Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund HCF is ending 2022 as its 90th year since its creation as the ‘Metropolitan Hospitals Fund’.
The company opened its first back in Sydney in 1937.
In 1975, it became the first private health insurer to introduce extras cover. In 1986, it established its life insurance business and became the first major sponsor of the HCF Careflight community rescue helicopter service. It opened its first dedicated dental centre in 1998 and implemented the HICAPS electronic claims solutions for members.
CEO Sheena Jack said a commitment to driving positive change included the establishment of the HCF Research Foundation in 2000, and launching HCF Catalyst, Australia’s first and longest-running corporate-supported health tech accelerator program in 2016.
“We’re very excited about HCF’s 90 year anniversary and extremely proud of our work driving positive change and improving access, affordability and quality of healthcare to Australians,” she said.
“We are very aware that our members put great trust in us to help them along their healthcare journeys, which is why as a not-for-profit we’re proud to invest our profits back into the fund to benefit members, with benefits like no-gap initiatives and wellness programs.”