HCi Health Insurance Review
HCi is a not-for-profit health insurance company based in Australia, serving over 13,200 individuals. HCi has been operating since 1938 and offers hospital and extra plans, along with benefits like cancer support, mental health coaching, and other wellness programs.
📌 Date Established | 1938 |
📍 Headquartered | 25 Cattley St, Burnie, Tasmania 7320 |
⚙️ Registration Number | ABN 43 009 579 088 |
👤 The average number of members | 13,200 |
👥 Number of Employees | 10 – 50 |
🛡️ APRA-Regulated | ✅Yes |
📉 The most recent Market Cap reported | Unpublished |
📈 Average Customer Rating | 3.5/5 |
📊 Average Number of Reviews | 20+ |
💹 Market Share | <0.1% |
🔟 Number of plans offered | 5 Hospital-Only, 3 Extras |
🏆 Sponsorships | None |
📲 Is a Mobile App offered | ✅Yes |
💡 Medical Claims Portal | ✅Yes |
⏰ Customer Support Operating Hours | 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday |
✏️ Information Hub and Blog | ✅Yes |
📔 Chronic Illness Benefits | ✅Yes |
📚 Screening and Prevention offered | ✅Yes |
🍼 Maternity Benefit | ✅Yes |
💛 Health Insurance Premium Range (AUD) | Varies based on state, age, income, excess and rebate – quote tool not offered online for preliminary pricing |
⌛ Average Waiting Period | 2 months – 12 months |
🌎 Is International Medical Cover Offered | None |
📍 International Travel Benefit | Travel and accommodation benefits offered |
HCi Health Insurance Plan Overview
🔎 Plan | 💴 Excess | 🪫 Exclusions | ❤️ Ideal For | ↪️ Gap Cover Available | 📌 Rebate Percentage | ⏰ Average Waiting Period | 📍 Key Features |
🥇 Basic Plus | $750 (annual excess) | Excluded major services like brain, chemotherapy, joint replacements | Singles, couples | Access Gap | Based on income and age | 2 months for most; 12 months for pre-existing conditions | Accident cover, MLS exemption, private hospital network |
🥈 Bronze Plus | $750 (annual excess) | Excludes pregnancy, birth, and advanced treatments | Budget-conscious singles, couples, and families with children under 18 | Access Gap | Based on income and age | 2-12 months, depending on the service | Private room, essential treatments, MLS exemption, accident cover |
🥉 Silver Plus Advantage | Variable with $250/$500/$750 options | Excludes high-cost treatments like joint replacements, weight loss surgery | Individuals and families | Yes, No/Low Gap for specialist costs | Based on income and age | 2-12 months based on the service; 12 months for pregnancy | Maternity, wide treatment cover, hospital network, pediatric care |
🏅 Silver Plus Secure | Variable with $250/$500/$750 options | Excludes pregnancy, birth, and certain advanced procedures | Singles, families | Access Gap | Based on income and age | 2-12 months, depending on the service | Coverage includes heart, vascular, and joint reconstructions; no excess for dependents |
🎖️ Gold | $500/$750 excess options | Excludes some outpatient and cosmetic services | Comprehensive coverage for all ages; includes maternity and seniors' needs | Access Gap | Based on income and age | 2-12 months, 12 months for pre-existing conditions | Covers high-demand treatments, extensive hospital access, no excess for dependents, palliative care |
HCi Health Insurance Plans – Features and Benefits
HCi Health Insurance offers a wide range of hospital cover plans tailored to suit different needs and budgets, from comprehensive, top-tier options to budget-friendly choices. Whether you’re seeking full coverage for complex treatments, a mid-level plan that balances cost and benefits, or basic protection for accident-related care, HCi has a plan to fit your lifestyle.
Silver Plus Advantage Hospital Cover
Silver Plus Advantage is HCi’s mid-level plan that balances affordability and essential hospital cover. It’s ideal for individuals, couples, and families who need reliable coverage without paying for services they’re not likely to use, such as joint replacements.
