40% of West Australians are putting off skin cancer screenings

Partnership between HIF Health Insurance and AI tool, SkinVision, to simplify screening processes by digitally monitoring skin health

With the recent news that Healthscope Hospital Group has gone into receivership, it’s important to reassure our members that they can access high quality local private and public hospital services across Australia¹.

2024 Annual HIF Sleep Index score 59.2 (decline from 61.6 in 2023).  Australians are significantly more likely to say that poor sleep had a negative impact on them personally this year. Biggest impacts: mental and physical health, decision-making, ability to work and self-care.

It’s that time of year again, so let’s make sure you’re prepared for tax time in relation to your Private Health Insurance.

New Laws that took effect at the start of this month marked a milestone in the public health campaign to combat the spread of vaping in our community. From March 1 all vaping products including liquids with or without nicotine, and hardware will be banned from importation. 

While our 2024 premium increase will come into effect on 1 April, we are proud to be a not-for-profit health fund, which means we always try to put our members needs first. This includes trying to keep any increases to our premiums as low as possible.

“I’m a big believer in free access to health care for all,” says Stef Gebbie, 30, from Tasmania. “But when I was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, it really highlighted the failings of our public health system. I realised I needed to get private health cover to ensure access to the best care.

Learning basic first aid skills has the potential to stop a minor mishap from becoming something much worse. It’s why HIF is proud to be extending its partnership with St John WA to support delivery of their First Aid Focus program.

Dental cover is an important part of any Extras health insurance policy, which is why, in 2024, we are making some changes to ours. 

From 1 January, we’re increasing benefits across 77 of our most claimed General and Major Dental services, meaning less out-of-pocket costs for members. 

Over the past 12 months, HIF has made significant strides in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Today, we are delighted to announce we have been recognised for our efforts by being awarded coveted Inclusive Employer status for 2023 by the Diversity Council Australia.

HIF has released its Annual Report for 2022/23 In Our Members’ Best Interests, showcasing its continued financial strength and ongoing commitment to supporting its 50,000+ members.

QUEST Initiative delivers promising early results on the impact of medicinal cannabis.

The QUEST Global study, led by Curtin University and sponsored by medicinal cannabis supplier Little Green Pharma (LGP), with the support of HIF, will assess whether medicinal cannabis reduces the economic impact of chronic disease, by reducing both the number of medications a patient requires and their need for healthcare services.

Australians who are struggling to make ends meet are missing out on the recommended hours of sleep for a physically and mentally healthy life. A survey conducted by CoreData WA on behalf of HIF found a clear link between poor health and lower disposable income, and quality of sleep.

St John Giving is expanding its Community Transport Service (CTS) to Northam, Western Australia thanks to the support of HIF. We have funded a fully equipped Kia Carnival with automatic external defibrillators and first aid kits, allowing trained St John volunteers to drive residents in Northam to vital healthcare services.

We’d like to give a little shout out to our Chief Risk Officer Belinda Goosen who was named among the top two Chief Risk Leaders for 2023 by the Risk Management Institute of Australia.

HIF has teamed up with the community movement Cold Nips for a sunrise dip in the ocean to mark World Sleep Day today.

Every year, like all Australian insurers, we review our premiums to ensure we can continue to cover the rising cost and increase in demand for quality healthcare. As a proudly not-for-profit health fund, we do all we can to avoid increasing our premiums any more than is absolutely necessary.

As a private health insurer, it’s our role to advocate for better health, even if it does mean sometimes ruffling a few feathers. E-cigarettes are being touted as the miracle saviour to help people quit smoking. However, we think they’re doing more harm than good. Until there is proper research on the real effects of vaping, we should not be supporting it in Australia.

HIF is reaching out to support members in the Kimberley region of Western Australia impacted by the recent flooding.

At HIF we are here for our members no matter how difficult the circumstances. HIF recognises the extraordinary impact the flooding in Victoria and New South Wales has had on our members over the last few weeks.

At HIF, we pride ourselves on partnering with organisations who align with our value of community. So it gives us great pleasure to announce we have signed a partnership with Binar Futures – a not-for-profit sport, education and leadership organisation supporting Indigenous youth in Western Australia.

We’re aware of the cyber-attack at Optus and Medibank. HIF has not been impacted but we would like to reassure members we are actively monitoring the situation.

The Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) has renewed its partnership with Perth Wildcats for an 11^th consecutive season, making it the longest officially recognised partner of the NBL team.

This month, we are aiming to debunk some of the misconceptions that are keeping us up at night as part of our commitment to helping members get a better night’s sleep. Follow us on our socials for our “Sleepy September” A to Zzzz of sleep myths.

