HCF Health Insurance
Encyclopedia
HCF was formed in 1932 to provide health insurance
cover to Australians. Since then, it has grown to become one of the country’s largest combined registered private health fund and life insurance
organisations. HCF Group (HCF Health Fund and Manchester Unity) is the 3rd largest health insurance company by market share (10.3% in FY2010) and is the largest not-for-profit health fund in Australia
.
HCF provides private health insurance cover for a full range of health benefits including private hospital
, Australia-wide ambulance
cover and ancillary services. HCF is one of the few major health funds to allow contributors to vote for Director
s to the Board
.
, a new fund was created to better serve the community. The new fund – called the Metropolitan Hospitals Contribution Fund (MHCF) – was launched on Thursday 16 June 1932, with the Lord Mayor (Ald. S. Walder) presiding.
The fund's first office was established on the first floor of Adyar House (later the Savoy Building and now demolished) in Bligh Street. At the end of the first two years of operations, it had enrolled more than 100,000 contributors drawn from 3,290 employment groups and some 5,000 honorary agents, although its area of operations was confined to about 50 square miles (129.5 km²) around the City of Sydney. Contributions were 6d. a week (family) and 3d. a week (single). Benefits paid for hospitalisation in participating hospitals were £2/9/- per week.
Further rapid growth in the Fund's business led to a need for more accommodation and, in December 1934, the Fund removed to offices on the fourth floor of the new Asbestos House in York Street, Sydney
. By 30 June 1935, the fund had 156,230 contributors on record. The opening of additional offices on the ground floor of the same building in 1937 set the pattern for HCF's contributor services offices.
In 1941, HCF moved to its first "home-of-its-own" in Hamilton Street. This building, duly named MHCF House, has now long since been demolished to make way for yet another high rise development in Sydney's booming commercial area. The purchase of its own offices was a forerunner to the conclusion of the Fund's first decade of operations during which the original staff of 10 increased to 75 and annual revenue
had grown from £31,757 at 30 June 1933 to £364,180 at 30 June 1942.
of the Fund’s development began at the height of the World War II
. During these years MHCF House was never left unattended, day or night, in compliance with National Emergency Services regulations. An air raid shelter was built in the basement and the entire male staff of 24 was formed into a voluntary
patrol to protect the building. On the night of 7 June 1942 when Japanese submarines shelled Sydney
, a contributor in Bellevue Hill
was struck by a shell fragment and admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital. In due course a claim (No. H711683) was paid in respect of this injury.
Despite many difficulties of the World War II years, including the severe drain on manpower resources and the cessation of many employment groups, the Fund’s revenues continued to grow, indicating the high value now placed by the community on an equitable and efficient hospital insurance system. By 30 June 1945, it had an income of £440,000. In 1945, the Fund extended its area of operations to cover the whole of New South Wales. In 1946, due approval was obtained from the State Government and the name of the Fund was changed to the Hospitals Contribution Fund of NSW. A scheme for a medical benefits fund, to provide insurance against the costs of medical services, had been envisaged by then MHCF and members of the medical profession in 1939 but had been deferred because of the war. However, in 1947, under the sponsorship of the medical profession, the Medical Benefits Fund of Australia(MBF
) was formed, The well-established HCF accepted its invitation to be managing agents for the new fund.
By early 1947, HCF’s annual income was well past the £500,000 mark and its cover extended to more than 1,250,000 people in NSW. To accommodate continued rapid growth, HCF purchased the Catton Building at 199 Liverpool Street, in January 1950. Meanwhile in 1952, income had risen to £671,633 – a twenty-fold increase in 20 years – and grants to public hospitals and medical charities exceeded £100,000 for the year.
) in 1952 marked the beginning of a new era for health insurance in Australia. Previously conducted on a private basis, voluntary health insurance funds were now required to be registered under the National Health Act in order to pay the additional benefits now provided by the Commonwealth
. HCF decided to seek registration under the Act, which was duly granted and the Fund’s total disbursements of the Commonwealth hospital benefit of 4/- a day from 1 January 1952 (the start of the Scheme) to 30 June 1952 amount to £34,073.
