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The Importance of Insurance for NDIS Workers

The introduction of the NDIS has made an enormous difference in the lives of many Australians. As a support worker, you’re an essential part of the movement to help those living with a disability live more comfortably and independently.

But as rewarding as your career may be, it’s not without risk. It’s important to be aware of these hazards and the steps you can take to reduce and manage risk.
Insurance is one way to do this. Whether you are self-employed or part of a care organisation, you may want to consider insurance coverage designed for NDIS workers and the risks you face while on the job.

Why do NDIS workers buy business insurance?

NDIS support workers provide life-changing assistance to people living with a disability. You work closely with your clients. Every day you enter their homes to provide essential care and may interact with their families, guests, and others visiting each client’s property.  
These fundamental parts of your job also open you up to unique risks. A simple mistake or accident can lead to a client injury or negligence claim that could cost thousands of dollars to compensate or defend.

That’s where business insurance comes in. NDIS support workers often buy coverage to help protect against these types of events:

• Professional Indemnity covers you for losses claimed by a third party and defence costs due to alleged or actual negligence in your professional services or advice.
• Public Liability covers you if a third party claims that your negligent business activities caused them injury or property damage. This includes defence costs cover.

The benefits of a combined policy

While you can buy Professional Indemnity and Public Liability policies separately, you may want to consider a combined policy instead. Support Worker Combined Liability insurance merges Professional Indemnity and Public Liability into a single, convenient policy. This helps protect you against two common on-the-job risks that could result in claims or lawsuits. It also allows you avoid confusion when a claim needs to be made.

Here are some examples:

• During a busy day, you forget to remind a client to take their prescribed medication on time. The Professional Indemnity part of your Support Worker policy would cover a negligence claim caused by this mistake.*
• A family member visits your client’s home while you are there. The relative trips over a pair of crutches and is injured and blames you for not picking them up sooner. The Public Liability part of your Support Worker policy would cover claims related to their injuries.*

A Support Worker Combined Liability policy makes it easier to handle many liability claims. Because the policy provides combined cover, you don’t have to worry about figuring out if you need to contact your Professional Indemnity or Public Liability insurer. Both types of incidents are covered by the same policy, getting rid of unnecessary confusion.

Other insurance you might consider

Beyond an Support Worker Combined Liability policy, you might also consider Personal Accident & Illness cover. Personal Accident & Illness is an optional form of cover that many NDIS support workers consider.

These policies can provide a weekly income benefit following an accidental injury or illness once signed off from work by a medical practitioner for a set amount of time. The ‘income protection’ provided by Personal Accident cover is helpful if you are unable to work as a result of an unexpected injury or illness (even if it occurs outside of your employment).

Imagine you are injured on holiday and unable to work for several weeks while you recover. Your bills won’t stop even if you are forced to hit pause. Personal Accident insurance could help while you’re getting back on your feet.

What to expect when making a claim

You will hopefully never need to make an insurance claim. But if you do, here’s an overview of what to expect and what you can do to help make the process faster and easier:

• Mitigate losses – Take reasonable steps to help prevent further damage, loss, or liability. 
• Document the incident – Take photos, write an incident report, and save documentation that could help your insurer assess the claim. 
• Notify your insurer – Complete a claim form as soon as possible for actual and potential claims. You may need to supply your insurer with supporting documents, such as medical bills or repair quotes, written demands you have received, or a police report.
• Wait while your claim is assessed – Once your insurer has received a completed claim form and supporting documents, they will assess your claim. This generally takes 5-10 business days, but the length of time can vary.
• Learn the outcome – After a decision has been made, you will be notified of the outcome and any resulting payments that your insurer will make.

Insurance for NDIS Workers

MyCareSpace has partnered with BizCover to provide NDIS support workers with tailor-made insurance cover at an affordable price. The best part? They can also help you with your claims process – making things easier for you. Compare Support Worker Combined Liability and Personal Accident & Illness online in minutes and get covered instantly! 
Visit the BizCover website  or call 02 82 87 65 76 to get started.

APPLY ONLINE AND BE COVERED WITHIN MINUTES!

* The provision of the claims examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be seen as an indication as to how any potential claim will be assessed or accepted. Coverage for claims on the policy will be determined by the insurer, not BizCover. ^This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. © 2022 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved.  ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769

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