The role of alternative emerging therapies such as psilocybin and MDMA in treating mental health conditions was the subject of a timely and thought-provoking discussion at the Australian Medical Association (WA) conference MEDCON²² in Perth last week.

Our CEO Justin James sat down with 6PR’s Oliver Peterson to address the possibility of using drugs like MDMA in therapy to treat chronic mental health conditions.

HIF members now have more choice and access to care for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses with the opening of a sixth St John Urgent Care centre in Osborne Park.

As Australia's first certified carbon neutral health fund, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. It’s why each tax time we save on paper and send your tax statement information direct to the Australian Taxation Office. 

At HIF, we remain committed to providing choice and access, which is why we are pleased to announce members can now get an Extras benefit quote online through our Online Member Centre.

As a not-for-profit health fund focussed on its members, HIF recognises the extraordinary impact the flooding over east has brought to devastated communities in parts of Queensland and New South Wales this month. That’s why, in response to the unfolding disaster, we are offering support to our members in affected regions.

We’ve hit a milestone on our journey to reconciliation. Our very first Reconciliation Action Plan (REFLECT) has now been submitted and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. While we are proud of the foundational steps we have made, we acknowledge we have a long journey ahead of us to truly understand and respect what reconciliation means.

Committed to supporting our community through ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives, HIF has today launched a new accessibility widget to enhance our website experience.

HIF will again support telehealth mental health services for members in Victoria, NSW, and ACT during the current lockdown.

It's Privacy Awareness Week 2021: Make Privacy a Priority. Check our top tips in protecting your privacy.

HIF has announced it will donate $25,000 in support of the Wooroloo and Hill’s communities, which are being impacted by the devastating bush fires. 
 

National private health insurer Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) has formed a strategic partnership with Australian medicinal cannabis manufacturer Little Green Pharma (LGP) to support improved access and research into medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for Australian patients.

CEO COMMENTARY: 

“This year has presented many challenges for all industries across Australia, particular those in the health sector. 

HIF Managing Director, Graeme Gibson, today announced that HIF would postpone the 2020 premium increase until 1 October 2020.

Peter and Margaret switched to HIF from Medibank in 2014 and were amazed by the savings they made, as well as our great dental and optical benefits...

In early September, the Government passed an amendment to the private health insurance legislation. The goal is to make health cover simpler and more affordable for Australians. The changes as a result of this amendment will be rolled out on 1 April 2019. So what are some of the major health reform changes and how might they affect you?

Have you ever heard of the term “self-insurance”? It’s being referred to as an alternative to the traditional process of taking out a health insurance policy as a safety net. But can you really afford to self-insure and is it the safest option? According to finance and insurance expert, Bessie Hassan from finder.com.au, “The answer is probably not. You never really know when a medical issue can pop up and how much it’s going to cost you, the reality is that not everyone can afford to fork out $35,000 when the time comes.” With this in mind, Bessie  discusses the importance of having health insurance and being covered if the worst happened.

Exciting news! HIF has partnered with Pooches at Play, a brand new lifestyle and entertainment show on TEN which will air on Saturday 15 July at 2:30pm through to September. Click through to find out more...

The Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) remains one of Australia’s most competitively priced health insurance funds following the Federal Government’s premium increase announcement on February 10.

HIF is celebrating today after our Senior Digital Marketing Consultant, Maureen Teague, was last night named Australian Young Marketer of the Year by the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA).

In a first for the Australian health insurance industry, HIF will provide new members greater choice, by enabling a third gender and "Mx" title option on all of its contact points, catering for thousands of people who identify as neither male nor female...

Following HIF's 2014 CANSTAR award for Private Hospital Cover (WA), this year HIF has won five of the industry acclaimed awards with yet another five-star rating in both Hospital and Extras packages for Outstanding Value. 

To celebrate ‪‎Dental Health Week‬, we thought we'd take a moment to share this short video of HIF member Matt and his adorable son Xander. In it, Matt talks about his HIF membership and explains us why being able to choose his own dentist was the single biggest factor when considering his private health insurance provider.

HIF member Claire Chidgzey discusses her key life changes and explains the important role her private health insurance played during the premature birth of her gorgeous baby girl, Inez. 

In this short clip, Anne Humphrey, HIF Executive Manager, joined the team at Everyday Health TV to highlight the importance of reviewing your health insurance, whilst sharing her top tips on how to save some dollars too. 

It's a FREE service available exclusively to HIF members who hold combined GoldStar Hospital + Premium Extras cover. Accessible via the Best Doctors’ worldwide network of specialists, it enables an expert second opinion on any diagnosis, condition or treatment. In this short clip, Darren Reynolds, Managing Director of Best Doctors, joined the team at Everyday Health TV to provide further information on this incredible service.

