HCF Query

[expectantdad]

Hi, just joined up here however used this site quite a bit since my partner and I received the (unexpected) news a few months ago!

A very quick question to those that have private health cover through HCF, although it could equally apply to other providers.

My partner is with HCF and has had obstetrics / pregnancy cover for over 2 years (not sure exact date but it pre-dates our relationship). According to HCF, she needs to increase her cover from single to family prior to the birth so that they can "collect premium" to provide cover to the baby after the birth. This to me sounds incredibly strange - how can they can charge for cover that is not being provided, and (God forbid), what happens if there's a complication?

I realise this may sound like she doesn't currently have the obstetrics cover but she does - they have confirmed this. This is purely advice they have given based on her currently being a "single" and needing to go to a "family" cover prior to the birth.

Has anyone had a similar experience with HCF or another provider?

Thanks!

[mimsie]

Don't quote me but I think the point of doing it before is so bub is covered from the minute they are born including all the costs of their stay. You should be able to do it as late as possible though.

[AANGELZZZ]

Hi- I'm also covered with HCF and was previously with another fund- it is standard practice for you to change your single cover either to a
Family policy, or a single parent cover ( if only 1 parent is covered by the insurance)..They usually ask u to change over a couple of months before the baby is due, i changed 3 months before when I was covered by AHM.. what this means is that should the baby be born early, premmie etc, it will be covered by your Health Insurance policy...