In 1953, following increases in hospital charges, the HCF family contribution rate was raised to 3/- a week which provided for a weekly hospital benefits of £12/12/- and the age limit on membership was abolished. In 1957, at the end of 25 years’ operations, HCF celebrated its silver anniversary with benefit payments for the year amounting to £3,170,408. By 1962, after 30 years of community service
, total benefits paid were £9,202,720.
arrangements with the MBF which had begun in 1960, when HCF staff had moved to the MBF premises in George Street. As a consequence of increased competition, the fund extended its operations to include medical benefits after the Government
approval. On 1 November 1963, HCF resumed independent operations from 199 Liverpool Street and launched its combined medical and hospital benefits plan.
In 1964 HCF upgraded its administrative procedures by installation of its own computer
and introduced electronic data processing
as an integral part of its operations. The Fund continued to expand its branch
network throughout metropolitan and country areas. It waived, at its own expense, transfer conditions when higher hospital tables were introduced.
In 1965, HCF extended its operations to Victoria as part of a plan to assist Fund contributors throughout Australia. New hospital tables were introduced. Branch transactions became a larger part of HCF’s business, with three out of every five claims being presented over the counter at metropolitan and country branches.
By 1967, HCF had changed its name to the Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia and started advertising under the new name. It had established branch offices in Melbourne
, Brisbane
and Hobart
. These were the first links in the chain of interstate
contributor service offices, which was completed in 1969 with branches in all States of the Commonwealth. Interstate operations were maintained until changes in the National Health Act in 1970, when the Fund decided to limit its activities and service to NSW, the ACT
and Northern Territory
.
The establishment of the Medibank scheme for medical services from 1 July 1975, followed by the Medibank hospital scheme from 1 October 1975, brought new problems and new challenges. To maintain its community service role under the Medibank scheme, which provided medical benefits of 85% of the Schedule Fee for everyone in the community under an income tax levy system, HCF introduced its Multicover plan from 1 July 1975, providing cover for the medical “gap” (i.e., the difference between the Medibank benefit and the Schedule Fee) and for a wide range of other health care services, such as dental
, optical, physiotherapy, home nursing, overseas health care, etc., which were not covered by Medibank.
In November 1975, the Head Office
staff completed its occupation of HCF’s new premises at 403 George Street
Sydney, which have since been extended to accommodate additional staff and facilities needed to provide the Fund’s expanding services.
Towards the end of 1977, HCF took court action to appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
against the refusal by the then Minister for Health to approve a contribution increase required to meet higher provider charges. Once again the Fund was successful.
HCF Life Insurance Pty Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary company, was established in January 1980.
In 1983 the Federal Government
introduced Medicare
(Medibank’s replacement) to cover medical and public hospital treatment. Health insurers were prevented from paying medical benefits.
Like other registered health funds, HCF ceased to pay medical benefits on 1 February 1984 and its health insurance products started to focus on benefits outside the Medicare scope. HCF extended and was able to offer more than just hospital, ambulance and ancillary cover. It also offered a wide range of life insurance
products and, as agents, travel insurance
.
By the end of 1986 the HCF computer network
linked every branch office with operational departments. The benefits for the member and staff are speedier membership and claim transactions. Full service agents operate at outlets in country areas where membership and claims may be lodged and processed.
HCF’s first Dental Centre was opened in HCF House to provide members with dental treatment for most routine services on 3 November 1986.
In June 2000, HCF established The HCF Health and Medical Research Foundation. The Foundation is a not for profit charitable trust established to encourage medical research of all kinds and research and enquiry into the provision, administration and delivery of health services in Australia for the benefit of HCF contributors and the public generally.
On 1 July 2000, the Australian Government introduced Lifetime Health Cover
initiative, encouraging younger people to take out health insurance. HCF’s membership increased by 35% to 336,499 members by the end of 30 June 2001
In 2001 the HCF Regional & Rural Oral Health Program was launched in order to provide its members in the regional and rural areas of NSW quality dental service on a low-cost basis. By the end of 2007, it had expanded to include Queensland
and Victoria
members with over 1,500 participating dentists across these states. By 2010 there were over 3,000 providers registered on the HCF Oral Health program across Victoria, Queensland, ACT
, South Australia
and regional NSW. It has been treating over 65,000 HCF members each year.
In June 2007 HCF celebrated its 75 years anniversary.
