Canstar has awarded HCF and nib subsidiary IMAN its 2019 Outstanding Value Award for Working Visa Health Cover.
It also awarded nib its 2019 Outstanding Value Award for Overseas Student Health Cover.
Overseas visitors often use Australia’s public health system. They can experience the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar health system and the associated costs.
Canstar assessed products according to its rating methodology, comparing health insurance policies based on price and features for those travelling to Australia for study or work.
Five overseas student health cover providers and 11 working visa health cover providers were assessed as part of the awards.
HCF launched its 'Overseas Visitors Basic' cover more than a year ago through a partnership with Nationwide Helpline Services (NHS). It is an option for overseas visitors that meet workers’ visa requirements. It is a fully supported health services pathway designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. More than 145 languages are supported by an integrated interpreter service.
Policyholders are able to access a range of packages for Hospital and extras cover, the insurer's leading GP network and participating Medicover private hospitals and doctors.
Greg McAweeney, HCF’s chief officer of business growth, said the award is a testament to the fund’s commitment to delivering an affordable option to people visiting Australia.
“We set out to offer overseas visitors an affordable, understandable and easy-to-navigate solution for health cover. Rather than just relying on the public health system, we are able to direct policyholders to the most appropriate network service provider with little or no out-of-pocket costs,” said Mr McAweeney.
“Given this is a relatively new product range for the industry, we are pleased that our offering is delivering such value. This Award is just another way to recognise that.”