- Covers travel and accommodation expenses related to hospital admissions, an advantage for those who need treatment far from home.
- Members can choose from $250, $500, or $750 excess options to adjust premiums to their budgets.
- Dependents under 18 don’t have excess fees, making this plan financially accessible for families.
- Provides access to a wide network of private hospitals and specialists, giving members access to quality treatment across Australia.
- Access Gap Cover agreements minimise unexpected costs.
- Members are exempt from the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which can be a tax benefit for eligible members.
- Includes musculoskeletal, cardiac, oncology, and maternity care treatments while excluding high-cost surgeries like joint replacements.
The Silver Plus Advantage plan offers a well-rounded balance of coverage and affordability, making it a great choice for those who need essential hospital care without unnecessary extras.
Silver Plus Secure Hospital Cover
The Silver Plus Secure plan is a practical option for members who want comprehensive hospital coverage at a mid-tier price point. This plan is for individuals and families who won’t require maternity or reproductive services but still need coverage for hospital treatments like heart, lung, and joint reconstruction surgeries.
- Participating specialists offer upfront transparency on any out-of-pocket expenses.
- Covers costs for hospital admissions that require travel.
- Qualified members are exempt from MLS, reducing tax obligations for those who meet the income criteria.
- Like other mid-tier plans, dependents under 18 don’t have excess fees, which is an advantage for families.
- Provides access to HCi’s extensive hospital and doctor network to ensure quality care across Australia.
- Covers essential medical needs, including cardiac care, lung treatments, and joint reconstructions, but excludes maternity-related services, making it ideal for those not planning a family.
- Members can select an excess of $250, $500, or $750, allowing them to adjust their premiums to their financial situation.
The Silver Plus Secure plan offers a cost-effective option for comprehensive hospital coverage, perfect for individuals and families seeking essential medical care without the need for maternity services.
Bronze Plus Hospital Cover
The Bronze Plus plan is a budget-friendly option with foundational coverage for essential medical treatments. While this plan doesn’t include extensive services like joint replacements or cardiac surgeries, it provides basic protection with accident cover.
This plan is ideal for budget-conscious singles, couples, and families for members to access hospital treatments without facing excessive premiums.
- Offers private room accommodation when available to enhance comfort during hospital stays.
- Members can access over 500 private hospitals and 30,000 doctors across Australia.
- A single excess option at $750 keeps premiums affordable.
- Provides tax savings for eligible members by exempting them from the MLS.
- Covers basic medical needs like blood, bone, and joint treatments.
- Offers additional support in case of hospitalisation due to accidents, covering accident-related treatments for up to 90 days post-incident.
- Dependents under 18 are covered without an excess.
The Bronze Plus plan is an affordable choice for those seeking essential hospital coverage with the added benefit of accident cover, making it a great option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Basic Plus Hospital Cover
The Basic Plus Hospital Cover plan is HCi’s entry-level option with essential hospital benefits at an affordable price. The plan has basic coverage for accident-related hospitalisations and a few restricted services.
- Offers access to private room accommodations in contracted hospitals.
- Provides a tax benefit for eligible members by exempting them from the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
- Offers access to over 500 private hospitals and 30,000 doctors across Australia.
- Blood, palliative care, rehabilitation, and sleep studies are covered at minimum benefit levels.
- Children under 18 incur no excess fees, making it financially accessible for young families or couples planning for future dependents.
- Hospital cover for accident-related treatments for medical needs arising from an accident for up to 90 days after the incident.
- Features a fixed excess of $750 to maintain affordable monthly premiums while covering essential treatments.
The Basic Plus Hospital Cover plan provides essential coverage at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for individuals and families seeking budget-friendly hospital benefits.
Healthy Extras Cover
Healthy Extras is a supplemental cover plan offered by HCi with out-of-hospital benefits. This plan complements HCi’s hospital options, covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies.
