Are you working or visiting Australia on a visa?
Whether you’re working, living or visiting Australia for a short time, consider Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for access to the healthcare services you might need.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help make private health insurance more affordable for all Australians, the Australian Government offers a rebate that can lower your premium. The amount you’re entitled to depends on your age and individual or combined annual income, with higher rebates for lower incomes and older policyholders.
If you choose not to provide your income, the rebate won’t be applied to your quote, but if you’re eligible, you can still claim it as a refundable tax offset when lodging your tax return. To receive the rebate, everyone on the policy must be eligible for Medicare.
Learn more about the rebate
To help make private health insurance more affordable for all Australians, the Australian Government offers a rebate that can lower your premium. The amount you’re entitled to depends on your age and individual or combined annual income, with higher rebates for lower incomes and older policyholders.
If you choose not to provide your income, the rebate won’t be applied to your quote, but if you’re eligible, you can still claim it as a refundable tax offset when lodging your tax return. To receive the rebate, everyone on the policy must be eligible for Medicare.
Learn more about the rebate
Frequently Asked Questions
To help make private health insurance more affordable for all Australians, the Australian Government offers a rebate that can lower your premium. The amount you’re entitled to depends on your age and individual or combined annual income, with higher rebates for lower incomes and older policyholders.
If you choose not to provide your income, the rebate won’t be applied to your quote, but if you’re eligible, you can still claim it as a refundable tax offset when lodging your tax return. To receive the rebate, everyone on the policy must be eligible for Medicare.
Learn more about the rebate
To help make private health insurance more affordable for all Australians, the Australian Government offers a rebate that can lower your premium. The amount you’re entitled to depends on your age and individual or combined annual income, with higher rebates for lower incomes and older policyholders.
If you choose not to provide your income, the rebate won’t be applied to your quote, but if you’re eligible, you can still claim it as a refundable tax offset when lodging your tax return. To receive the rebate, everyone on the policy must be eligible for Medicare.
Learn more about the rebate
Important Information
* 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.
What’s the difference between hospital and extras cover?
Enjoy the benefits of private hospital care and access a wide range of everyday health services. This cover provides protection for both planned and unplanned in-hospital treatments, and lower out-of-pocket costs for popular extras like general dental, physio and optical. At HCF, our hospital and extras options can be mixed and matched so you can find a combined cover that works for you.
Covers the cost of in-hospital treatments and stays as a private patient, giving you more choice over your doctor, where you want to be treated, and when you want to have a planned procedure (subject to availability), while skipping public waiting lists. You can also have access to your own private room (subject to availability) and cover for emergency ambulance services (depending on your state or territory).
Helps cover the cost of a range of everyday health services generally not covered by Medicare, including dental check-ups, prescription glasses, physio, chiro and osteo appointments, remedial massage, podiatry, and more – making it easier to access the care you need with lower out-of-pocket costs up to annual and service limits.
Enjoy the benefits of private hospital care and access a wide range of everyday health services. This cover provides protection for both planned and unplanned in-hospital treatments, and lower out-of-pocket costs for popular extras like general dental, physio and optical. At HCF, our hospital and extras options can be mixed and matched so you can find a combined cover that works for you.
Covers the cost of in-hospital treatments and stays as a private patient, giving you more choice over your doctor, where you want to be treated, and when you want to have a planned procedure (subject to availability), while skipping public waiting lists. You can also have access to your own private room (subject to availability) and cover for emergency ambulance services (depending on your state or territory).
Helps cover the cost of a range of everyday health services generally not covered by Medicare, including dental check-ups, prescription glasses, physio, chiro and osteo appointments, remedial massage, podiatry, and more – making it easier to access the care you need with lower out-of-pocket costs up to annual and service limits.
Looking for more cover options?
Whether you’re after a higher level of cover for more treatments and services, or something that better fits your budget, browse and compare options to find the right cover for you.
If you’re single and your individual income is above the specified threshold of $101,000, or a family or couple earning over $202,000 combined, and don’t have private hospital cover, you may have to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge – which can be between 1% to 1.5% of your income. To avoid this additional tax, you’ll need to have and maintain any level of hospital cover.
A waiting period is the time you must serve before you can claim for a service on your policy. They apply to:
- members that are new to private health insurance
- existing HCF members who upgrade to a higher level of cover or lower their excess payable (you may need to serve the necessary waiting period for the higher entitlement)
- members who switch from another fund who haven't served the required waiting period for equivalent benefits, upgrade to a higher level of cover, or switch from another fund and have a gap of more than 30 days before joining HCF
- new dependants, unless they switch from another fund where they've completed the required waiting period for equivalent benefits
- members who cancel their policy and then rejoin HCF after more than 30 days without having cover with another health fund during the gap period.
HCF hospital and extras covers include emergency ambulance services (depending on your state or territory) provided by State Government Services if you need hospital or on-the-spot treatment in Australia. HCF covers emergency ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate hospital that’s able to provide the level of care you need – this doesn’t include transport between hospitals or from a medical facility. Benefits aren’t payable for ambulance services covered by a State or Territory government scheme.
