a helping hand in kids' nutrition
Eating well can be a challenge at any age. That's why we’ve partnered with Prima Heath Solutions and Ethos Health to bring HCF members the Healthy Families for Life program, designed to:
- help parents role model healthy eating behaviours
- encourage kids to develop positive eating habits for growth and development
- reduce the risk of chronic conditions in their future.
About the program and eligibility
All HCF members with any HCF health cover (excluding Overseas Visitors Health Cover) can access the online resource hub and get a free* assessment for their child from the care support team.
- access to an educational resource library with evidence-based information, tips and tools to help you understand more about kids’ nutrition, from fussy eating to specific medical conditions
- a phone call from the Healthy Families for Life care support team to help find the next best steps for your child.
If you need further support for your child* or your child is at risk of developing a chronic disease (eg. diabetes or heart conditions), they can get:
- a personalised Consultation Care program with a clinical expert (e.g. a paediatric dietitian)
- tailored, telephone-based coaching from a clinical expert.
How can I access the program?
Go to Healthy Families for Life to access the resource library and extra support.
You can also reach out to the team at any time. Call them on 1800 226 180 or email info@primahealth.com.au
Frequently asked questions
How does it work?
The Healthy Families for Life program is designed to direct parents to the right support they need to manage their child’s nutritional needs.
The online platform gives parents the freedom to choose from a range of support options for your child, from articles and information to expert-led, more complex care, which can prevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions relating to nutrition.
Each page of the Healthy Families for Life resource library has a questionnaire that helps the team understand your specific concerns and sends your details onto a member of the care support team to get in touch with a tailored view of your next steps.
How do I know if I am eligible?
All HCF members with any HCF health cover (excluding Overseas Visitors Health Cover can access the Healthy Families for Life online resource hub and get a free* assessment for their child from the care support team.
If you and your child need extra support, you’ll need to have held family hospital cover for 12 months (excluding Accident Only Basic Cover and Overseas Visitors Health Cover) and your child is at risk of developing a chronic disease. Further eligibility criteria apply*.
Is Healthy Families for Life supported by medical evidence?
The articles and information on the Healthy Families for Life resource library are based on the best evidence we have for supporting healthy growth in children and reducing the risk of weight issues and eating disorders. The programs are designed to support parents and their children improve their nutrition as well as tools to achieve and maintain positive routines to build a healthier next generation.
Does this affect my health cover costs?
Taking part is your choice and if your child is eligible, it won’t affect your premium or health cover in any way.
How do I access the program?
The program is run by Prima Health Solutions Pty Ltd and Ethos Health Pty Ltd for HCF members. You’ll need to go to the Healthy Families for Life website to access the resource library. If you’d like to get further specialised help, you’ll need to provide some personal information (including health and other sensitive information) about you and your child to confirm your child's eligibility.
How is my privacy and health data protected?
The personal information you give to the Healthy Families for Life care support team is used and disclosed to HCF only for the purpose of confirming your eligibility and understanding your child’s specific needs. If you don’t provide this information, the care support team may not be able to give you the best possible support for you and your child.
If you decide on a Consultation Care program, the care support team will only disclose your member number, your name and your child’s name to HCF in order to confirm your eligibility to take part in the program.
The care support team may disclose the following information to HCF in order to organise billing:
- your name and address
- the date of participation with Healthy Families for Life
- your member number.
With your permission, Prima Health Solutions and Ethos Health may provide personal information to your regular doctor or other healthcare provider.
For more information, go to: HCF Privacy Policy, PRIMA Privacy Policy or Ethos Health Privacy Policy
Getting in touch
If you have more questions about the program, you can email our Health and Wellbeing team who are here to help: wellbeing@hcf.com.au
We aim to get back to you in 2 business days.
Contact us: wellbeing@hcf.com.auOTHER HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR HCF MEMBERS
- Calm Kid Central: An online educational and support program for eligible HCF members^ to help kids aged 4–11 understand and better manage their feelings.
- Mental Health Programs: We’ve gone above and beyond to develop a holistic mental health and wellbeing program with access to a range of options that work.
- The Coach Program~: This 6 month phone coaching program is designed to help manage diabetes and heart-related health conditions for eligible HCF members.
- Healthy Weight for Life: This program is designed to kickstart weight loss, improve activity and provide the tools to create healthy routines for eligible HCF members**.
Important Information
*All HCF members with any HCF health cover product (excluding Overseas Visitors Health Cover) are eligible to access the Healthy Families for Life online resources and phone call assessment from the care support team. Your child may qualify for the additional clinical support from the Healthy Families for Life program if you have held family hospital cover for at least 12 months (excluding Accident Only Basic Cover and Overseas Visitors Health Cover) and your child has multiple risk factors for developing a chronic disease
^To be eligible for Calm Kids Central you must have hospital or extras cover for 12 months, excludes Accident Only Basic cover and Overseas Visitors Health Cover.
~If you’re an HCF member and you have diabetes, a chronic heart condition or osteoarthritis, and you’ve had HCF hospital cover for at least 12 months that covers heart conditions and vascular system (excluding Accident Only Basic cover and Overseas Visitors Health Cover), you may be eligible for the COACH program.
**Must have HCF hospital cover for 12 months (excluding Accident Only Basic cover) and meet the Healthy Weight for Life program's eligibility criteria.
