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HCF Insurance

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The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd
Company typePublic Company Limited by Guarantee[1]
IndustryPrivate Health Insurance
Founded1932
HeadquartersSydney, Australia
Key people
Shaun Larkin (Managing Director)

Sheena Jack (CFO)

David Watson (Technical Manager)
ProductsPrivate Health Insurance, Travel Insurance,[2] Life Insurance,[3] Pet Insurance[4]
RevenueA$2.429 billion (2016)[5]
A$312.580 million (2016)[5]
A$174.314 million (2016)[5]
Number of employees
1,032 (2016)[5]
SubsidiariesHCF Life, Manchester Unity
Websitewww.hcf.com.au

www.manchesterunity.com.au

www.hcfeye.com.au/

HCF (The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia) 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 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.[6]

HCF provides private health insurance cover for a full range of health cover including pet insurance, travel insurance and life insurance.

History

HCF's first-ever advertisement on Wednesday 22 June 1932 on The Sydney Morning Herald.[7]

In 1893, the Hospitals Saturday Fund of NSW (HSF) was established[8] by Frank Grimley[9] 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 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.[10][11]

The fund's first office was established on the first floor of Adyar House (later the Savoy Building and now demolished) in Bligh Street.[7] 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 (100 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.[12]

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.[13] The opening of additional offices on the ground floor of the same building in 1937 set the pattern for HCF's contributor services offices.

HCF's first office was established in Adyar House in Bligh Street, Sydney, which later became the Savoy Building.
The Catton Building in Liverpool Street, Sydney was purchased by HCF, who then took up residence in 1953.

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[14] to £364,180 at 30 June 1942.[15]

The war years and beyond 1942–1952

The 1942-52 decade 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.[16]

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.[14] 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.[17][18]

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.[19] 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.[20]

The years of Commonwealth support 1952–1962

The introduction of the National Health Scheme by the Commonwealth Minister for Health (Sir Earle Page) 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.[21] 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[22][23] from 1 January 1952 (the start of the Scheme) to 30 June 1952 amount to £34,073.

In 1953, following increases in hospital charges,[24] 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.[25]

A Victorian Tram with HCF's ad in 1969 - just before it closing its business in Victoria in 1970, as a result of introducing National Health Act 1970 by the commonwealth government.

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 management arrangements with the MBF which had begun in 1960,[26][27] 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.[28] 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.[29] 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 expanding years 1972–1982

A HCF staff member is serving a customer in early 1980s.

In October 1974, HCF, in association with MBF, challenged the refusal by the then Commonwealth 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.[30][31]

The Commonwealth Government's Medibank (now Medicare) fund was established in 1975, and provided medical benefits of 85% of the Schedule Fee for everyone in the community under an income tax levy system. (Medical services coverage from 1 July 1975, followed by hospital coverage from 1 October 1975). This provided HCF and all other Australian health funds with a government run competitor whose services were compulsory.

To maintain its community service role in this new environment, HCF introduced its Multicover plan from 1 July 1975, providing cover for the medical “gap” (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 and overseas health care, which were not covered by Medibank.[32][33][34]

In November 1975, the head office staff completed their 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 appeal 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.[35][36]

HCF Life Insurance Pty Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary company, was established in January 1980.[37]

HCF members are served in the Pagewood Branch in 1987.

The challenging years 1982–1992

In 1982 HCF celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its Annual Report reviewed its development since 1932.[16]

In 1983 the Federal Government introduced Medicare (Medibank’s replacement) to cover medical and public hospital treatment.[38] Health insurers were prevented from paying medical benefits.[39]

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.[40]

The changing years 1992–2002

The first HCF Eyecare Centre was opened in July 1992 in George Street, Sydney.[41] This was soon followed by more centres around metropolitan Sydney.

In June 2000, HCF established The HCF Health and Medical Research Foundation.[42] 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.[43]

On 1 July 2000, the Australian Government introduced Lifetime Health Cover initiative,[44] 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[45]

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.[46]

2002 and beyond

In November 2002 HCF acquired IOR Australia Pty Ltd, a registered health benefit organisation previously owned by IOR Friendly Society Limited.[47] IOR had most of its policy holders in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

In early 2007 HCF was caught providing personal information of its clients to McKesson Asia Pacific to use for promotional purposes.[48] While many clients and the general public were not satisfied with the decision, ultimately the New South Wales Privacy Commissioner judged that HCF had not breached the Privacy Act 1998.[49]

In June 2007 HCF celebrated its 75 year anniversary.[50]

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.[51] Manchester Unity members agreed to HCF merger on 15 December 2008.[52] Manchester Unity became a wholly owned subsidiary of HCF on 24 December 2008.[53] Manchester Unity ceased to be a registered health insurer under the Act immediately prior to 30 June 2011.