- Covers individual, group, and hydrotherapy sessions to support physical wellness and rehabilitation.
- Includes chiropractic, acupuncture, and remedial massage for wellness options beyond conventional care.
- Healthy Extras for members to enhance their preventive care, wellness treatments, and everyday health needs.
- Covers general and major dental needs, prescription eyewear, and repairs to support members’ oral and visual health.
- Provides access to quit-smoking and weight loss programs, approved screenings, and diabetes education.
- Covers emergency ambulance trips as regulated by state requirements.
- Offers benefits for psychological consultations, supporting members’ mental health with cover for consultations.
- Covers the cost of eligible prescription medications for select high-cost pharmaceuticals, such as medicinal cannabis, when medically necessary.
Healthy Extras is a comprehensive plan that enhances your overall well-being by covering a wide range of out-of-hospital services, supporting both physical and mental health needs.
Active Life Extras Cover
Active Life Extras is for health-conscious individuals and families. This plan complements hospital insurance by offering essential services for physical wellness, preventive care, and alternative therapies.
- Includes a quit smoking program and weight management support to encourage a proactive approach to health.
- Covers emergency ambulance services as per state requirements.
- Covers regular check-ups, cleanings, and more advanced dental treatments like crowns and extractions.
- Offers benefits for prescription eyewear, including contact lenses and repairs, which are covered annually.
- Covers individual and group physiotherapy sessions, including hydrotherapy for active members who need physical support.
- Covers treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and remedial massage, adding value for members interested in preventive or complementary health care.
- Provides annual limits for flu and travel vaccines to support proactive health management.
Active Life Extras is a great choice for individuals and families focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, offering essential services that support physical wellness, preventive care, and alternative therapies.
Basic Extras Cover
Basic Extras is an affordable, no-frills option for members who want coverage for essential outpatient services. This plan is for singles and couples with basic health needs.
- Covers essential dental services like cleanings, exams, fillings, and simple extractions to support foundational oral health.
- Offers benefits for prescription eyewear and minor repairs to manage essential vision needs.
- Covers physiotherapy, chiropractic, and osteopathy, which are helpful for basic support for physical wellness.
Basic Extras is an affordable plan designed for singles and couples seeking essential outpatient services, providing coverage for basic dental, vision, and physical wellness needs.
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HCi Health Insurance vs TUH Health Insurance vs See-U Health Insurance
🔎 Provider | 🥇 HCi Health Insurance | 🥈 TUH Health Insurance | 🥉 See-U Health Insurance |
📌 Years in Operation | 86 years | 52 years | 48 years |
👤 Average Number of Members | 13,200 | 85,000+ | Approximately 8,000 |
📍 APRA Regulation | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
👥 Number of Employees | 10 – 50 | 50 – 200 | Unknown |
📉 Market Share | <0.1% | 1.5% | 0.7% |
📈 Market Cover | Australia | Australia-wide cover | Australia |
📊 Customer Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 |
💹 Number of reviews | 20+ | 800+ | 600+ |
📲 Mobile App | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
💴 Premium Range (AUD) | Varies | From $36.30 per fortnight to $3,253.55 per year | Not published |
🌎 International Travel Benefit | None | None | None |
❤️ Unique Features | Hospital Cover, easy switching, accident cover, wellness programs | Not-for-profit, affordable premiums, range of cover options, focus on teacher members, award-winning health cover | Focus on wellness programs, age-based discounts for under 30s |
Advantages of HCi Health Insurance
HCi has been providing health insurance since 1938, making it one of Australia’s oldest private health insurers and the longest-standing insurer based in Tasmania. Operating with a member-first approach, HCi reinvests profits directly into the fund for the benefit of its members.
All customer support is handled by an in-house team in Burnie, Tasmania, ensuring personalized service. HCi offers a range of health insurance options, including five levels of hospital coverage and four levels of extra cover, all at competitive rates. Additionally, HCi provides valuable programs for managing chronic conditions like cancer and diabetes.