On 28 August 2008, the Board of Manchester Unity Australia Limited announced it had signed a Merger Implementation Deed (MID) in relation to a proposal for a $256 million merger with HCF. Manchester Unity members agreed to HCF merger on 15 December 2008. Manchester Unity became a wholly owned subsidiary of HCF on 24 December 2008. Manchester Unity ceased to be a registered health insurer under the Act immediately prior to 30 June 2011.
HCF House, 403 George Street, New South Wales Sydney Australia
By the end of March 2011, HCF Branches are operating in the below locations :
, World Retina Day and Pink Ribbon Day.
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
cover to Australians. Since then, it has grown to become one of the country’s largest combined registered private health fund and life insurance
Life insurance
Life insurance is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured person. Depending on the contract, other events such as terminal illness or critical illness may also trigger...
organisations. HCF Group (HCF Health Fund and Manchester Unity) is the 3rd largest health insurance company by market share (10.3% in FY2010) and is the largest not-for-profit health fund in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
HCF provides private health insurance cover for a full range of health benefits including private hospital
Private hospital
A private hospital is a hospital owned by a profit company or a non-profit organisation and privately funded through payment for medical services by patients themselves, by insurers, or by foreign embassies. This practice is very common in the United States and Australia...
, Australia-wide ambulance
Ambulance
An ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...
cover and ancillary services. HCF is one of the few major health funds to allow contributors to vote for Director
Non-executive director
A non-executive director or outside director is a member of the board of directors of a company who does not form part of the executive management team. He or she is not an employee of the company or affiliated with it in any other way...
s to the Board
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
.
History
In 1893, the Hospitals Saturday Fund of NSW (HSF) was established by Frank Grimley to serve this purpose. Money was raised by conducting a one-day-a-year drive to collect funds from the public and from businesses. These collections were then distributed among participating hospitals. In 1900, HSF introduced individual subscription hospital insurance, where contributors and their families paid a regular weekly sum to the fund.The Early Years 1932–1942
In 1932, following negotiations between the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) and a newly created Hospital Commission of New South WalesNew South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, a new fund was created to better serve the community. The new fund – called the Metropolitan Hospitals Contribution Fund (MHCF) – was launched on Thursday 16 June 1932, with the Lord Mayor (Ald. S. Walder) presiding.
The fund's first office was established on the first floor of Adyar House (later the Savoy Building and now demolished) in Bligh Street. At the end of the first two years of operations, it had enrolled more than 100,000 contributors drawn from 3,290 employment groups and some 5,000 honorary agents, although its area of operations was confined to about 50 square miles (129.5 km²) around the City of Sydney. Contributions were 6d. a week (family) and 3d. a week (single). Benefits paid for hospitalisation in participating hospitals were £2/9/- per week.
Further rapid growth in the Fund's business led to a need for more accommodation and, in December 1934, the Fund removed to offices on the fourth floor of the new Asbestos House in York Street, Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
. By 30 June 1935, the fund had 156,230 contributors on record. The opening of additional offices on the ground floor of the same building in 1937 set the pattern for HCF's contributor services offices.
In 1941, HCF moved to its first "home-of-its-own" in Hamilton Street. This building, duly named MHCF House, has now long since been demolished to make way for yet another high rise development in Sydney's booming commercial area. The purchase of its own offices was a forerunner to the conclusion of the Fund's first decade of operations during which the original staff of 10 increased to 75 and annual revenue
Revenue
In business, revenue is income that a company receives from its normal business activities, usually from the sale of goods and services to customers. In many countries, such as the United Kingdom, revenue is referred to as turnover....
had grown from £31,757 at 30 June 1933 to £364,180 at 30 June 1942.
The War Years & Beyond 1942–1952
The 1942-52 decadeDecade
A decade is a period of 10 years. The word is derived from the Ancient Greek dekas which means ten. This etymology is sometime confused with the Latin decas and dies , which is not correct....
of the Fund’s development began at the height of the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During these years MHCF House was never left unattended, day or night, in compliance with National Emergency Services regulations. An air raid shelter was built in the basement and the entire male staff of 24 was formed into a voluntary
Volunteering
Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to promote good or improve human quality of life, but people also volunteer for their own skill development, to meet others, to make contacts for possible employment, to have fun, and a variety of other reasons that could be...
patrol to protect the building. On the night of 7 June 1942 when Japanese submarines shelled Sydney
Axis naval activity in Australian waters
Although Australia was remote from the main battlefronts, there was considerable Axis naval activity in Australian waters during the Second World War. A total of 54 German and Japanese warships and submarines entered Australian waters between 1940 and 1945 and attacked ships, ports and other targets...