Some levels of cover also include State government non-emergency ambulance services that are medically necessary (check the product summary to see if this is included).
If you want to go to a private hospital for the birth of your baby, you’ll need to have hospital cover that includes ‘pregnancy and birth-related services’ at least 12 months before the baby’s birth date (as there's a 12-month waiting period). This ensures hospital services, like any pregnancy complications, the birth and your postnatal care, will be covered.
You’ll be able to use your cover at any hospital that’s part of our HCF hospital network, which includes most private hospitals throughout Australia. By visiting a hospital from our HCF hospital network, you're covered (except for any excluded or restricted services, excess or co-payments, small permitted gaps like diagnostic services, and conditions relating to your hospital cover which still apply) for the following in-hospital expenses:
- Overnight and same-day accommodation.
- Operating theatre and critical care fees.
- Supplied pharmaceuticals directly associated with the reason for admission (including the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme benefits).
- Allied services like physio, occupational therapy and dietetics received in hospital.
- Surgically implanted government recognised prostheses.
This doesn’t include the costs charged by your surgeon or other health professionals involved in your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re single and your individual income is above the specified threshold of $101,000, or a family or couple earning over $202,000 combined, and don’t have private hospital cover, you may have to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge – which can be between 1% to 1.5% of your income. To avoid this additional tax, you’ll need to have and maintain any level of hospital cover.
A waiting period is the time you must serve before you can claim for a service on your policy. They apply to:
- members that are new to private health insurance
- existing HCF members who upgrade to a higher level of cover or lower their excess payable (you may need to serve the necessary waiting period for the higher entitlement)
- members who switch from another fund who haven't served the required waiting period for equivalent benefits, upgrade to a higher level of cover, or switch from another fund and have a gap of more than 30 days before joining HCF
- new dependants, unless they switch from another fund where they've completed the required waiting period for equivalent benefits
- members who cancel their policy and then rejoin HCF after more than 30 days without having cover with another health fund during the gap period.
HCF hospital and extras covers include emergency ambulance services (depending on your state or territory) provided by State Government Services if you need hospital or on-the-spot treatment in Australia. HCF covers emergency ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate hospital that’s able to provide the level of care you need – this doesn’t include transport between hospitals or from a medical facility. Benefits aren’t payable for ambulance services covered by a State or Territory government scheme.
Some levels of cover also include State government non-emergency ambulance services that are medically necessary (check the product summary to see if this is included).
If you want to go to a private hospital for the birth of your baby, you’ll need to have hospital cover that includes ‘pregnancy and birth-related services’ at least 12 months before the baby’s birth date (as there's a 12-month waiting period). This ensures hospital services, like any pregnancy complications, the birth and your postnatal care, will be covered.
You’ll be able to use your cover at any hospital that’s part of our HCF hospital network, which includes most private hospitals throughout Australia. By visiting a hospital from our HCF hospital network, you're covered (except for any excluded or restricted services, excess or co-payments, small permitted gaps like diagnostic services, and conditions relating to your hospital cover which still apply) for the following in-hospital expenses:
- Overnight and same-day accommodation.
- Operating theatre and critical care fees.
- Supplied pharmaceuticals directly associated with the reason for admission (including the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme benefits).
- Allied services like physio, occupational therapy and dietetics received in hospital.
- Surgically implanted government recognised prostheses.
This doesn’t include the costs charged by your surgeon or other health professionals involved in your care.
Supporting your health journey
Access a range of health programs^ including mental health support, weight management, and heart health support with your hospital cover for the support you need on your health journey.
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).
Important Information
* 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.
^ Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/health-programs
# 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.
** Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/thank-you-app
## Must visit the emergency department within 24 hours of the accident. Excludes Accident Only Basic cover. See hcf.com.au/accident-safeguard for more information.
Looking for more cover options?
Whether you’re after a higher level of cover for more treatments and services, or something that better fits your budget, browse and compare options to find the right cover for you.
Extras cover provides cover for services and routine treatments that happen out of hospital, like dental check-ups, chiro and physio treatments, remedial massage and more. These services are generally not covered by Medicare.
Using your extras cover:
- First, check the service you want to claim is included in your cover, and your provider is recognised by HCF.
- Make sure you’ve completed your waiting period before you start claiming.
- You can then make a claim directly with your provider, online or via our My Membership app, by post or in person at a branch.
Waiting periods vary between health funds, but at HCF most of our extras have a waiting period of 2 months. For more complicated and higher-cost services like major dental, the waiting periods for these services are generally 12 months.
Extras cover won't help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge. To avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge, if your income is above the specified threshold of $101,000 for singles or $202,000 for families, you’ll need to have and maintain hospital cover for singles, couples or families.
Your annual limit is the benefit limit that you can claim on a particular extras service within one calendar year. Every calendar year, your benefit limit for each service your health fund covers is renewed, regardless of how much you claimed on that service during the previous year. The range of services depends on your extras cover and could include things like dental, physio or optical.