Members also have 24/7 access to their accounts through HCi’s Online Member Services (OMS) portal, where they can easily check claims, update details, and access policy information. HCi’s commitment to putting people over profits is reflected in its Members Health Fund designation.
Gap Cover
HCi’s Gap Cover, the Access Gap Scheme, helps all members reduce or avoid medical expenses incurred during hospital stays. When certain medical specialists participate in this scheme, the fees for their in-hospital services are adjusted to fit within the Access Gap structure.
How Access Gap Cover Works
Access Gap Cover applies exclusively to hospital-based services and covers eligible costs beyond what HCi and Medicare pay for each medical service.
If a member’s provider participates in the Access Gap program, they could face little to no additional fees beyond what’s covered by their plan. However, because participation in the scheme is voluntary, not all doctors or specialists accept Access Gap for every patient or procedure.
The Access Gap Scheme also emphasises transparency through Informed Financial Consent. Before treatment, members must ask providers for a breakdown of expected expenses, ensuring they understand financial responsibilities.
HCi Health Insurance App Features
The HCi Health Insurance App is convenient; members can easily manage their health insurance anywhere.
The app offers tools to simplify key tasks like submitting claims, tracking claim status, and updating personal details, all within a few taps. By connecting members directly to their accounts, the app makes it easy to handle insurance needs without visiting an office or mailing forms.
- Using the app, members can log in to OMS for expanded account management options.
- Members can securely update personal information like address or bank details, ensuring all records are accurate.
- The app archives past claims for members to access and review previous submissions and reimbursement details easily.
- The app has several security features to protect member data and insurance information.
- Members can submit claims directly from the app by taking a photo of a receipt.
- Capture and upload receipts instantly through the app’s camera function without having to store or mail physical documents.
Finally, users can check the status of claims in real time. The tracking feature offers immediate access to viewing claim progress and estimated completion.
How to apply for Health Insurance with HCi Health Insurance
HCi’s application process is accessible online, where individuals can review policies, receive personalised quotes, and complete the application steps easily and quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding and completing the application.
1. Step 1: Assess Your Healthcare Needs
Determine the level of coverage you need to match your lifestyle, health status, and financial goals.
This initial step is important because it lets you consider whether you need hospital cover, extras, or a combination of both. HCi provides resources on its website that will help you assess your coverage requirements.
2. Step 2: Explore Available Policies
Once you have an idea of your needs, review HCi’s policies (hospital-only cover, extras-only cover, or combined policies with broader protection).
HCi offers different levels of each type of coverage for individuals, families, and seniors. Understanding the differences between policies will help narrow down the best option.
3. Step 3: Obtain a Quote
With a better idea of the type of cover you need, request a quote from HCi. You can do this by visiting the website to use the quote tool or contacting customer service for a personalised quote.
During this step, you’ll understand the costs associated with your policy and explore premium options.
4. Step 4: Complete the Application Form
After deciding on a policy, complete the HCi application form. During this, you must provide accurate personal and medical information to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
The form will require your contact information, address, cover level, dependent information, etc.
5. Step 5: Submit Supporting Documentation
HCi needs certain documents to support your application, like your identification and proof of address. All requested documents must be ready when you apply so that you can submit them with your application.
6. Step 6: Review and Confirm
Before you finalise your application, review the policy terms and conditions. This is an opportunity to ensure you understand the scope of coverage, waiting periods, and other important details. Once done, apply to HCi’s processing team to review.
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How to apply for Gap Cover with HCi Health Insurance
Gap cover is offered only to existing HCi policyholders. It can help you reduce out-of-pocket costs by paying the difference between standard insurance payouts and the actual charges from participating providers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for HCi Gap Cover.
- Ensure that you have an active HCi health insurance policy.
- Contact HCi directly to get a quote for Gap Cover based on your health insurance plan. This will help you understand any additional premium costs and cover details.
