The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is urging parents to enroll their newborns as members right from birth, while simultaneously advancing plans to provide medical insurance for its members. This initiative was shared during a recent members’ forum, where Farnaz Queet, Senior Manager of Members Services, emphasized the significance of early registration through the Fund’s minor voluntary membership option.
Queet stated, “We are encouraging minor registration from birth. Once you have a baby, your child just needs to be registered. Parents can open a minor voluntary account, and they will be responsible for the account.” This strategy allows parents to manage the account on behalf of their children, enabling savings to accumulate from an early age. This approach aims to enhance long-term financial security for children.
In addition to early registration, members have expressed increasing concerns over access to medical insurance amid rising healthcare costs. Millie Low, General Manager of Business Development, confirmed that the Fund is in the process of developing a medical insurance product specifically designed for FNPF members. “Just an update on our medical insurance — it was something that was raised in a previous forum. That is currently in the pipeline. We are finalising a consultant to help us design the medical insurance product, understanding that the cost of medical insurance is very expensive. This is for our members,” Low explained.
The proposed insurance scheme seeks to address the rising costs of medical care, although specifics are still in the developmental stages. Meanwhile, FNPF Chief Executive Officer Viliame Vodonaivalu highlighted the Fund’s financial progress, noting its ability to enhance member services. “Our total investment portfolio has grown steadily from $8 billion in 2021 to $12.1 billion in 2025. Overall, this five-year trend demonstrates a well-balanced, diversified portfolio designed to protect and grow members’ retirement savings over the long term,” Vodonaivalu remarked.
The consistent growth in its investment portfolio places FNPF in a strong position to contemplate additional benefits, such as the proposed medical insurance, while continuing its core mission of safeguarding retirement savings. This focus on both early registration and health insurance illustrates the Fund’s commitment to the financial well-being of its members, enhancing the future financial landscape for families in Fiji.
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