This is the dollar or percentage amount you can claim from your private health insurer for a specific service included in your cover. Each service covered will have an annual limit listed in your cover, which can also be found in the product summary, for the maximum that you can claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extras cover provides cover for services and routine treatments that happen out of hospital, like dental check-ups, chiro and physio treatments, remedial massage and more. These services are generally not covered by Medicare.
Using your extras cover:
- First, check the service you want to claim is included in your cover, and your provider is recognised by HCF.
- Make sure you’ve completed your waiting period before you start claiming.
- You can then make a claim directly with your provider, online or via our My Membership app, by post or in person at a branch.
Waiting periods vary between health funds, but at HCF most of our extras have a waiting period of 2 months. For more complicated and higher-cost services like major dental, the waiting periods for these services are generally 12 months.
Extras cover won't help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge. To avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge, if your income is above the specified threshold of $101,000 for singles or $202,000 for families, you’ll need to have and maintain hospital cover for singles, couples or families.
Your annual limit is the benefit limit that you can claim on a particular extras service within one calendar year. Every calendar year, your benefit limit for each service your health fund covers is renewed, regardless of how much you claimed on that service during the previous year. The range of services depends on your extras cover and could include things like dental, physio or optical.
This is the dollar or percentage amount you can claim from your private health insurer for a specific service included in your cover. Each service covered will have an annual limit listed in your cover, which can also be found in the product summary, for the maximum that you can claim.
Make every day more rewarding
Get more value from your health cover with the HCF Thank You app^. Reward yourself your way with access to personalised discounts, offers and rewards on the go. Plus, earn HCF dollars and use them towards reducing your premium payments****.
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).
Important Information
* 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.
^ Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/thank-you-app
+ 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
# Excludes add-ons like high index material, coatings and tinting.
** Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/health-programs
^^ The policyholder can swap out a service for another service at any time provided that no one on the policy has claimed on that service during the calendar year. If the policyholder swaps in teeth whitening, major dental, orthodontics or minor podiatric procedures, a 12-month waiting period will apply from the date of the swap.
++ Each member listed on the policy has their own Gap Bonus entitlement. Gap Bonus is non-transferable between members and is only available for singles and couples. Gap Bonus must be used during the calendar year in which it is granted ($50 in year 2, $75 in year 3, $100 in year 4 and each year after that). Unused Gap Bonus cannot be rolled over into the following calendar year.
## A first visit means an initial consultation for an eligible health condition that’s new or flare up where no treatment has been provided in the previous 3 months.
*** Applies to children attending school, up to and including year 12. Subject to waiting periods, annual limits and other conditions. See hcf.com.au/school-accident
^^^ Annual limits increase on some services in year 2 and 3. See extras table in the product summary for details.
+++ Service limits apply.
### Waiting periods and annual limits apply. Before you start any program, check you're on eligible cover and the provider of the program is recognised by us. If you're unsure, call 13 13 34 or visit a branch.
**** Must have at least 20 HCF dollars in cleared funds. Only members who pay their premiums by credit card or direct debit can use their HCF dollars to reduce premiums.
Your extras cover goes further with HCF
On top of 100% back^ on popular extras through our No-Gap network and increased annual limits for a range of services the longer you’re with us+, enjoy great benefits with our most flexible extras cover.
Emergency ambulance cover included
Reduce bill shock and unnecessary stress with cover for emergency ambulance trips to the nearest hospital or for on-the-spot treatment#.
Holistic health support for your health journey
Get access to a range of health programs** available to members with extras cover, including mental health support, healthy eating resources for kids, and online GP consults at discounted rates++ for the support you need on your health journey.
Accident Benefit to top up your annual limit
If you’ve reached your annual limit and you’re claiming because to an accident, Accident Benefit gives you additional limits for claimable services##, helping you lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Get more from your cover with our HCF Thank You app
Get more value from your health cover with the HCF Thank You app***. Reward yourself your way with access to personalised discounts, offers and rewards on the go. Plus, earn HCF dollars and use them towards reducing your premium payments^^^.
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).
Important Information
* 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.
^ 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
+ Annual limits increase on some services in year 2 and 3. See extras table in the product summary for details.
# 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.
** Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/health-programs
^^ The policyholder can swap out a service for another service at any time provided that no one on the policy has claimed on that service during the calendar year. If the policyholder swaps in teeth whitening, major dental, orthodontics or minor podiatric procedures, a 12-month waiting period will apply from the date of the swap.
++ Eligibility criteria apply. For more information visit hcf.com.au/gp2u
## $200 per person per calendar year to top up your annual limit for accident-related services. Can be used for 2 years after the accident provided you make the first extras claim within 6 months of the accident.
*** Eligibility criteria apply. For more information see hcf.com.au/thank-you-app
^^^ Must have at least 20 HCF dollars in cleared funds. Only members who pay their premiums by credit card or direct debit can use their HCF dollars to reduce premiums.
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