- Complete the Gap Cover application form with your personal and health information. Make sure all required fields are completed to avoid processing delays.
- Gather the required supporting documentation (identification and proof of your existing HCi membership) to accompany your application.
Read the terms and conditions of the Gap Cover policy. Confirm that you understand the cover limitations, waiting periods, and any other details before finalizing your application.
How to Submit a Claim with HCi Health Insurance
Submitting a claim with HCi is flexible, and you have several options. From on-the-spot submissions using the HCi Claiming App to in-person support at the Burnie office, HCi’s system makes the claims process easy.
Just remember that claims must be submitted within two years from the service date to be eligible for reimbursement. Late submissions beyond this period are not accepted.
Here’s an outline of each submission method, followed by a list of required documentation.
Claim Submission Methods
HCi Claiming App
Members can submit claims instantly using the HCi Claiming App, available on app stores for iOS and Android. You can take a photo of receipts and submit claims immediately. Once submitted, you can track the claim status on the app.
In-Person Submission
If you prefer face-to-face assistance, claims can be submitted at HCi’s office at 25 Cattley Street in Burnie, Tasmania.
Mail or Email Submission
You can also complete a claim form and send it, along with receipts and invoices, to HCi by mail or email. Send documents to HCi’s PO Box 931, Burnie, TAS 7320, for mail submissions. Alternatively, email forms and attachments to [email protected].
Online Member Services (OMS) Portal
You can log on to the OMS portal to manage claims, view past submissions, and update details. This platform offers additional account management features to boost accessibility, especially if you want to oversee your claim history.
Required Documentation for Claim Submission
- Receipts and Invoices: Each receipt must include the date of service, provider details, cost, and a full description of the service (e.g., “Physiotherapy” or “Dental Check-up”). Include the script number and the prescribing doctor’s name for pharmaceutical claims.
- Completed Claim Form: A completed claim form is required when submitting claims by mail or in person. Include personal information and service details and specify payment preferences.
Finally, if this is the first claim or the bank details need updating, provide your banking information on the form. Members can also set up or update bank details for direct credit payments through the OMS portal or by contacting HCi.
How to Upgrade or Downgrade My Plan
1. Step 1: Assess Your Cover Needs
Determine whether you need a higher level of coverage to accommodate upcoming healthcare needs or if reducing your plan could be more affordable.
2. Step 2: Contact Customer Service
Reach out to HCi’s customer service team to discuss your options. They will provide personalized guidance on how to adjust your plan based on your needs. Customer support can also explain how different cover levels will impact your premiums, services, and waiting periods.
3. Step 3: Explore Online Member Services (OMS)
You can also inquire about managing these changes through the Online Member Services (OMS) portal for added convenience.
4. Step 4: Complete the Policy Update Form
To formally request an upgrade or downgrade, fill out HCi’s Policy Update Form. This form requires your details, the new level of coverage you want, and any adjustments to your hospital or extra cover. You can submit the form by mail or electronically via the OMS portal.
5. Step 5: Understand Waiting Periods
Upgrading your policy may lead to new waiting periods for benefits not previously covered or those covered at a higher level. Typical waiting periods include 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related services. For benefits already covered, previous waiting periods apply, and any remaining waiting time will carry over.
6. Step 6: Confirmation and Processing
Once you’ve submitted the form, HCi will process your request and update your policy. Be sure to verify any changes to premiums, excess amounts, and benefits.
7. Step 7: Immediate Effect for Downgrades
If you’re downgrading your coverage, the reduced level of coverage will take effect immediately. However, if you change your mind within 30 days and haven’t used the new benefits, you can cancel the downgrade and revert to your previous policy without paying a penalty.
Key Considerations When Adjusting Your Plan
Annual Limits
Any services used under your previous plan could reduce the available limit on similar services under the new level until the next benefit period.
Excess Adjustments
Changes to your excess can impact out-of-pocket costs for hospital admissions. Higher excesses reduce premiums; lower excesses increase them.