, a contributor in Bellevue Hill
Bellevue Hill, New South Wales
Bellevue Hill is an eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Bellevue Hill is an affluent suburb, located 5 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the Municipality of Woollahra....
was struck by a shell fragment and admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital. In due course a claim (No. H711683) was paid in respect of this injury.
Despite many difficulties of the World War II years, including the severe drain on manpower resources and the cessation of many employment groups, the Fund’s revenues continued to grow, indicating the high value now placed by the community on an equitable and efficient hospital insurance system. By 30 June 1945, it had an income of £440,000. In 1945, the Fund extended its area of operations to cover the whole of New South Wales. In 1946, due approval was obtained from the State Government and the name of the Fund was changed to the Hospitals Contribution Fund of NSW. A scheme for a medical benefits fund, to provide insurance against the costs of medical services, had been envisaged by then MHCF and members of the medical profession in 1939 but had been deferred because of the war. However, in 1947, under the sponsorship of the medical profession, the Medical Benefits Fund of Australia(MBF
Bupa
Bupa is a large British healthcare organisation, with bases on three continents and more than ten million customers in over 200 countries. It is a private healthcare company, in direct contrast to the UK's National Health Services, which are tax-funded healthcare systems and do not require private...
) was formed, The well-established HCF accepted its invitation to be managing agents for the new fund.
By early 1947, HCF’s annual income was well past the £500,000 mark and its cover extended to more than 1,250,000 people in NSW. To accommodate continued rapid growth, HCF purchased the Catton Building at 199 Liverpool Street, in January 1950. Meanwhile in 1952, income had risen to £671,633 – a twenty-fold increase in 20 years – and grants to public hospitals and medical charities exceeded £100,000 for the year.
The Years of Commonwealth Support 1952–1962
The introduction of the National Health Scheme by the Commonwealth Minister for Health (Sir Earle PageEarle Page
Sir Earle Christmas Grafton Page, GCMG, CH was the 11th Prime Minister of Australia, and is to date the second-longest serving federal parliamentarian in Australian history, with 41 years, 361 days in Parliament.-Early life:...
) in 1952 marked the beginning of a new era for health insurance in Australia. Previously conducted on a private basis, voluntary health insurance funds were now required to be registered under the National Health Act in order to pay the additional benefits now provided by the Commonwealth
Commonwealth
Commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has sometimes been synonymous with "republic."More recently it has been used for fraternal associations of some sovereign nations...
. HCF decided to seek registration under the Act, which was duly granted and the Fund’s total disbursements of the Commonwealth hospital benefit of 4/- a day from 1 January 1952 (the start of the Scheme) to 30 June 1952 amount to £34,073.
In 1953, following increases in hospital charges, the HCF family contribution rate was raised to 3/- a week which provided for a weekly hospital benefits of £12/12/- and the age limit on membership was abolished. In 1957, at the end of 25 years’ operations, HCF celebrated its silver anniversary with benefit payments for the year amounting to £3,170,408. By 1962, after 30 years of community service
Community service
Community service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
, total benefits paid were £9,202,720.
The Growing Years 1962–1972
The commencement of HCF’s fourth decade saw a major expansion of the Fund’s activities. The decision was taken to end the joint managementJoint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
arrangements with the MBF which had begun in 1960, when HCF staff had moved to the MBF premises in George Street. As a consequence of increased competition, the fund extended its operations to include medical benefits after the Government
Government
Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
approval. On 1 November 1963, HCF resumed independent operations from 199 Liverpool Street and launched its combined medical and hospital benefits plan.
