
HBF is a well-established health insurer with a long history of providing coverage to Australians. It was founded in 1952.
The company operates as a for-profit business, but it has a strong commitment to its members and the community. HBF has a large network of healthcare providers, which makes it easy for members to access medical services.
HBF offers a range of health insurance products, including hospital cover, extras cover, and combined cover. Its policies cater to different needs and budgets, from basic to comprehensive coverage.
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HBF Insurance Overview
Aria Dental still accepts HBF Dental Insurance Members.
HBF, or Hospital Benefits Fund, has been around since 1941 and was originally called the Metropolitan Hospital Benefit Fund. It was established in Western Australia to help residents pay for hospital treatment.
HBF has over a million members nationally and is the fourth-largest health fund in Australia. It's also the second-largest not-for-profit insurer in the country.
The fund changed its name to Hospital Benefits Fund in 1945 when it extended its cover to all hospitals in Western Australia. It became HBF in 2000.
HBF purchased CUA Health in 2021, allowing it to expand its services across Australia.
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Insurance Details
Aria Dental is a great option for HBF insurance members, and here's why: they still accept HBF Dental Insurance Members.
There will be no changes to your rebate for Major Dental category treatments, including dental implants, or General Restorative Dental category treatments, such as fillings and crowns.
Aria Dental has clarified how this change will affect HBF insurance patients in three key ways:
- There will be no changes to your rebate for the Major Dental category or the General Restorative Dental category.
- Additionally, there will be no changes to your maximum rebate entitlement.
- However, there is a change in the HBF Rebate for Basic Dental Treatments / Preventative Dental Category.
This change only affects low-value treatments, such as basic dental exams, cleans, mouthguards, and X-rays, and the rebate discount will depend on your specific level of coverage provided by HBF.
HBF's major dental coverage is designed to provide benefits for more extensive treatments and dental procedures, but coverage limits and member wait periods do apply.
Aria Dental locations still work and accept HBF health and dental insurance, and they will continue to provide top-quality care and competitive/flexible pricing for your dental needs.
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Enterprise Structure
HBF Health Limited has a complex enterprise structure, with various operating divisions and associated companies.
The company's main operating divisions are outlined in the Operating Segments section, which reveals that HBF Health Limited operates in multiple industries and geographic locations.
One of the notable aspects of HBF's structure is its use of subsidiaries, which are listed in the Subsidiaries section, showing a range of associated companies, holding companies, joint ventures, and trusts both domestically and internationally.
Mainframe to Cloud Migration Complete
HBF, an Australian insurance provider, has finally completed its mainframe to cloud migration project after five years of work.
The company started this digital transformation project in 2019, aiming to modernize its systems and improve its services.
HBF worked with several partners, including PwC, Civica, Deloitte, Salesforce, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Mantel Group, to achieve this goal.
The new cloud-based systems include a core insurance platform, CRM and marketing automation systems, a data platform, and a member service and support platform.
HBF's CEO, Dr. Lachlan Henderson, believes this new technology will enhance its ability to deliver on its core purpose of being there for its members in the moments that matter.
The company now has around 1.2 million members, making it the fifth-largest health insurance provider in the country.
HBF's new data management platform utilizes AWS and Snowflake technologies, and a data lake was deployed in late 2021.
The company's digital transformation project has been a significant undertaking, but it's clear that it will have a positive impact on its operations and services.
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Operating Segments
HBF Health Limited operates in various segments, each with its own revenue and assets.
The company's main operating divisions are significant contributors to its overall success.
One of the key segments is the health insurance business, which generates substantial revenue for the company.
HBF Health Limited also operates in the healthcare services segment, providing medical facilities and treatment to customers.
The company's geographic locations span across Australia, with a presence in multiple states and territories.
HBF Health Limited's industries of operation include health insurance and healthcare services, among others.
Understanding the company's operating segments is essential for investors and stakeholders to make informed decisions.
The company's diversified portfolio of operating segments helps to mitigate risks and ensure long-term growth.
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Insurance Products
HBF offers a range of insurance products to suit different needs.
Their Hospital Cover provides comprehensive protection for hospital expenses, including doctor fees, surgery, and accommodation costs.
For those who want to supplement their hospital cover, HBF also offers Extras Cover, which can be tailored to include dental, optical, and other health services.
You can choose from various levels of cover to suit your budget and needs.
HBF's Ambulance Only Cover is a cost-effective option for those who want to cover ambulance costs without paying for hospital cover.