Social responsibility

HCF supports and contributes back into the community through a number of charities: Jeans for Genes Day, Motor Neurone Disease, World Retina Day, Pink Ribbon Day [46] and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.[54]

References

  1. ^ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission National Names Index http://www.search.asic.gov.au/cgi-bin/gns030c?acn=000026746&juris=9&hdtext=ACN&srchsrc=1
  2. ^ https://www.canstar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/travel-insurance-sep-2013.pdf
  3. ^ https://www.finder.com.au/life-insurance/hcf-life
  4. ^ http://top10petinsurance.com.au/2016/08/15/hcf-pet-insurance-review/
  5. ^ a b c d https://www.hcf.com.au/content/dam/hcf/pdf/about-us/2016%20Year%20in%20Review.pdf
  6. ^ PHIAC Annual Report 2009-10 - Operations of the Private Health Insurers http://www.phiac.gov.au/for-industry/industry-statistics/operations-of-the-private-health-insurers-annual-report/
  7. ^ a b The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 22 June 1932 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28032137
  8. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 23 April 1928 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16458988
  9. ^ Australian Dictionary of Biography, Online Edition, http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A090119b.htm
  10. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 16 June 1932 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16899749
  11. ^ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic) Tuesday 10 July 1945 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article966391
  12. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 10 January 1936 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36210157
  13. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 19 September 1935 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29538376
  14. ^ a b The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 10 July 1945 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17946561
  15. ^ Annual report for the year ended 30 June 1942 - Metropolitan Hospitals Contribution Fund of New South Wales
  16. ^ a b HCF Annual Review 1982 - Page 3 'The Growing Years'
  17. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 31 July 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18037660
  18. ^ The Canberra Times, Tuesday 19 August 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2722911
  19. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 21 June 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18164227
  20. ^ Annual report for the year ended 30 June 1952 - Metropolitan Hospitals Contribution Fund of New South Wales
  21. ^ The West Australian, Wednesday 2 January 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49008301
  22. ^ The West Australian, Tuesday 1 January 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49007958
  23. ^ The Canberra Times, Tuesday 12 August 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2861589
  24. ^ The Canberra Times, Wednesday 2 April 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2852063
  25. ^ Annual report for the year ended 30 June 1962 - Metropolitan Hospitals Contribution Fund of New South Wales
  26. ^ MBF Information Memorandum 20 March 2008 http://www.mbf.com.au/MBF/Demutualisation/Forms/MBF%20Information%20Memorandum.pdf
  27. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Friday, 2 November 1962 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tocVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OuYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7306,211187
  28. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 14 October 1963 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w4NWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wuUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5862,3992641
  29. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 15 March 1967 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wIJWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7-QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1389,4516219
  30. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 31 July 1974 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tLEpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KeUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1574,10322457
  31. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 2 August 1974 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-INWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=peUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5655,159656
  32. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 10 June 1975 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Zg5SAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ROcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1362,2136666
  33. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 1 October 1975 https://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=F_1jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HOcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6674,60439
  34. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 7 October 1975 https://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=Hf1jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HOcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6632,1868577
  35. ^ The Age Monday 2 January 1978 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=--5UAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CpMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5436,24789
  36. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 3 January 1978 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VJ9WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I-cDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1120,702944
  37. ^ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission National Names Index http://www.search.asic.gov.au/cgi-bin/gns030c?acn=001831250&juris=9&hdtext=ACN&srchsrc=1
  38. ^ Medicare Australia http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/about/index.jsp#N1009A
  39. ^ Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Rules 2010 http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2010L01740
  40. ^ The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited 1987 Annual Review, Page10
  41. ^ HCF Eyecare Official Website http://www.hcfeye.com.au/pages/about-us
  42. ^ Corporate Social Responsibility, HCF Annual Report 2009 http://hcf09.annual-report.com.au/commitment_to_community.php
  43. ^ Faculty of Medicine , The University of New South Wales, HCF Health & Medical Research Foundation Guidelines http://www.med.unsw.edu.au/medweb.nsf/resources/RF1/$file/HCF+Foundation+advert+Oz+120706.pdf
  44. ^ Lifetime Health Cover, Department of Health and Aging http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-privatehealth-lhc-providers-general.htm
  45. ^ The Australia Private Health Insurance Administration Council Annual Report 2000-01 - Operations of the Registered Health Benefits Organisations, page 74, http://www.phiac.gov.au/resources/file/82pa2001.pdf
  46. ^ a b HCF Annual Report 2010 http://hcf2010.annual-report.com.au/
  47. ^ PHIAC Media Release: PHIAC Approved Sale of IOR Australia to HCF, 4 November 2002, http://www.phiac.gov.au/media-releases/ior-sale-to-hcf/
  48. ^ http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/health-fund-leaking-patient-medical-files/2007/02/02/1169919530834.html
  49. ^ http://www.mondaq.com/australia/x/52448/Government+Statutory+Law/HCF+And+The+Helping+Hand+Decision
  50. ^ Consumer News, 2007, http://www.consumernews.com.au/news/insurance/health-insurance/118/hcf-rate-reduction-for-single-parent-families-benefits-boosted-and-rate-increase-minimised/
  51. ^ Manchester Unity Media Release http://www.manchesterunity.com.au/Site/doc/MergerPressRelease.pdf
  52. ^ Sydney Morning Herald 15 December 2008 http://www.smh.com.au/business/manchester-unity-members-agree-to-hcf-merger-20081215-6ysa.html
  53. ^ Manchester Unity Official Website http://www.manchesterunity.com.au/Site/Merger/index.asp?member_id=
  54. ^ "HCF - National Breast Cancer Foundation". Retrieved 5 August 2016.
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