Dependents on Your Policy
Adjustments also apply to dependents under your plan, including any age or eligibility changes for adult dependents.
How do I add a Beneficiary to HCi Health Insurance?
You can add dependents, like spouses, partners, or children, to your HCi health insurance policies anytime. This supports families by covering dependent children up to age 31 if they meet eligibility requirements.
Here’s what members need to know about eligibility, documentation, and the process for adding a new beneficiary to their HCi policy.
Eligibility and Requirements for Adding Dependents
Dependent eligibility for HCi policies includes biological, adopted, and stepchildren, as well as spouses or partners. Children can remain on a family policy until they turn 31, with certain circumstances allowing for extended coverage. If members wish to add a dependent after their policy is active, they must submit documentation to confirm the relationship, depending on the type of dependent.
How to Add Dependents to an HCi policy
Contact HCi’s Member Services team to notify them that you want to add a dependent. Member Services can guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms.
- Complete the form to add your dependents by providing their name, date of birth, and relationship to you.
- Submit Supporting Documentation: Submit a marriage or domestic partnership certificate for a spouse,a birth certificate, or adoption papers for children.
Upon receipt, HCi will review and verify the information. Once approved, the new dependent will be added to your policy, and you will receive a confirmation notification from HCi.
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How to Submit a Compliment or Complaint
Members can contact HCi for assistance or feedback through multiple channels. For immediate help, they can call 1800 804 950 to speak directly with a representative who will address questions or resolve issues. If members prefer written communication, they can email their feedback to [email protected], ensuring to include their policy number and a summary of the issue.
For those who want to discuss matters face-to-face, HCi’s office at 25 Cattley Street, Burnie, Tasmania, is open for in-person visits, offering direct communication for more complex matters.
How to Switch my Health Insurance to HCi Health Insurance
Switching to HCi Health Insurance allows Australians to transfer their cover from another health fund without resetting most waiting periods. HCi assists with the documentation and coordinates with your current insurer to help you transition quickly and easily. Here’s how you can switch to HCi.
- Complete HCi’s Intent to Join form or the Membership Application form. Complete the Clearance Request section in the form to let HCi gather information from your current insurer, freeing you from handling the transfer details directly.
- Once your form is complete, submit it to HCi. You can do this online, through the website’s application portal or by mailing the physical form. Including the clearance section ensures HCi can start processing your transition immediately.
- HCi will contact your current health fund to arrange the transfer of cover details and any relevant documentation.
- If you join HCi within two months after ending your previous coverage, HCi will note completed waiting periods for the same or lower level of coverage. This means you won’t need to re-serve waiting periods for benefits already covered by your previous policy. Just note that HCi’s waiting periods will still apply to new benefits not covered under your old plan.
Once the transfer is processed, HCi will confirm your new policy’s start date and provide additional details regarding your plan. Your Certified Entry Age for Lifetime Health Cover will be retained.
HCi Health Insurance Regulation
HCi Health Insurance works within a well-defined set of rules in Australia, keeping it financially stable, transparent for consumers, and aligned with industry standards.
Regulatory Bodies
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) oversees insurers ‘ financial health, ensuring they maintain adequate financial reserves.
The guidelines implemented by APRA help private health insurers ensure they have enough funds to meet their obligations to policyholders, ensuring that the insurance market is stable.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) monitors insurers’ operations to uphold consumer rights and ensure fair and reliable market practices. ASIC maintains ethical standards and protects members from deceptive information.
Legal Structure
The Private Health Insurance Act 2007 is the primary framework governing private health insurance providers in Australia. The Act details the qualifications for private health insurance providers, the allowable waiting periods, and the cover inclusions.
Insurers like HCi must maintain transparency in terms of premium adjustments and inform members ahead of time if there are any changes. Private insurance companies must also offer coverage to all applicants to guarantee equitable access to insurance.
