I was with HBF, however they were hell expensive and didn't give great coverage.

I am now with GMHBA and have been since 2002. Their absolute top cover is what I was paying for mediocre cover with HBF. I have made several claims with them and it has been as easy as paying the excess and rolling on into hospital. They also do ambulance cover in most of their levels.

I am able to get cheap HIF at work but GMHBA is still cheaper than all.

With a pre existing injury though, I would be anonymously calling whoever you look at and ask them if it will be covered. I say it wont be, so have the injury after you get cover

Just about all private health funds have a 12 month period that you wont be able to claim much.