Partnering with HCF - Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund.
Together we offer patients access to a no-gap program covering first time (primary) hip and knee replacement surgery.
HCF members must have had hospital cover with joint replacement included in their HCF cover for 12 months and have served all applicable waiting periods.
No out-of-pocket costs for first time hip or knee replacement surgery will apply if the surgery is deemed clinically appropriate by the participating surgeon and Macquarie University Hospital. The HCF hospital excess may apply, depending on your level of HCF cover and if it is your first hospital stay in the calendar year.
The program is proposed to end on 30 September 2025 for HCF members.
FAQs
Find the answers to questions about this program below.
HCF and MUH have launched a No-Gap Joint Replacement Program providing eligible members with no out-of-pocket costs (an excess may apply depending on your level of cover and if you are claiming for the first time in a calendar year) for first time hip and knee replacement surgery.
The program includes the following:
- Assessment at our Pre-admission Clinic and Optimised Recovery Clinic
- Joint replacement surgery with a participating surgeon, including your prosthesis (artificial joint)
- Anaesthetist costs
- Assistant surgeon costs
- Hospital accommodation and theatre costs
- Diagnostic tests (scans and blood tests) whilst admitted and for pre-admission bloods taken at Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology or scans conducted at Macquarie Medical Imaging located within Macquarie University Hospital and Clinic. The diagnostic tests must be on a referral from a participating surgeon and you must be participating in the No-Gap Joint Replacement Program
- Partner provided rehabilitation services (where required, as determined by your surgeon and care team).
- Post-surgery consultations with your surgeon after your hip or knee replacement surgery during the program.
The No-Gap Joint Replacement Program is available to HCF members who have held joint replacement cover with HCF for 12 months once the participating orthopaedic surgeon and the hospital accepts the member into the program. No sign-ups or hidden extra fees. The program is available for first time hip and knee replacements only.
Eligible members must be accepted into the program in line with clinical criteria by a participating orthopaedic surgeon and Macquarie University Hospital. Availability is subject to the individual participating surgeon's capacity and early bookings are encouraged.
If you are a HCF member, find out if you are eligible by logging into the My Membership app or online member services, by calling HCF on 13 13 34 or visiting your local branch.
Some of the common hip and knee procedures include:
- Total Knee Replacement (49518)
- Total Hip Replacement (49318)
- Revision Knee Replacement (49533)
- Revision Hip Replacement (49380)
- ACL Reconstruction (49542).
There are other procedures available in this program. Call us on +61 (2) 9812 3333 to find out more.
Yes, you can choose one of our participating surgeons. The participating surgeons in the program are:
The HCF and MUH No-Gap Joint Replacement Program covers first time hip and knee replacements only. You will need to be eligible for the No-Gap Joint Program and obtain a referral from your GP to a participating orthopaedic surgeon. You will need to contact the surgeon's rooms to book an appointment.
The consultations with your participating orthopaedic surgeon prior to admission are not included. Your post surgical consultations with your surgeon during the program are included. Costs associated with your hip or knee replacement surgery with a participating surgeon during your admission and post-surgery rehabilitation are included in this program.
Medical costs and other costs for unrelated conditions/procedures (for example, diabetes and cardiac conditions) are not covered by the No-Gap Joint Program and additional costs may apply. You may need to pay your HCF private health insurance excess (depending on your level of cover and if you are claiming for the first time in a calendar year).
If there are complications during your hospital admission that require additional care or services beyond what is included in the No-Gap Joint Replacement Program there may be additional costs.
Please speak to your participating orthopaedic surgeon about the risks that may be associated with your chosen surgery.
Your participating orthopaedic surgeon should also make you aware of and obtain your Informed Financial Consent for any additional costs.
Assessment at Macquarie University Hospital's Pre-admission Clinic and our Optimised Recovery Clinic are included. Rehabilitative services provided by Macquarie University Hospital’s rehabilitation partners are included under the program.
Your surgeon and care team will develop a suitable care plan for your rehabilitation.