In 1964 HCF upgraded its administrative procedures by installation of its own computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
and introduced electronic data processing
Electronic data processing
Electronic Data Processing can refer to the use of automated methods to process commercial data. Typically, this uses relatively simple, repetitive activities to process large volumes of similar information...
as an integral part of its operations. The Fund continued to expand its branch
Branch
A branch or tree branch is a woody structural member connected to but not part of the central trunk of a tree...
network throughout metropolitan and country areas. It waived, at its own expense, transfer conditions when higher hospital tables were introduced.
In 1965, HCF extended its operations to Victoria as part of a plan to assist Fund contributors throughout Australia. New hospital tables were introduced. Branch transactions became a larger part of HCF’s business, with three out of every five claims being presented over the counter at metropolitan and country branches.
By 1967, HCF had changed its name to the Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia and started advertising under the new name. It had established branch offices in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
and Hobart
Hobart
Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as...
. These were the first links in the chain of interstate
Interstate
An Interstate is a type of high-speed, limited-access highway in the United StatesInterstate may also refer to:-Media:*Interstate 60 , a metaphysical comedy/drama road film...
contributor service offices, which was completed in 1969 with branches in all States of the Commonwealth. Interstate operations were maintained until changes in the National Health Act in 1970, when the Fund decided to limit its activities and service to NSW, the ACT
ACT
ACT may refer to:* Australian Capital Territory, the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia* ACT , a college placement exam in the United StatesIn aviation:...
and Northern Territory
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions...
.
The Expanding Years 1972–1982
In October 1974, HCF, in association with MBF, challenged the refusal by the then Federal Minister for Social Security to approve increases in contribution rates which the funds required to meet benefit payments on higher public hospital charges. The case was heard in the NSW Supreme Court, the fund’s challenge was successful and the new rates were introduced in accordance with the original submissions.The establishment of the Medibank scheme for medical services from 1 July 1975, followed by the Medibank hospital scheme from 1 October 1975, brought new problems and new challenges. To maintain its community service role under the Medibank scheme, which provided medical benefits of 85% of the Schedule Fee for everyone in the community under an income tax levy system, HCF introduced its Multicover plan from 1 July 1975, providing cover for the medical “gap” (i.e., the difference between the Medibank benefit and the Schedule Fee) and for a wide range of other health care services, such as dental
Dental surgery
Dental surgery is any of a number of medical procedures that involve artificially modifying dentition, in other words surgery of the teeth and jaw bones.-Types:Some of the more common are:...
, optical, physiotherapy, home nursing, overseas health care, etc., which were not covered by Medibank.
In November 1975, the Head Office
Head Office
Head Office is a 1985 American comedy film, produced by HBO Pictures in association with Silver Screen Partners. It stars Judge Reinhold, Eddie Albert, Lori-Nan Engler, Jane Seymour, Richard Masur, Michael O'Donoghue, Ron Frazier, Merritt Butrick and was directed and written by Ken...
staff completed its occupation of HCF’s new premises at 403 George Street
George Street, Sydney
George Street is one of Sydney's most notable city streets. There are more high rise buildings and more ASX 100 companies located here than anywhere else in Australia, and is well known for being busy around-the-clock...
Sydney, which have since been extended to accommodate additional staff and facilities needed to provide the Fund’s expanding services.
Towards the end of 1977, HCF took court action to appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is an Australian tribunal which provides for quasi-judicial review of administrative decisions by the Australian federal government. It is not a court and not part of the Australian court hierarchy, however its decisions are subject to review by the Federal...
against the refusal by the then Minister for Health to approve a contribution increase required to meet higher provider charges. Once again the Fund was successful.
HCF Life Insurance Pty Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary company, was established in January 1980.
The Challenging Years 1982–1992
In 1982 HCF celebrated its 50 years anniversary. Its Annual Report reviewed its development since 1932.In 1983 the Federal Government
Federal government
The federal government is the common government of a federation. The structure of federal governments varies from institution to institution. Based on a broad definition of a basic federal political system, there are two or more levels of government that exist within an established territory and...
introduced Medicare
Medicare (Australia)
Medicare is Australia's publicly funded universal health care system, operated by the government authority Medicare Australia. Medicare is intended to provide affordable treatment by doctors and in public hospitals for all resident citizens and permanent residents except for those on Norfolk Island...
(Medibank’s replacement) to cover medical and public hospital treatment. Health insurers were prevented from paying medical benefits.
