Lucky for me I missed the 4 Weeks free because I could not get through to the call centre on the last day. so I thought I would have a look and see what they are now offering and it is bette/
Pay 6 Weeks Hospital and Extras and Get Another 6 Weeks Free (New Members Only) @ HCF
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screensaver on 04/09/2023 - 00:36 hcf.com.au (774 clicks)
Last edited 04/09/2023 - 19:30 by 1 other user
Last edited 04/09/2023 - 19:30 by 1 other user
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learn how to churn
I’m on a reasonable grandfathered plan though.
Doesnt hurt to ask. Also make sure you're getting any persistent discounts you might be eligible for such as automobile association corporate plans.
Every time you churn you're getting half price.
What sort of grandfathered plan could be worth more than that?They don't keep prices locked in from 4+ years ago, do they?
@xsacha: Some of the corporate plans across the various providers tend not to move as much in price plus offer a bonus tier of coverage (is how best to describe it). HCF dropped their 'Platinum' level but added perks to compensate (maybe around 2020?)
In which case, they don’t want you as an existing customer. They want new customers that go on new plans. If they could purge old plans and cycle you onto new plans without a huge backlash they absolutely would.
@Mr BoMBAStiG: Well, I just thought I would share my current corporate plan costs (via RAA in SA - Family, none over 65, full rebate)
Hospital cover
Corp Gold $500 OnlyPremium & frequency
$345.05 per monthhttps://www.hcf.com.au/content/dam/hcf/pdf/brochures/HCF-Cor…
Comparing this to the current public rates (HCF Hospital Premium Gold - $449.70* (no extras, $500 excess), I'm quite happy to forgo any churning 'benefits' and stick with what I've got.
I'll be calling them today as a current member of 30 years. Works every other time I call them.
Avoid at all costs. I'm currently insured with a subsidiary of HCF (dealing direct with HCF to resolve a problem) and I cannot believe how far the customer service has fallen. Used to be good, like really good. But their systems appear to be ancient and they can't get the basics right.
I like the idea of not-for-profit health insurance but with service this bad, it's not worth the hassle.
Couldnt be worse than Medibank. I just park my policy somewhere, and they do have an office in my suburb. I did notice their phone was not being answered they other day, they said technical difficulties, call back later
Their customer support is pretty bad now.
"I could not get through to the call centre" is concerning.
This might be little off the topic but can anyone recommend a good and cheap health insurance for tax benefits?
Edit: I was considering HCF but now I'm having 2nd thoughts after reading some comments. That's why asking for recommendation.
Churning through all of them is best for tax benefits.
You'll need to know which ones are just subs/resellers so you don't hit them twice in a row as they won't offer the 6 weeks free then.I see. Thanks. I'll do a bit more digging before jumping on Churning wagon.
Frank
They also have $400 cashback offer that may suit better for some people.
Quick question. If I decide to stop extras and just get Hospital by itself, does the waiting periods I have served disappear as well? I.e. the 12 month ones.
Paying too much for Extras, and still having to pay at the centres as well feels like a ripoff.
If you dump extras (which I did years ago), you simply revert to being joe public as if you have no coverage for any of those services an so pay cash. Even with extras, you always have the option of not using it to access something.
But realistically, for many families, factoring in spend + gap + that compulsion to use = thousands a year for nothing.
Dropping extras will not impact hospital waiting periods. Separate policy.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah definitely not worth the money being put into it imho. It's dental, optical and chiro that 80% people use it for anyway.
I actually meant the Extras waiting period, like major dental surgery and orthodontics.
If I stop, and take it again in a few months time, will those Extras waiting period be reset?
Yep - so really do your sums before dropping it.
Also, if you're looking at major surgery, it pays to ask the orthodontists and endodontists how much for cash and do they offer payment plans. I have found orthos almost always offer payment plans for no extra cost and endos love giving a cash discount if you pay on the day.
@Benoffie: Thanks for the tips. Yeah I got a perio once, and they charged the same for both on or off extras.
Orthos have the upfront consultation fees which sucks.
Definitely done my maths and what I am claiming is way less than what I am paying (plus the excess extras don't cover).
Worth calling up if I’m already with them and asking where the love is?