What can HBF pharmaceutical cover do for you?
When it comes to your health, access to the right medication matters. That’s why HBF offers support for essential medicines not subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), helping you manage out-of-pocket costs and stay in control of your treatment options.
Treat and manage illnesses
Reduce the cost of prescriptions
Improved quality of life
Prevent illnesses
What's included in HBF's pharmaceutical cover?
HBF pays benefits* on a variety of the below:
- Medications
- Vaccines
- Allergy treatments
- *When prescribed and dispensed to an outpatient member with HBF Pharmaceutical cover.
Different criteria and benefits apply depending on whether it is:
- A pre-manufactured medication or vaccine
- A compounded medication (i.e. custom made for unique requirements)
- An allergy treatment or sublingual immunotherapy
- A synovial fluid replacement
If the medication is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with an approved use for male pattern hair loss, erectile dysfunction, contraception, weight management or weight reduction, no benefits will be payable.
Compare pharmaceutical cover
How does it work?
Sign up online
Pharmaceuticals (non-PBS) is included on HBF Flex 50, Flex 60, Core Extras, Complete 60 and Top 70 extras covers. Once you have picked an extras product that suits your needs, you can sign up online in just a few minutes or contact us to discuss your options.
Serve any applicable waiting periods
If you are new to private health insurance, you will need to serve waiting periods. If you are switching from another policy or fund, waiting periods may apply so please contact us before starting treatment.
Book an appointment
Frequently asked questions
for pharmaceutical cover
What does extras insurance cover?
The specific extras services you're covered for depends on your health fund, level of cover and the specific policy you choose. Here are some examples of common services extras insurance can cover:
- Dental treatment — this includes preventative dental, general restorative dental, major dental and implants, and orthodontics
- Physiotherapy
- Optical - glasses and contact lenses
- Chiropractic treatment
- Podiatry
What is extras cover? How does it work?
Extras insurance provides cover for everyday health care services that Medicare doesn't generally pay a benefit towards, such as visiting a dentist or physiotherapist.
HBF offers eight levels of extras cover, ranging from basic to more comprehensive cover. What you can claim for, and what benefits are available to you, depends entirely on the cover option you choose.
When you purchase extras cover for the first time or update your policy, you'll likely need to serve a waiting period. A waiting period is a set amount of time during which you can't claim benefits. Once your waiting periods have been served, you'll be able to claim on the services on your cover.
Once you’re ready to claim on a service covered by your policy, you can either claim on-the-spot at your provider via a participating terminal or submit your claim to HBF via the following methods:
- Submit your claim via the HBF App
- Submit your claim via myHBF
- Visit your nearest branch
- Return a claim form by mail
We'll review your claim and pay you any benefits you're entitled to.
What are the waiting periods on extras cover?
Waiting periods for extras vary between health funds, but with HBF most services have a two-month waiting period, while more high-cost services (like major dental) have a waiting period of 12 months or more.
Explore our Help Centre
Manage your membership
Access your cover online, order a member card, manage members on your policy and more.
Health insurance explained
Gold, Silver, Bronze and Extras cover explained, what is an excess and more.
Membership & claims
Making claims, managing your cover, updating payment details and more.