Like other registered health funds, HCF ceased to pay medical benefits on 1 February 1984 and its health insurance products started to focus on benefits outside the Medicare scope. HCF extended and was able to offer more than just hospital, ambulance and ancillary cover. It also offered a wide range of life insurance
Life insurance
Life insurance is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured person. Depending on the contract, other events such as terminal illness or critical illness may also trigger...
products and, as agents, travel insurance
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial default of travel suppliers, and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally...
.
By the end of 1986 the HCF computer network
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
linked every branch office with operational departments. The benefits for the member and staff are speedier membership and claim transactions. Full service agents operate at outlets in country areas where membership and claims may be lodged and processed.
HCF’s first Dental Centre was opened in HCF House to provide members with dental treatment for most routine services on 3 November 1986.
The Changing years 1992–2002
The first HCF Eyecare Centre was opened in July 1992 in George Street, Sydney. This was soon followed by more centres around metropolitan Sydney.In June 2000, HCF established The HCF Health and Medical Research Foundation. The Foundation is a not for profit charitable trust established to encourage medical research of all kinds and research and enquiry into the provision, administration and delivery of health services in Australia for the benefit of HCF contributors and the public generally.
On 1 July 2000, the Australian Government introduced Lifetime Health Cover
Health care in Australia
Health care in Australia is provided by both private and government institutions. The Minister for Health and Ageing, currently Nicola Roxon, administers national health policy...
initiative, encouraging younger people to take out health insurance. HCF’s membership increased by 35% to 336,499 members by the end of 30 June 2001
In 2001 the HCF Regional & Rural Oral Health Program was launched in order to provide its members in the regional and rural areas of NSW quality dental service on a low-cost basis. By the end of 2007, it had expanded to include Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
and Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
members with over 1,500 participating dentists across these states. By 2010 there were over 3,000 providers registered on the HCF Oral Health program across Victoria, Queensland, ACT
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory, often abbreviated ACT, is the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and is the smallest self-governing internal territory...
, South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
and regional NSW. It has been treating over 65,000 HCF members each year.
2002 and beyond
In November 2002 HCF acquired IOR Australia Pty Ltd, a registered health benefit organisation previously owned by IOR Friendly Society Limited. IOR Australia had most of its members in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, and complemented HCF’s existing interstate membership.In June 2007 HCF celebrated its 75 years anniversary.
On 28 August 2008, the Board of Manchester Unity Australia Limited announced it had signed a Merger Implementation Deed (MID) in relation to a proposal for a $256 million merger with HCF. Manchester Unity members agreed to HCF merger on 15 December 2008. Manchester Unity became a wholly owned subsidiary of HCF on 24 December 2008. Manchester Unity ceased to be a registered health insurer under the Act immediately prior to 30 June 2011.
HCF Health Fund
HCF Health Fund has been registered as "a mutual organisation that operates on a not-for-profit basis". It has operations in all states and territories in Australia. Its current headquarter location is at:HCF House, 403 George Street, New South Wales Sydney Australia
By the end of March 2011, HCF Branches are operating in the below locations :
| Branch Name | Address | Suburb | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bankstown | Level 2, Centro Bankstown Shopping Centre, Stacey Street | Bankstown | New South Wales |
| Blacktown | Shop 3005, Westpoint Shopping Centre | Blacktown | New South Wales |
| Bondi Junction | 438 Oxford Street | Bondi Junction | New South Wales |
| Brookvale | Cnr Pittwater Road and Condamine Street | Brookvale Brookvale, New South Wales Brookvale is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Brookvale is located 16 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Warringah Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region.-History:The first development in... |
New South Wales |
| Burwood | 99 Burwood Road | Burwood Burwood, New South Wales Burwood is a suburb in the inner-west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Burwood is located 12 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of Burwood Council.... |