Customer Support and Contact Details
HCi Health Insurance guarantees a member-centred experience to ensure a skilled, in-house team addresses every question.
If you need assistance, have feedback, or just want to ask a question, here’s how to reach out to HCi’s support team.
🔎 Support Channel | 📌 Details |
☎️ Phone | 1800 804 950 or 03 6432 1199 |
[email protected] | |
🥰 In-Person Visit | 25 Cattley Street, Burnie, TAS |
⏰ Business Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
PO Box 931, Burnie TAS 7320 |
Rebates and Discounts
The Federal Government provides a private health insurance rebate to individuals with HCi policies to reduce premium costs based on age and income.
The rebate is available for hospital, general treatment, and ambulance cover. Members can choose a rebate tier based on their income and age, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will adjust it if they forget or choose incorrectly.
Members can claim the rebate immediately or at the end of the financial year. Some opt for the upfront discount, while others claim it on their tax return.
HCi Health Insurance Additional Health Services and Products
HCi Health Insurance provides specialised services to support members facing health challenges. Members with Basic Plus or Bronze Plus plans receive Accident Cover for hospital treatments. The Cancer Support and Recovery Program connects cancer patients with nurses and allied health professionals. HCi’s mental health coaching program helps members achieve wellness goals across Australia.
Expectant mothers can access comprehensive maternity care through a partnership with Hatch Private Maternity with no out-of-pocket costs. HCi also offers programs to strengthen hips, knees, and spines, helping members manage chronic issues and improve their quality of life with support from certified exercise specialists.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Cover for accident-related hospital stays | Premium adjustments could apply when adding dependents |
Cover for preventive care, including wellness and strengthening programs | Exclusions on some elective and cosmetic treatments |
Members can add child dependents up to age 31 | Limited cover for certain specialised treatments |
Personalised support options are available | Limited outpatient and ancillary benefits with Basic and Bronze plans |
Flexible payment options and terms | Pre-existing condition cover is limited without extended waiting periods |
Access to gap cover with participating providers | Limited availability of certain programs by location |
Local office in Burnie for in-person assistance | Requires careful selection of providers to maximise gap cover benefits |
24/7 access to Online Member Services | Customer support has limited office hours |
Simplified switching process that recognises previous waiting periods | No cover for outpatient services under accident cover |
Government rebate options to offset costs | Exclusions on certain alternative treatments |
Clear and detailed policy documentation | Some services have annual limits on extras cover |
In Conclusion
HCi Health Insurance offers a personalized experience with direct, local support, setting it apart from other insurers by keeping customer service in-house. Members can easily connect with knowledgeable staff for assistance.
With flexible hospital and extra plans catering to various life stages and budgets, HCi provides options for everyone—from entry-level Basic Plus and Bronze Plus plans to the more comprehensive Gold tier, ensuring coverage that suits individual and family needs.
HCi’s specialized programs, such as mental health coaching, accident cover, and rehabilitation for hip, knee, and spine health, offer members additional ways to manage their health effectively.
However, lower-tier plans may not fully cover certain services, requiring careful consideration, especially for specific treatments. There are also limits, like the lack of outpatient services with accident cover.
While waiting periods apply to certain services, particularly for new members or plan upgrades, HCi remains an excellent choice for Australians seeking personalized support, flexible cover options, and extra health services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What advantages does HCI’s not-for-profit status offer to its members?
HCI focuses on reinvesting its profits into the fund instead of profiting as an organisation. This approach enhances the member benefits and services instead of sharing profits with shareholders.
Can I claim HCI benefits online or through an app?
Yes, you can. HCI makes it easy for members to submit claims online through the website or mobile app.
Is there overseas health coverage available through HCI?
No, HCI’s policies mainly concentrate on health coverage within Australia. Thus, if you’re considering traveling abroad, you’ll need to evaluate the health coverage options available for your international trip.
If you’re not covered internationally, you must suspend your membership and resume when you return to Australia.
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