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GMHBA's history dates back to 1927 when the Cement Workers Hospital Benefits Scheme was created by the Australian Cement Company to provide health insurance for the employees and their families. Similar schemes were formed the following year in 1928, providing employees of other industrial organisations with health insurance.
The demand for public access to a health benefits scheme grew over the years and an “open” scheme was formed at a Public Meeting called by the Mayor of Geelong in 1934, allowing cover for those not employed in the industrial sector.
The “open” health insurance fund grew quickly over the next decade and gradually the industrial based schemes transferred their membership and operations to the open fund.
In 1958 the fund adopted the name of Geelong Medical and Hospital Benefits Association and in October 2000 the company officially changed its name to GMBHA Limited.
GMHBA has grown to be one of Australia's leading regionally based health funds providing private health insurance to thousands of individuals and their families across Australia. GMHBA remains a 100% member based, not-for-profit company.
