Frequently asked questions for HCi
We have answered the questions that you ask the most! HCi has been operating and providing health cover for over 80 years to our valued members – we have experienced it all! We are here to provide personalised help when needed.
If you don’t find your answer below, please contact our friendly team on 1800 804 950 or via HCi Chat.
//HCi FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Joining, switching & updating questions
Who can join HCi?
HCi is open for all Australian residents to join!
Why not chat to our friendly team today about your health insurance needs – say Hi to HCi via 1800 804 950, email or HCi chat (online)!
How do I join HCi?
It’s really easy! Enquire online, use our form or call one of our friendly member services team on Freecall 1800 804 950.
Who can be included in my HCi cover?
At HCi, we provide flexible health insurance to cover your particular situation – cover for you, cover for you and a partner, or cover for your family.
Family cover can be for one or two adults and their biological, adopted and step children.
Dependent children can be on your cover up to 31 years of age (inclusive) or more, depending on their circumstances.
How do I transfer to HCi from another fund?
You can transfer from another fund to HCi at any time. It’s quick and easy as we’ll help you at every step.
What’s more, if you join within 2 months of the expiration of your current cover, you will not have any new waiting periods for the same or lower level of cover with HCi. Normal fund waiting periods apply to services not covered by your previous fund cover, including pre-existing waits.
Your Certified Entry Age for the Federal Government’s Lifetime Health Cover purposes will be recognised by HCi on transfer.
It’s easy to switch to HCi,
- When joining online or via our form make sure the Clearance Request section is completed,
- HCi will take care of the rest!
*When switching from a comparable level of cover.
I am an overseas visitor, can I get HCi health cover?
Unfortunately not. HCi cover is only available to Australian residents who are eligible for a Medicare card. Temporary work and student visas, and those here on holiday or visiting relatives are not eligible.
//HCi FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HCi Cover questions
What cover does HCi offer?
HCi offers five levels of hospital cover and four levels of extras cover. Members can select hospital cover or hospital and extras cover to suit their needs.
HCi also offers additional health programs for members, such as cancer and Diabetes support.
All HCi cover includes personalised service, a range of payment options, and 24 hour access to OMS (Online Member Serices) for account management.
How does HCi pay member claims?
You can receive your HCi payments by direct credit.
If you have paid the account, your benefit can be paid electronically into your nominated bank account. You will receive separate notification as to the payment details.
If you have not paid the account, a direct credit will be made payable to the practitioner who provided the treatment.
You can add or update your banking details at any time by calling us, completing the HCi payment options form or logging into OMS.
What is the HCi Access Gap Cover scheme?
All HCi hospital cover includes our Access Gap Cover at no extra charge, helping to reduce or eliminate Out-Of-Pocket (Gap Costs). Please refer to our AGC factsheet for full details.
Does HCi pay claims for overseas treatment?
HCi will not pay towards services, treatment or appliances provided or purchased overseas, including from websites not owned and operated from within Australia. HCi will only pay eligible claims for services, treatment and appliances by approved providers and/or suppliers registered within Australia only.
Does HCi have recognised/approved providers of treatment?
To help ensure the propriety of services offered to members by health care providers, benefits will only be paid for services rendered to members by providers who are recognised and approved by HCi. Recognition of providers by HCi is subject to change without notice. If you are not sure about a provider’s approved status with HCi, please call us on Freecall 1800 804 950 to check before arranging treatment.
Please note that claims will not be paid for any treatment provided by a family member, even if they are otherwise a registered provider.
What is HCi’s obstetric cover?
Pregnancy, Obstetrics and birth related services.
A 12 month wait applies to any obstetric related services.
We also cover ‘IVF and assisted reproductive services’, although these are not part of obstetrics, instead they are treatments which precede any need for obstetric care. A 12 month waiting period applies to all IVF and assisted reproductive services where utilisation of these services generally relates to treatment of a pre-existing condition. If there is not a pre-existing condition, a 2 month waiting period applies to IVF and assisted reproductive services.
Only an admission to hospital can be covered under private hospital insurance.
Services outside of a hospital admission, including consultations and tests, may be claimable on Medicare or paid out of your own pocket.
Always check with the hospital, HCi and your doctor before proceeding with an IVF or hospital booking to ensure you will be covered and to discuss what costs you may incur.
//HCi FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General FAQs
How do I pay for my membership
You can select monthly, quarterly, half yearly or yearly payments via direct debit, payroll deduction, BPAY, credit card or in person. You can also log into OMS to make payments at any time you want.
Refer to our payments page for full details.
What is Lifetime Health Cover (LHC)?
Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) is a financial loading that can be payable in addition to the base rate premium for your private health insurance hospital cover.
Starting as a Government initiative on 1 July 2000, it was designed to encourage people to take out hospital insurance earlier in life, and to maintain their cover.
Read more on our Government incentives page.
What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?
Medicare is the scheme that gives Australian residents access to health care. To help fund the scheme, most taxpayers pay a Medicare Levy of 1.5% of their taxable income.
You may be liable for the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) in addition to the Medicare Levy. Individuals and families on incomes above the MLS thresholds, who do not have an appropriate level of private patient hospital cover, pay MLS for any period during the year that they did not have this cover. If you become liable for MLS, your MLS rate will be 1%, 1.25% or 1.5%.
For more information on the MLS please visit our Governemnt incentives page.
What is the Government Private Health Insurance Rebate?
The Federal Government Private Health Insurance Rebate is a financial incentive to help Australians afford private health cover.
Find out more about this rebate on our Government incentives page.
What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?
The PBS subsidises the cost of various medications resulting in the consumer paying a reduced price for certain medications. These medications are reduced on average by 80%. A benefit is not payable for PBS items because they are already subsidised by the Federal Government.
Can HCi assist with Travel Insurance?
Your usual benefit entitlements apply throughout Australia. Members who travel away from their home (within Australia or overseas) and fall ill may incur expenses that fall outside the range of health fund benefits, including loss of air fares, additional accommodation costs etc.
We do not offer travel insurance but strongly recommend members traveling seek advice from their travel agent or specialist travel insurer.
How do I provide feedback?
We welcome and value your comments on our products and service. We have a range of ways to contact us, including…
call 1800 804 950
email enquiries@hciltd.com.au
visit 25 Cattley St, Burnie, TAS
If you require further explanation or have problems on matters affecting any aspect of your health insurance cover, please call us to discuss your concerns. We will endeavour to resolve your concerns to your satisfaction as quickly as possible. However, if you believe we have not addressed your issues satisfactorily, you can contact us on 1800 804 950 or email us enquiries@hciltd.com.au.