Coal industry superannuation fund Auscoal Super has overhauled its insurance offering and upgraded its education to members in an effort to focus on the changing needs of coalminers.
"We are offering members scaleable, age-based insurance that has been designed especially for those working in the coal industry," Auscoal Super chief executive Bruce Watson said.
The new default arrangements mean the fund has moved from providing all active members $50,000 default death and total and permanent disablement (TPD) cover at a fixed cost to a life stage scale that provides up to $100,000 enhanced basic death and terminal illness and TPD cover.
"After completing extensive research we found the improved safety record in coalmining, growth in the average coalminer's wage and growth in overall household debt along with improved life expectancies meant the old scale was no longer relevant," Watson said.
Members can now also obtain higher cover, without underwriting, when they experience a significant life event, such as a birth.
They can also increase their cover up to $100,000 on joining and transfer any insurance they have to Auscoal Super.
Overinsurance has also been addressed in the new package.
"The life stage scale allows the fund to match members' needs with an appropriate amount of cover," Watson said.
He said when compared to funds with a higher proportion of white collar workers, Auscoal's premiums were higher.
"Extra heavy duty blue collar workers represent over 70 per cent of our fund's population," he said.
"This has meant higher premiums due to risk within the industry. It has also meant when applying the life stage scale, some members will pay more for basic cover, while some will pay less for the same amount of cover."
Auscoal Super remained with its underwriter, CommInsure, and worked with it to overhaul the insurance offering.
Watson said a comprehensive education and public relations program would support the new insurance rollout.
"Our members will have the support of various interactive e-tools, printed materials and advice as well as a month-long seminar series presented by Auscoal Advisory Services financial advisers in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania."
