HBF provides assistance to members and communities after ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie

HBF members living in Western Australia in the Shires of Broome, Derby/West Kimberley, Halls Creek, and Wyndham East Kimberley who are facing financial hardship as a result of the floods will be eligible to receive up to three months’ complimentary cover via HBF’s disaster relief package. Members who still require support after this time may be eligible to use HBF’s financial hardship suspension to pause their health insurance cover for up to 12 months.

HBF Executive General Manager Member Experience, Selina Torrance, said the scale of devastation across the state’s Kimberley region was almost impossible to fathom.

“It’s heartbreaking to imagine the shock and uncertainty residents and business owners are feeling,” she said.

“HBF’s commitment is to be there for our members in the moments that matter and we hope our relief package gives members one less thing to worry about while they get back on their feet.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted as well as those who are working tirelessly to help these communities recover.”

HBF’s donation will be provided in the form of a $50,000 contribution from its community engagement program to the City of Perth Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund and $20,000 from its workplace giving program to charities based in the affected communities.

With the support of stakeholders in the region, HBF will consider how its employees can further make a difference through the provision of essential goods.

Applications for HBF’s disaster relief package are now open; members can enquire by calling 133 423.

To be eligible for support, members must have held health insurance with HBF at 28 December 2022 and provide proof of direct financial impact, which can include but is not limited to:

• Proof of address
• Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment OR Disaster Recovery Allowance