Your income stream questions answered
Whether you have a HESTA Retirement Income Stream or a Transition to Retirement account, it’s natural to have questions about how it works.
Insurance fees are down. Now’s a good time to review your cover.
On 1 July 2026, HESTA insurance fees dropped by an average of 12%. Take a moment to check if your current cover still fits your life.
Insurance through super can be a cost-effective way to be covered
Insurance through your super isn't something you have to organise separately, pay for out of your pocket or remember to renew each year. If you're eligible, Default Cover starts automatically and fees are deducted directly from your super account. For many members, it's the only personal insurance they hold, so it’s worth getting right.
What changed on 1 July 2026?
Reduced fees
HESTA Super and HESTA Personal Super members with insurance pay less for the same level of Death, Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) and Income Protection (IP) cover. On average, there's been a 12% reduction across all cover types.
It's easier to apply for more cover
You can now apply to increase your Death Cover (up to 6 units total) or IP Cover (up to 12 units total) at any time via your online account, simply by completing a Short Personal Health Statement.
Protection during parental leave
If you take employer-approved parental leave, your insurance cover continues without fees for a full 12 months. This is extended to 24 months if your baby is born before 37 weeks.
Full cover sooner
New Events Cover now lifts after 10 consecutive days in Active Employment, reduced from 30 days, so you move onto full cover faster.
Find out more about the 1 July 2026 insurance changes
Is your insurance cover keeping up?
Your life changes. Your cover should too.
Default Cover gives you a solid foundation, but if your income’s grown, your financial commitments have increased or your caring responsibilities have changed, your Default Cover may not go as far as you need it to.
Income Protection Cover is worth a closer look. It pays a benefit if you're unable to work due to illness or injury, protecting the income you rely on right now.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Could you cover your mortgage, rent and living costs if you couldn't work for several months?
- Have your financial commitments grown since you last reviewed your cover?
- Do you have dependants relying on your income?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it's worth checking whether your current cover is enough.
It only takes a few minutes to check your cover
Log in to your online account to see your current cover, get a quote on increased cover and apply - all in one place.
not sure what's right for you?
Our super consultants can help you go through your options over the phone or in person.
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Expert help when you need it
As a HESTA member, you have access to dedicated super experts, online tools and calculators, and information sessions near you — it's your choice.