The Australian Meat Industry Superannuation Trust (AMIST) is considering changes to its income protection (IP) insurance offering and is on the hunt for an additional insurer.
The fund has asked Rice Warner Actuaries to approach group insurers for expressions of interest for the contract, which AMIST chief executive John Livanas estimated to be worth up to $5 million.
Livanas said the fund currently offers IP insurance, but on an opt-in basis, and was now looking at the possibility of providing it to members as a default from which they can opt out.
"If you look at the number of funds that offer IP there are not that many ... we know the number of people who take it up on a voluntary basis is quite low, due to the extensive underwriting process," Livanas said.
"We thought we would investigate the opportunity of offering IP as a default because we think this is an innovative approach to superannuation," he said.
Rice Warner Actuaries director Richard Weatherhead said IP was becoming an increasing focus for super funds.
"Trustees are starting to consider that the risk of not being able to work is just as serious as dying or having a permanent disability," he said.
Livanas did not disclose which insurers would be putting forward quotes.
AMIST's death insurance is currently through CommInsure and there were no plans at this stage to change this arrangement, with the IP coverage becoming an add-on.
The cost for death insurance is $1.50 per week and the default level of cover for AMIST members is two units.
The fund has around 75,000 members.