New South Wales |
| Campbelltown | Shop 69, Campbelltown Mall, 271 Queen Street | Campbelltown Campbelltown, New South Wales Campbelltown is a suburb in south-western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Campbelltown is located 51 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the City of Campbelltown.- History :Campbelltown... |
New South Wales |
| Castle Hill | Shop 459, Castle Towers Shopping Centre | Castle Hill Castle Hill, New South Wales Castle Hill is a suburb in the north-west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Castle Hill is located 31 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the Hills District of the Greater Western Sydney region... |
New South Wales |
| Chatswood | Level 2, Shop 254, Westfield Shopping Centre | Chatswood | New South Wales |
| George Street | 403 George Street | Sydney Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... |
New South Wales |
| Hornsby | Shop 2, 16 Hunter Street | Hornsby Hornsby, New South Wales * Highest Maximum Temperature: 42 °C* Lowest Maximum Temperature: 4.9 °C* Warmest Month: January* Coolest Month: July* Highest Precipitation: February* Lowest Precipitation: July-Notable residents:... |
New South Wales |
| Hurstville | 237 Forest Road | Hurstville | New South Wales |
| Liverpool | Shops 21 & 22, Liverpool Plaza, 165 Macquarie Street | Liverpool Liverpool Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880... |
New South Wales |
| Macquarie Centre | Shop 50, Macquarie Centre, Herring Road | North Ryde | New South Wales |
| Miranda | Shop 1005, Westfield Shopping Centre | Miranda Miranda, New South Wales Miranda is a suburb in southern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Miranda is located 24 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district, in the Sutherland Shire.... |
New South Wales |
| North Sydney | P47, Northpoint Centre, 100 Miller Street | North Sydney North Sydney, New South Wales North Sydney is a suburb and commercial district on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. North Sydney is located 3 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of North Sydney... |
New South Wales |
| Pagewood | Shop 179, Westfield/Eastgardens | Pagewood | New South Wales |
| Parramatta | Shop 1139/1140, Westfield Centre | Parramatta | New South Wales |
| Penrith | Shop 2, Riley Street | Penrith Penrith, New South Wales Penrith is a suburb in western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Penrith is located west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the City of Penrith... |
New South Wales |
| Roselands | Shop F16, Roselands Shopping Centre | Roselands | New South Wales |
| Albury | Shop 8, 495-499 Dean Street | Albury Albury, New South Wales Albury is a major regional city in New South Wales, Australia, located on the Hume Highway on the northern side of the Murray River. It is located wholly within the boundaries of the City of Albury Local Government Area... |
New South Wales |
| Armidale | 186 Beardy Street | Armidale | New South Wales |
| Bathurst | 117 George Street | Bathurst Bathurst, New South Wales -CBD and suburbs:Bathurst's CBD is located on William, George, Howick, Russell, and Durham Streets. The CBD is approximately 25 hectares and surrounds two city blocks. Within this block layout is banking, government services, shopping centres, retail shops, a park* and monuments... |
New South Wales |
| Bega | 201 Carp Street | Bega Bega, New South Wales Bega is a town in the south-east of New South Wales, Australia in the Bega Valley Shire. It is the economic centre for the Bega Valley.-Place name:One claim is that place name Bega is derived from the local Aboriginal word meaning "big camping ground".... |
New South Wales |
| Bowral | Shop 3, 14 Wingecarribee Street (Corbett Plaza) | Bowral | New South Wales |
| Charlestown | Shop 121A, Charlestown Square | Charlestown Charlestown, New South Wales Charlestown is a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, and the largest town within the City of Lake Macquarie. It is located approximately west-southwest of the central business district of Newcastle.... |
New South Wales |
| Coffs Harbour | 3 Harbour Drive | Coffs Harbour | New South Wales |
| Cootamundra | 214 Parker Street | Cootamundra | New South Wales |
| Deniliquin | 1B 344 Cressy Street | Deniliquin Deniliquin Deniliquin, known locally as "Deni", is a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales close to the border with Victoria.Deniliquin is located at the intersection of the Riverina and Cobb Highway approximately south west of the state capital, Sydney and north of Melbourne... |
New South Wales |
| Dubbo | 244 Macquarie Street | Dubbo | New South Wales |
| Erina | Shop T62 Erina Fair, 2250 | Erina | New South Wales |
