New South Wales Government

Self and specialised insurers are an integral part of the NSW workers compensation system. Their status is derived from the Workers Compensation Act 1987 which provides for employers to be licensed by WorkCover and carry their own underwriting risk, subject to meeting certain criteria.  Specialised insurers are licensed to insure employers of a particular industry type.  Self and specialised insurers take responsibility for the payment of their claim liabilities and for the management of those claims.

WorkCover determines applications for self-insurer and specialised insurers licences under section 211 and section 178 of the Workers Compensation Act 1987, respectively, and takes into account a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

• the protection of injured workers against insurer insolvency
• the viability and commitment to maintain insurance in the long term
• that appropriate case management and occupational health and safety systems are implemented and maintained by insurers
• the provision of timely and accurate data on claims to WorkCover.

The specialised insurer licence category is closed to new entrants.

Insurers and new applicants for self insurer licences may also contact the NSW Workers Compensation Self Insurers Association via secretary@selfinsurers.com.