Did you know that same-sex couples can join HIF on a joint health insurance policy? Turns out, this is still a point of confusion for some; so we caught up with the team from Everyday Health TV to explain more.

Did you know HIF was the first Australian health fund to add its support to the Australian Marriage Equality campaign? In this quick clip, HIF members Kate & Laura discuss the importance of being with a health insurer that shares the same values as they do.

In this clip from Everyday Health TV, HIF member Jamie Scoringe explains how he avoided being hit with Lifetime Health Cover loading by purchasing private hospital insurance before his 31st birthday.

Confused about the Lifetime Health Cover penalties that apply to private hospital insurance? The team from Everyday Health TV explore the impacts of this confusing government legislation. 

HIF Executive Manager Anne Humphrey joined the Everyday Health TV​ panel to provide clarity and discuss the tax benefits of purchasing a private hospital insurance policy.

HIF member, Sean Weragoda discusses his experience with HIF and why he purchased GoldVital Hospital Cover to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)

Exciting news! HIF has partnered with Everyday Health, a brand new show on Channel 10 which will air for 13 weeks from today through to September. Click through to find out more...

Leading national not-for-profit health fund, HIF, has hit back at claims from CHOICE that it sells a "junk" insurance policy. HIF Managing Director Graeme Gibson said he is extremely disappointed in CHOICE for its unbalanced and incorrect information criticising several health funds. Find out more...

The Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) remains one of Australia’s most competitively priced health insurance funds following the Federal Government’s premium increase announcement today. 

HIF and Surfing Western Australia are pleased to announce a continuing partnership for 2016, following the success of their work together over the last four years. Surfing WA managing director Mark Lane said this week, "Surfing is synonymous with a healthy lifestyle and has been proven to provide both mental and physical health benefits. The growth of our partnership is a testament to the strength of our aligned objectives, keeping our community safe, happy and healthy.”

Perth - have you registered for the SIDS & Kids WA 'Sunshine Beach Run' yet? Belinda Goosen is just one HIF employee preparing to put in some miles running at her local beach as part of her pre-event training program. In this article, we chat to Belinda and HIF Managing Director, Graeme Gibson, about why the Sunshine Beach Run is such an important annual event.

Ever wondered what names are trending right now? Your wish is our command! Here are the top 25 boys names and the top 25 girls names for 2015.

Want to win an Apple Watch valued at $499? It's easy! Click through to the article for full details and instructions.

HIF's Executive Manager Business Development, Anne Humphrey, talks to Business News WA and discusses HIF's recent rapid growth.

HIF and the Perth Wildcats are pleased to announce a renewed three-year partnership, following the success of their work together over the last two seasons. Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin said this week, “Some time ago we walked away from junk food and alcohol sponsorship so it is terrific to have HIF remaining on board with us to help promote healthy living and to have those shared values."

Great news for HIF members - we're simplifying our optical benefits from June 1, so you can claim more on glasses and contacts in future! Find out more...

HIF’s hospital coverage has gotten even better over the last 12 months. Now HIF members are covered for private treatment at almost 1,300 hospitals around Australia – that’s 534 private overnight hospitals and day facilities for inpatients, plus 750 public hospitals. Read on to learn more about our improved hospital coverage across Australia, our latest no-gap arrangements and our in-home hospital services.

National not-for-profit health insurer HIF remains the best value health insurer for members following the Federal Government’s premium increase announcement for 2015.

Ever wondered how professional health experts motivate themselves for the year ahead? We were curious too, so we quizzed our panel of bloggers on their new year's resolutions for 2015...

Got a few minutes to spare? Grab a cuppa and check out our new Year in Review video!

Following last year’s Canstar award for their suite of Extras insurance policies, HIF has this year topped the list for Private Hospital Cover (WA) with yet another five star rating for Outstanding Value, beating 35 other health funds in their home state including HBF, Bupa and Medibank. 

This week we received the following question on our Facebook page: "Why pay for private health insurance when you have to also pay a gap? Why do we need it when Medicare and the public system is something I've already paid for through my tax?". Read on to see our response...

After recently identifying a point of confusion in the market, HIF believes it’s important for consumers to know that same-sex relationships can be covered on HIF’s couple and family health insurance policies.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Perth Wildcats on an incredible finals clash against the Adelaide 36ers. As diamond partner, HIF Australia could not be prouder of our team as they took out the 2013/14 NBL championship for the sixth time! 

National not-for-profit health insurer HIF remains the best value health insurer for members following the Federal Government’s premium increase announcement for the 2014-15 financial year.

West Australian surfers can rest a little easier now after HIF yesterday presented a critical water safety jet-ski today to Surfing WA to use at more than 28 events held state-wide, attracting thousands of competitors annually.