| Grafton | Shop T68 Shoppingworld (The Link) 52 - 74 Fitzroy Street | Grafton Grafton, New South Wales The city of Grafton is the commercial hub of the Clarence River Valley. Established in 1851, Grafton features many historic buildings and tree-lined streets. Located approximately 630 kilometres north of Sydney and 340 km south of Brisbane, Grafton and the Clarence Valley can be reached... |
New South Wales |
| Griffith | 370 Banna Avenue | Griffith Griffith, New South Wales Griffith is a city in south-western New South Wales, Australia. It is also the seat of the City of Griffith local government area. Like the Australian capital, Canberra and the nearby town of Leeton, Griffith was designed by Walter Burley Griffin. Griffith was named after Sir Arthur Griffith the... |
New South Wales |
| Leeton | 76 Pine Avenue | Leeton Leeton, New South Wales Leeton is a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. Leeton is situated approximately 550 km west of Sydney and 450 km north of Melbourne in the productive Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. Leeton is administered by Leeton Shire Council... |
New South Wales |
| Lismore | 89 Molesworth Street | Lismore Lismore, New South Wales Lismore is a subtropical town in northeastern New South Wales, Australia. Lismore is the main population centre in the City of Lismore local government area. Lismore is a regional centre in the Northern Rivers region of the State.-History:... |
New South Wales |
| Maitland | 411 High Street | Maitland Maitland Maitland is an English and Scottish surname. It arrived in Britain after the Norman conquest of 1066. There are two theories about its source. It is either a nickname reference to "bad temper/disposition" , or it may be a locational reference to Mautalant, a place in Pontorson, France... |
New South Wales |
| Nowra | Shop 2, Nowra Mall, Kinghorne Street | Nowra | New South Wales |
| Orange | Cnr Summer & Anson Streets | Orange Orange, New South Wales Orange is a city in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia. It is west of the state capital, Sydney, at an altitude of . Orange has an estimated population of 39,329 and the city is a major provincial centre.... |
New South Wales |
| Port Macquarie | Shop 50, Port Central Shopping Centre, 40-42 Horton St | Port Macquarie | New South Wales |
| Tamworth | Shop 3, City Plaza, Peel Street | Tamworth Tamworth, New South Wales Tamworth is a city in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia. Straddling the Peel River, Tamworth, which contains an estimated population of 47,595 people, is the major regional centre for southern New England and in the local government area of Tamworth Regional Council. The city... |
New South Wales |
| Tweed Heads | Shop 26 Tweed Mall | Tweed Heads | New South Wales |
| Wagga Wagga | Shop 28 Sturt Mall | Wagga Wagga | New South Wales |
| Wollongong | 140 Crown Street Mall | Wollongong | New South Wales |
| Belconnen | Shop 138, Westfield Shoppingtown | Belconnen Belconnen Belconnen is a district of Canberra, the capital city of Australia, comprising 25 suburbs with 29,900 dwellings housing 82,247 people of the 311,518 people in the Australian Capital Territory .... |
Australian Capital Territory |
| Canberra | 128 Bunda Street , Civic | Canberra Canberra Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne... |
Australian Capital Territory |
| Woden Valley | Shop 35, Westfields Woden | Woden Valley Woden Valley Woden Valley is a district of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Its name is taken from the name of a nearby homestead owned by Dr James Murray who named the homestead after the Old English god Woden in October 1837. He named it this as he was to spend his life in the pursuit of wisdom and... |
Australian Capital Territory |
| Brisbane | Shop G7 / 8, MacArthur Central Shopping Centre, | Brisbane Brisbane Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of... |
Queensland |
| Robina (Kiosk) | Level 3 Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive | Robina Robina, Queensland Robina is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Robina had a population of 19,182.The Robina Town Centre shopping centre and Bond University are located in Robina.- History :... |
Queensland |
| Adelaide | Shop 1, 49 Gawler Place | Adelaide Adelaide Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million... |
South Australia |
| Chadstone (Kiosk) | Lower Level, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road | Chadstone | Victoria |
| Melbourne | 330 Collins Street | Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
Victoria |
Social Responsibility
HCF supports and contributes back into the community through a number of charities: Jeans for Genes Day, Red Nose Day, Daffodil Day, Bandaged Bear Day, What’s the Buzz Day, Motor Neurone DiseaseMotor neurone disease
The motor neurone diseases are a group of neurological disorders that selectively affect motor neurones, the cells that control voluntary muscle activity including speaking, walking, breathing, swallowing and general movement of the body. They are generally progressive in nature, and can cause...
, World Retina Day and Pink Ribbon Day.