HBF cuts come into effect on 1 July

JavaScript is disabled
If possible, please enable JavaScript for an enhanced experience on the CHOICE website.

Upgrade or find a new health fund?

Last updated: 19 June 2018

Health insurance costs continue to climb, and more than one major health fund is cutting benefits at the same time.

In the latest example, Western Australia's largest health insurer, HBF, will cut cover for a number of treatments in some of their policies on 1 July.

If you want to continue your current level of cover, you'll need to switch to another health fund before 1 July or upgrade your cover (and pay a higher premium) with HBF.

If you upgrade before 1 September, HBF will waive waiting periods – normally, when you upgrade or take out a new policy a 12-month waiting period applies to pre-existing conditions and pregnancy, and a two-month period for everything else.

The HBF cuts mainly affect customers in WA.

Affected HBF customers face the same predicament as over 700,000 Bupa customers, who will also see their cover cut on 1 July.

WA: policies affected

Young Saver Hospital (no excess, $250 and $500 excess)

Obesity surgery, dialysis, insulin pumps, cochlear implants and sterility reversal are no longer covered
The excess will now also apply to day procedures

Mid Hospital (no excess, $250 and $500 excess)

Obesity surgery and dialysis are no longer covered
Psychiatric care is only covered in public hospitals – more about cover for mental health.
The excess will now also apply to day procedures

Top Hospital ($250 and $500 excess)

The excess will now also apply to day procedures

Young Singles Saver Twin Pack

Obesity surgery, dialysis, insulin pumps, sterility reversal and cochlear implants are no longer covered
The excess will now also apply to day procedures

Smart Saver Twin Pack

Obesity surgery, dialysis, insulin pumps and cochlear implants are no longer covered
The excess will increase from $100 to $250 and now also apply to day procedures

Prime Health Package ($250, $500 excess)

The excess will now also apply to day procedures

Other states: policies affected

Mid Family Cover ($250 and $500 excess)

Dialysis is no longer covered
Psychiatric care is only covered in public hospitals – more about cover for mental health.

Working Visa Hospital

The excess will now also apply to day procedures

If this news is causing you to consider a new health insurer then read our guide to switching health cover to learn what to consider and how to go about making the switch.