Here are the main insurance products offered by HBF:
- Hospital Cover
- Extras Cover
- Ambulance Only Cover
- Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
Orthodontic
Orthodontic treatment is available as a separate category, providing benefits for orthodontic consultations, Invisalign, diagnostic procedures, and teeth straightening treatment.
HBF offers orthodontic coverage as part of their insurance plans, but it may have its own wait periods and lifetime limits.
You can claim orthodontic treatment with HBF, but be aware that there's a lifetime limit on the amount you can claim over the duration of your life with an HBF dental clinic.
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What Products Offer?
HBF offers a range of insurance products to suit different needs.
If you're looking for comprehensive protection, Hospital Cover is a great option.
Ambulance Only Cover provides coverage for ambulance services, which is a vital aspect of healthcare.
You can also choose Extras Cover, which covers additional healthcare services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
HBF also offers Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for international visitors.
Some organisations may be eligible for corporate policies, which can provide a more affordable and convenient option.
Membership and Products
HBF offers a range of products to suit different needs, including Hospital Cover, Extras Cover, Ambulance Only Cover, and Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC).
These products provide various levels of protection, and you can choose the one that best fits your requirements.
You can join HBF because it is an open insurer, meaning anyone can become a member.
Here are the different types of cover HBF offers:
- Hospital Cover
- Extras Cover
- Ambulance Only Cover
- Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
Aria Accepts Insurance Members
Aria Dental still accepts HBF Dental Insurance Members, so you can continue to rely on their expert care for your dental needs.

You don't have to worry about any changes affecting the quality of care or your out-of-pocket expenses for major dental treatment.
There will be no changes to your rebate for Major Dental category or General Restorative Dental category, including dental implants.
Additionally, your maximum rebate entitlement remains the same.
The only change is in the HBF Rebate for Basic Dental Treatments / Preventative Dental Category, which includes basic dental exams, cleans, mouthguards, and X-rays.
Here's a breakdown of how this change affects your HBF rebate:
- No changes to your rebate for Major Dental category or General Restorative Dental category.
- No changes to your maximum rebate entitlement.
- Changes to your HBF rebate for Basic Dental Treatments / Preventative Dental Category, depending on your specific level of coverage.
As Aria Dental reassures their patients, there's no need to worry about any changes impacting your care or expenses.
Who Can Join?
Anyone can join HBF because it is an open insurer. This means that membership is not limited to specific groups or individuals.
HBF is open to anyone who wants to join, making it a very inclusive option.
Policy Features
HBF's policies have some great features that are worth noting. HBF includes emergency Ambulance Cover with Hospital Cover, Extras Cover, and Combined Hospital and Extras Cover.
This Ambulance Cover is specifically for urgent ambulance transport by road, not by sea or air.
Preventative Basic
Preventative Basic coverage focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing serious dental issues.
This type of coverage typically includes essential treatments and preventative care, such as routine check-ups and cleanings.
A regular check-up and clean tooth insurance/dentist appointment is often covered in this category.
Fluoride treatment and mouthguards are also common benefits included in basic dental coverage.
Basic dental coverage often includes benefits for dental examinations and x-rays.
However, it does not cover more complex procedures such as orthodontics or major restorations.
Restorative
Restorative dental coverage is a fantastic feature of some dentist insurances. It covers minor treatments that fix common dental issues, preventing more extensive procedures down the track.
These treatments can include simple dental fillings, which are often necessary to repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay. Simple dental fillings are a quick and relatively painless procedure.
Wisdom teeth and extraction treatments are also typically covered under restorative HBF dental coverage. This is especially important for people who are prone to wisdom teeth problems or have a history of extractions.
Preventing more extensive procedures is a key benefit of restorative dental coverage. By addressing common dental issues early on, you can avoid more costly and invasive treatments in the long run.
Waiting Periods and Extras
Waiting periods can apply to various dental treatments, and these wait times may vary depending on the insurance plan and the specific treatment.
It's essential to review your plan to ensure it matches your and your family's needs, as extras coverage often has annual limits on benefits payable.
HBF dental waiting periods can be significant, so it's crucial to consider these limits when assessing the suitability of a plan.
You can review the HBF dental fee schedule 2023 to get a better understanding of the costs involved.
Some HBF promotion periods offer discounts or waive waiting periods for new patients, so it's worth keeping an eye out for these opportunities.
Do Policies Include Ambulance Cover?
If you're considering a policy with HBF, you'll be happy to know that they include emergency Ambulance Cover with certain plans.
HBF's policies that include Ambulance Cover are Hospital Cover, Extras Cover, and Combined Hospital and Extras Cover.
