HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections

For members, this translates to tangible savings. Specifically, there will be an average fee decrease of approximately 6% for death cover and nearly 15% for TPD cover. Income protection cover will see reductions ranging from 1.4% to 23.5%, depending on the benefit period selected. These reductions mean that more of members' funds remain invested, potentially enhancing their retirement savings over time.

In addition to fee reductions, HESTA is implementing several member-centric enhancements:

• Extended Parental Leave Insurance Waiver: Members on parental leave can now maintain their insurance cover without fees for up to 12 months. For premature births occurring before 37 weeks, this waiver extends to 24 months.
• Removal of Pregnancy-Related Exclusions: The fund is eliminating automatic exclusions for disabilities related to normal pregnancy, childbirth, or miscarriage from income protection claims in specified circumstances. This change addresses a common industry exclusion, offering broader protection for members during and after pregnancy.
• Streamlined Application Process: Members can now apply for increased death (up to a total of six units) and income protection (up to a total of 12 units) cover at any time by completing a short personal health statement, simplifying the process of obtaining additional coverage.

These initiatives reflect HESTA's commitment to providing insurance solutions that are both affordable and responsive to the diverse needs of its membership base. By reducing fees and enhancing coverage options, HESTA aims to ensure that members have robust protection tailored to their individual circumstances.

Members will receive detailed communications about these changes later this month. Updated Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) and Insurance Options Guides will be available on the HESTA website from 1 July 2026. For more information, members are encouraged to visit HESTA's official announcement.