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The history of HBF
Use our interactive timeline below to see how HBF has grown over the last 70 years.
1941
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Metropolitan Hospital Benefit Fund (MHBF) launched
HBF began in April 1941 as the Metropolitan Hospital Benefit Fund, to help West Australians cover the cost of hospital treatment.
1945
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MHBF became Hospital Benefit Fund
As our coverage had gradually extended to all Western Australian hospitals, in October 1945 MHBF lost the word 'Metropolitan' to become the Hospital Benefit Fund.
1951
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Medical Fund
In November 1951, we offered our members even greater benefits, by expanding our services to include a Medical Fund to cover doctors' consultations.
1970
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More Service Centres
In the 1970s we gave our members outside of Perth greater access to our services, opening our first regional branches at sites including Albany, Collie, Geraldton and Katanning.
1975
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Ancillary health services
In 1975, we expanded our services further to include ancillary health services such as physiotherapy and podiatry.
1983
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Hospital Benefit Fund diversifies into general insurance
Along with health insurance, we began to offer home and car insurance to our members.
1986
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Travel insurance available
Our range of general insurance products was expanded to also include travel insurance.
1994
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One of WA's most famous icons is born
In October 1994 "Ted" first appeared as the star of Hospital Benefit Fund commercials.
1999
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Federal Government introduced the 30% rebate
In 1999 the Federal Government introduced the 30% rebate, making private health insurance even more attractive.
2000
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Hospital Benefit Fund of Western Australia renamed HBF
In March 2000 our name was shortened to HBF. Lifetime Health Cover was introduced in 2000, and along with the 30% rebate introduced in 1999, it resulted in a significant increase in membership numbers.
2003
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HBF introduces Financial Services
HBF members were given access to financial planning advice when we launched HBF Financial Services in 2003.
2008
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Electronic claiming available
2008 saw us introduce electronic claiming for ancillary services and unveil a new logo.
2011
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HBF Today
Today we're proud to be WA's leading health insurer and one of the leading providers of home, car and travel insurance. We have more than 880 employees at our 18 Service Centres and in our head office. A lot has changed since our inception in 1941, but one thing remains the same - our sole purpose is to serve our members.
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Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 12pmFor international enquiries, call us on +618 9265 6111
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