choice of doctor and hospital for your treatment
  • cover for emergency ambulance services (depending on your state or territory) 
  • reduced waiting times for elective surgeries
  • cover for a range of medical procedures.

This all depends on the level of hospital cover you choose. For example, if you choose bronze level hospital cover, you won’t be covered for pregnancy and birth unless you choose a higher level of cover. 

Waiting periods may also apply. 

Find out about choosing the right cover for you

No, private hospital cover is not free in Australia. Under Medicare, you're covered for the cost of most treatments as a public patient in a public hospital, however as a private patient you may have significant out-of-pocket costs and private hospital cover helps with the costs of treatment as a private patient in hospital. 

Private hospital cover also covers the costs of an ambulance to get you to hospital (depending on your state or territory), allows you to choose your own doctor, could help you save at tax time, and reduces waiting times for elective surgeries.

When comparing hospital cover options, start by thinking about the healthcare services important to you. Consider potential out-of-pocket costs you might need to pay when you make a claim, as different levels of cover might have varying costs, along with inclusions, the option to choose your own excess on eligible cover, waiting periods and hospital network coverage.

At HCF, we make it easier for you to compare hospital cover options to make sure you get the right level cover for your needs and budget.

Compare health insurance at HCF

Private hospital cover gives you the option to choose your own doctor and the hospital you’re treated in, lowers out-of-pocket costs for in-hospital treatments, provides you with emergency ambulance coverage (depending on your state or territory), and helps you avoid long public waiting lists, however it doesn’t cover you for everyday health services. 

Also known as extras, services like general dental, physio, optical, chiro, remedial massage, osteo, and more are all covered under extras cover, which can be combined with your private hospital cover policy.

Learn about hospital and extras cover

If your individual income is above the specified threshold of $101,000 and you don’t have private hospital cover, you’ll need to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which can be between 1% and 1.5% of your income. To avoid this additional tax, you need to have and maintain any level of hospital cover, whether it’s Basic, Bronze, Silver or Gold tier.

Find out more about the Medicare Levy

Private hospital cover generally includes:

  • in-hospital treatments and costs 
  • choice of doctor and hospital for your treatment
  • cover for emergency ambulance services (depending on your state or territory) 
  • reduced waiting times for elective surgeries
  • cover for a range of medical procedures.

This all depends on the level of hospital cover you choose. For example, if you choose bronze level hospital cover, you won’t be covered for pregnancy and birth unless you choose a higher level of cover. 

Waiting periods may also apply. 

Find out about choosing the right cover for you

No, private hospital cover is not free in Australia. Under Medicare, you're covered for the cost of most treatments as a public patient in a public hospital, however as a private patient you may have significant out-of-pocket costs and private hospital cover helps with the costs of treatment as a private patient in hospital. 

Private hospital cover also covers the costs of an ambulance to get you to hospital (depending on your state or territory), allows you to choose your own doctor, could help you save at tax time, and reduces waiting times for elective surgeries.

Important Information

HCF will collect and use your personal information through this quote process in accordance with our Privacy Collection Notice.

* Australian Government Rebate has been applied if you selected an income level less than $158,001 for single or less than $316,001 for family. Price excludes any Lifetime Health Cover loading.

~ Calculated based on APRA Quarterly private health insurance statistics September 2023. 

^ Must visit the emergency department within 24 hours of the accident  Excludes Accident Only Basic and My Future and Future Care covers. Conditions apply. See hcf.com.au/accident-safeguard for more information.   

+ Available if you change your mind and cancel your HCF policy within 30 days of joining, and haven't made a claim in that period. 

# Available with HCF contracted providers, subject to your member location and hospital cover. Waiting periods apply. You must have a suitable home environment to be treated in. 

** Cover is limited to emergency transport to the nearest hospital by a State or Territory government ambulance provider (excludes transport from another hospital or medical facility). Benefits are not payable for ambulance services covered by a State or Territory government scheme.

^^ 100% back at More for You program providers in our No-Gap network is available on selected covers. Waiting periods and annual limits apply. Our No-Gap network of healthcare providers changes often. Please check that your provider is part of our No-Gap network before you book or attend an appointment. See hcf.com.au/100back

++ Based on discounts available through HCF partners (Aug 2023) and average category spend from ABS Household Expenditure Survey, Australia (2017). 

## Eligibility criteria applies. You can access HCF Thank You offers after you’ve been a member for a week, and if your premiums are up to date. Excludes Ambulance Only and Overseas Visitors Health Cover. Offers and partners are subject to change without advance notice. See HCF Thank You terms and conditions  

*** All HCF members are eligible for a member discount of at least 10% on HCF Pet Insurance. HCF Ruby and Diamond members get a 15% discount. Existing Manchester Unity Pet Insurance policies are not eligible for discounts under HCF Thank You. Visit the HCF Thank You page for further information. Where relevant, increased discount will be applied automatically at first renewal after advancement in HCF Thank You tier. To be eligible for the discount members need to have the HCF My Membership app or online member services set up. This offer may be subject to change.

HCF Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 21 March 2024 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited ABN 68 000 026 746, AFSL 241414 (HCF). HCF Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 21 March 2024 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by HCF. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at hcf.com.au/petinsurance. 

HCF Pet Insurance is not part of HCF's health insurance business. Please do not assume that pet insurance and health insurance are similar. HCF may receive a commission of up to 13% of the premium for promoting HCF Pet Insurance policies. HCF sales agents are paid a salary or wages but do not receive a commission or other payments attributable to the sale of HCF Pet Insurance. For more information contact HCF on 13 13 34.

Manchester Unity Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473; AFSL 241436, is distributed by The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited ABN 68 000 026 746, AFSL 241414, and arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183. Manchester Unity Pet Insurance is closed to new customers and is only available for renewal by existing customers. Manchester Unity Pet Insurance is not part of HCF's health insurance business. Please do not assume that pet insurance and health insurance are similar. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) ensure this product meets your needs before you renew your cover.

^^^ To access the discount code, log in to the My Membership app or online member services and go to the travel section of the HCF Thank You page to find the code. 25% discount applies to new policy purchases and is based on standard premium rates (including optional covers). It applies automatically upon successful input of the discount code and applies to any changes, upgrades or amendments made to the policy prior to commencement of the journey. The discount may apply to changes made after commencement of the journey, contact Allianz Global Assistance to find out more. Cannot be used in conjunction with, or in addition to any other discounts. No additional discounts will be provided to Members who already receive a Member discount. Please contact us for more information.

The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd ABN 68 000 026 746 AFSL 241414 (HCF) arranges this insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Travel insurance is arranged and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) for the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. HCF, Allianz and AGA do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Before making a decision please consider the Product Disclosure Statement, the Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination (TMD). The TMD is available at allianzpartners.com.au/policies. If you purchase a policy, HCF and AGA receive a commission which is a percentage of your premium - ask us for more details before we provide you with services.

+++ Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/health-programs

### Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/victorchang

##### Based on Roy Morgan’s Risk Monitor Survey for the 12 months to June 2025. 

HCF acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and water upon which we work and live. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rich history as traditional healers and scientists, who have taken care of the health of the land and its people for thousands of years. We give thanks to elders past and present, who we have much to learn from on our reconciliation journey. View our Reconciliation Action Plan