HCF celebrates 90th anniversary

Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, HCF, has celebrated its 90 years in the Australian insurance industry.

Established in 1932, HCF covers more than 1.8 million members with health, life, travel, and pet insurance. Over nine decades, the insurer's industry-leading innovation has helped empower Australians to take control of their health and wellbeing.

Key achievements

HCF celebrated its 90th year in the Australian insurance industry by looking back at its ground-breaking industry firsts that have helped shape the future of healthcare for Australians. Since its establishment, it:

• Introduced extras cover in 1975, the first time Australians had access to funds to help cover the cost of treatments not covered by Medicare, such as dental, physiotherapy, and optometry;
• Established its life insurance (Recover Cover) business in 1980;
• Became the first major sponsor of the HCF Careflight community rescue helicopter service and the first fund to open a dedicated dental centre in 1986; and
• Implemented HICAPS electronic claims solutions for members in 1998.

90th anniversary

In its 90th year, HCF has proudly made quality healthcare accessible to more Australians through innovative health and wellbeing programs and investments into new technologies. In November, the insurer bagged three awards honouring its life insurance products.

Commenting on HCF's 90 years in the industry, HCF CEO Sheena Jack noted the insurer's commitment to driving positive change by establishing the HCF Research Foundation in 2000 and launching HF Catalyst, Australia's first and longest-running corporate-supported health-tech accelerator program in 2016.

“We're very excited about HCF's 90-year anniversary and extremely proud of our work driving positive change and improving access, affordability, and quality of healthcare to Australians,” Jack said. “We are very aware that our members put great trust in us to help them along their healthcare journeys, which is why, as a not-for-profit, we're proud to invest our profits back into the fund to benefit members, with benefits like no-gap initiatives and wellness programs.”