HIF's range of Extras cover choices has been awarded a FIVE STAR rating for ‘Outstanding Value’ in the prestigious CANSTAR Health Insurance Awards 2013.

The Perth Wildcats announce partnership with HIF, who have joined the team as a diamond partner for at least the next two seasons. HIF managing director Graeme Gibson said: "HIF is excited to be on the Perth Wildcats team. We are confident that this sponsorship will help encourage our members to live more healthy and active lives and make better choices about their health."

Congenital amputee Brant Garvey  from WA recently embarked on a mission to raise $20,000 to purchase a running leg (running blade) which will increase his competition time and allow him to run without pain. Thanks to more than 300 generous community members at a recent quiz night in WA, including a generous donation from HIF which raised $1,100 as an auction piece, Brant has now raised enough money to purchase a running blade and secure his position representing Australian in the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in London on 4 September 2013. Read on to find out more about Brant and learn how you can help support his journey....

Our members already know that HIF dental cover is a smart choice, that’s why they  joined. And now our SmartTeeth cover just got smarter, because we’ve increased dental rebates – some of them by up to 12.9%!

Check out these mouth-watering entries from our recent “Superfoods” themed photo competition! These entries looked so delicious we simply had to share them. Do you have a favourite?

Following the announcement by the Federal Government to make cuts to the baby bonus scheme, HIF Managing Director, Graeme Gibson urges Australian families to take a closer look at how much they're paying for health insurance. 

West Australia's three health funds have banded together to warn members that the latest Gillard Government proposals to reduce the Private Health Insurance Rebate will further erode the affordability of private health cover.

WA-based health insurer HIF has added improved surfer safety to its sponsorship of the 2013 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro kicking off at Surfers Point, Prevelly Park from March 16.

We are delighted to announce that from January 2013, health and wellbeing expert Susie Burrell will join our HIF to provide weekly articles crammed full of nutritional advice, exercise info and more. In the meantime, read on to find out Susie's top tip for staying healthy during the festive season...

On Friday 14 December Dr Emma will take control of our Facebook page for 30 minutes to answer any questions you may have, right there and then. Questions can be of a general nature or relate to something more specific, like Bruxism or dental care during pregnancy.

Save the date, Sunday 10 February 2013! There are three major categories for both adults and children, the 5km run/walk, 3km run/walk and 1km run/walk, suitable for the fitness conscious and families.

You may be aware that as of 1 July 2012, the Private Health Insurance rebate will be means tested. You may also be wondering how the changes will affect you, and whether it still makes sense to continue paying for private health insurance. The simple answer is yes. But don’t just take our word for it; here are more key reasons why continuing your HIF health cover is a smart choice.

As a proud supporter of the Amanda Young Foundation, HIF Managing Director Graeme Gibson was delighted to donate a signed surfboard as an auction prize at this year's Amanda Young Foundation Ball in Perth.

For the sixth consecutive year, Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) has kept its annual average premium increase affordable for its members.

Amanda Hansord, Zavier’s mother, personally thanked HIF, telling us that she was "delighted - and very relieved" that the cost of Zavier's operation, which amounted to just over $60,000, was fully covered under her HIF health insurance policy.

Need to claim on the go? Now you can! Welcome to SmartClaim, our free and easy-to-use mobile app that makes it simple to submit ancillary claims when you're out and about.

The latest report is out on elective surgery waiting periods in the WA public system, and it's not pretty...

The team here at HIF were delighted to receive an Australian Web Award last night for the "eCommerce Website" category in the Western region (covering WA, SA and NT).

Our SmartTeeth Rewards program is so good, even dentists are smiling!

In the June 2011 edition of The Australian Financial Review's Smart Investor magazine, HIF's Gold Hospital Nil Excess product was awarded "Best Hospital Plan for Growing Families" in NSW and ACT.

The HIF website has been selected as an Official Honoree for the Insurance Website category in The 15th Annual Webby Awards.

For the fifth consecutive year, we have maintained our stand against the big health funds by keeping premiums down for our 60,000 members...

The Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) are the new naming rights sponsor for 2011 and are thrilled to support Surfing WA's newly formatted Pro Am Series and also the WA State Longboard Titles, whilst continuing their awesome support of the Drug Aware Pro.

A new year, a new website. And what a website it is! We've introduced heaps of new features and tools, so come on in and explore what's new...

Did you know that HIF is Australia's First Certified Carbon Neutral Health Fund? Read on to find out more about green credentials.

HIF is the smart choice in health cover and Western Australians are starting to realise that when it comes to choosing your private health insurer, bigger is not always better.

HIF has capped off a successful end to 2009, with a record number of new members joining the not-for-profit health fund. Recently released figures reveal that in November 2009 the number of members joining HIF increased by 394% compared to the November 2008 figure.