Maximising Your HCF Optical Cover and Claim

Here at 1001 Optometry, providing high-quality and affordable eye care is our top priority.

That’s why we work with health funds such as HCF to ensure that our customers can get the most out of our services and products, both online and in-store.

If you’re an HCF member, you can claim back optical extras every calendar year. However, these benefits come with a “use it or lose it” offer–meaning that if you don’t claim your eyewear by the end of the year, any unused benefits will be lost.

At 1001 Optometry, we make it seamless to claim your extras on time and maximise your HCF optical cover. So read on to learn more about how you can maximise your benefits immediately.

HCF Optical Extras Cover and Claims

Optical health insurance benefits will differ from provider to provider and policy to policy.

If you’re an HCF Health Insurance member on an Extras plan, you may be covered for optical services. Yet, the level of coverage will vary depending on the tier of health insurance you’ve taken out.

How Much Can I Claim?

To help you work out how much you can claim, find your HCF health insurance plan in the table below and move across to the annual limit column.

As a starting point, the HCF Starters Extras coverage allows you to claim 100% of the fee up to your per-person annual limit ($100 per person, maximum $200 per policy).

Moving up the tiers, you’ll be able to claim:  

Does HCF Cover Glasses?

In terms of what optical products you’ll be covered for, your health insurance will generally cover:  

• Spectacle frames

• Spectacle and sunglass prescription lenses

• Excludes: add-ons like high-index material, coatings and tinting

• Contact lenses

Waiting Periods

Claiming your optical products or services will be subject to waiting periods.

Your waiting period for optical is 2 months. So if you took out your HCF policy less than two months ago, you may need to wait it out to make sure you can claim your benefits.

Shop Opticals Online

With a valid prescription, you can purchase your spectacle frames, sunglass lenses or contact lenses online before making a claim through HCF!

It’s a simple process and allows you the freedom to shop 1001 Optometry’s extensive range without stepping foot in-store.

Claiming your Optical Extras with an HCF Health Fund

Claiming your optical extras using your HCF health fund is easy with 1001 Optometry. You can do this in person when you’re in-store, or online if you’re purchasing digitally.

HCF Optical Claim In-Store

If you’ve got your HCF Health Fund Card with you, we can process your optical claims on the spot at any of our store locations.

HCF Optical Claim Online

If you’ve purchased your opticals online, you can email us at contactus@1001optical.com.au to request an itemised invoice of your prescription purchase.

From there, you can then:

1. Log into your HCF app or members portal online

2. Head to the "Claims" section and select "Make a claim".

3. Choose the optical service you want to claim for

4. Upload a clear photo of your itemized receipt. Check that your receipt includes:

• Provider details

• Date of service

• Item description

• Cost of each item

5. Follow the prompts and enter the claim details

6. Submit your claim

Bulk-billed Eye Tests

At 1001 Optometry, we recommend that you complete an eye examination at least once every two years to maintain your ocular health.

If you have a Medicare card, your eye test may be completely covered. However, this will depend on:

• Eligibility: You must have a valid Medicare card to be eligible for bulk billing

• Age:

• For those 65 years of age or older, you’re eligible to receive a bulk-billed eye test once a year.  

• For those under 65 years old, you’re eligible for a bulk-billed eye test once every three years.  

• Time since the last test: Check that your last test was over three years ago to make sure you qualify.

• Medical Conditions: If you’ve got certain medical conditions that require more frequent eye checks, consult your GP to see if you’re eligible for additional bulk-billed tests.

• Standard eye test: Bulk billing only covers standard comprehensive eye tests. Any prescription glasses or lenses off the back of that will not be covered. That’s where you can tap into your HCF optical benefits!

Make The Most of Your HCF Optical Benefits Today!

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, 1001 Optometry is committed to caring for your eye health and vision clarity.

It’s our mission to make it as easy as possible for you to get the most out of your optical extras cover, and provide the ultimate customer experience from first test to final frames.

Visit your closest branch to purchase your perfect pair and claim your benefits today!

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