Ambulance Cover with HBF only applies to urgent ambulance transport by road, not by sea or air.
The following HBF policies include Ambulance Cover:
- Hospital Cover
- Extras Cover
- Combined Hospital and Extras Cover
Comparison and Benchmarking
HBF's financial performance is comparable to its industry peers, with a market share of 7.7%. The company's management expenses are 16.7% of contribution income, which is higher than the industry average of 13.1%.
HBF's hospital cover is also benchmarked against industry averages, with a member retention rate of 89.9% compared to the industry average of 86.9%. Additionally, HBF covers 93.7% of hospital-related charges, which is higher than the industry average of 89.9%.
Here are some key benchmarks for HBF's hospital cover:
Competitive Environment
In a competitive environment, companies often have to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
The key to success lies in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, which can be done by analyzing their market share, revenue, and growth rate.
For instance, in the tech industry, companies like Apple and Samsung have been vying for market share, with Apple holding a significant lead in terms of revenue.
Competitors can also gain an advantage by identifying gaps in the market that others have overlooked, such as the rise of affordable smartphones.
However, companies can also learn from their competitors' mistakes, such as the failure of Nokia to adapt to the shift towards touch-screen smartphones.
A company's competitive environment can also be influenced by external factors, such as government regulations and economic trends.
Competitor Benchmarking
HBF's member retention for Hospital Cover is significantly higher than the industry average, at 89.9% compared to 86.9%.
HBF has agreements with a large number of private hospitals, with 97 agreements in NSW, 74 in VIC, and 21 in WA. This is close to the industry maximum in each state.
HBF's market share is 7.7%, which is a significant portion of the market. Their % services with no gap is also impressive, at 92.5%.
HBF's management expenses as a % of contribution income are 16.7%, which is higher than the industry average. However, their management expenses per average policy are $586, which is slightly lower than the industry average of $592.
The following table compares HBF's financial ratios and growth to peers in their industries of operation:
HBF's % Extras Cover charges covered is 55.5%, which is higher than the industry average of 51.1%.
Industry and Claims
HBF operates in the health insurance industry, which is a highly competitive market with many players.
HBF has a strong presence in the Western Australian market, where it has been operating for over 80 years.
The company has a significant market share in the health insurance industry, which is a testament to its reputation and customer loyalty.
Growth & Ratios
HBF Health Limited's financial growth has been a significant aspect of its performance, with a clearer picture emerging through key financial ratios and data.
The company has demonstrated a steady increase in revenue, with a notable growth rate of 15% over the past year, as seen in the financial data.
This growth can be attributed to the company's ability to expand its customer base and increase market share, resulting in a significant boost to its revenue.
The company's revenue has increased from $X billion to $Y billion over the past year, indicating a substantial growth in its financial performance.
HBF Health Limited's ability to maintain a high level of financial stability is also evident, with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5, indicating a strong balance sheet.
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Industry Association Membership
HBF is a member of the Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), a body that represents 20 registered health insurers and 97% of people covered by private health insurance.
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This membership suggests that HBF is committed to working with other health insurers to advocate for the needs of its customers.
HBF is also a member of the Members Health Fund Alliance, an alliance of not-for-profit, member-owned, regional or community-based health insurers.
This membership likely provides HBF with access to resources and expertise that can help it better serve its customers and stay up-to-date with industry developments.
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Claim Online or Via App
Claiming on the go is a breeze with many health funds. HBF is one of them, allowing you to make a claim via its online portal, myHBF.
You can also use HBF's mobile app to make a claim, giving you the flexibility to lodge your claim at a time and place that suits you.
Many health funds have mobile apps that make it easy to manage your claims and keep track of your expenses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does HBF stand for?
HBF stands for Metropolitan Hospitals Benefit Fund. It was originally established in 1941 to provide affordable health services to Western Australians.
What is the purpose of HBF?
HBF is a not-for-profit health insurance provider dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians. As a member-based health fund, our purpose is to provide quality healthcare services to over one million members.
Who owns HBF?
HBF is owned by its members, a not-for-profit structure that benefits them directly. As a member-owned organisation, HBF's primary focus is on serving the needs of its members.
Sources
- https://www.ariadental.net.au/dental-health/a-guide-to-hbf-dental-private-health-insurance-benefits/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HBF_(insurer)
- https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/insurance-provider-hbf-completes-mainframe-to-cloud-migration/
- https://www.ibisworld.com/au/company/hbf-health-limited/1344/
- https://www.healthslips.com.au/explore/insurers/hbf-health-insurance
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