Insurance

Students of University of Western Australia are protected by the University's insurance program whilst engaged in course-related activities which are approved by the University.

General & Products Liability

UWA students are protected by the University's General & Products Liability insurance for legal liability against third party claims arising from their negligent actions whilst participating in approved course-related activities (including study abroad, work experience and practicum placements), which results in third-party bodily injury or property damage.

Find out more about public liability insurance.

Professional Indemnity

UWA students are protected by the University’s Professional Indemnity insurance for civil liability against third party claims arising out of a breach of professional duty, which results in a loss to a third party. A breach includes any negligent act, error or omission committed or alleged to have been committed by the student whilst participating in approved course-related activities (including study abroad, work experience and practicum placements).

Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice insurance is applicable for UWA students undertaking placements that require clinical experience as part of their academic accreditation. This insurance provides cover for their legal liability against third party claims arising as a result of medical malpractice. All treatment given by students must be under the direct supervision or express instruction of a qualified practitioner. All applicable clinical protocols must be followed. All patients or guardians must be fully informed, and consent must be obtained before commencing any care, procedure or intervention.

Personal Accident

UWA students who are engaged in approved course-related activities (including study abroad, work experience and practicum placements) are covered under the University's Personal Accident insurance.

The insurance provides capital benefits, weekly benefits, non-Medicare medical expenses and injury assistance benefits to UWA students should they suffer an injury or death whilst acting in the capacity as a student on placement. This insurance does not replace Medicare or any Private Health, Overseas Student Health Cover or relevant Sports Association insurance in place.

General Insurers in Australia are prohibited from making payment on any expenses for which a Medicare benefit is paid or is payable including the balance of monies due or payable by a student after the deduction of any Medicare benefit or rebate from the actual expense incurred. This is commonly referred to as the 'Medicare Gap'.

The cover provided under Personal Accident insurance is limited and intended to compliment other insurances students may have in place (e.g. Private Health insurance, Overseas Student Health Cover or relevant Sports Association insurance). The University encourages all students to consider their own individual needs and circumstances in relation Private Health, Life and Income Protection insurance. It is an individual's responsibility to ensure that they have adequate insurance cover for their individual needs. Find out more about personal accident insurance.

Corporate Travel (applicable for approved overseas study-related travel)

Due to COVID-19, UWA's Travel Insurance is more restricted

UWA students undertaking approved study-related travel (including overseas placement, study tour or exchange) are covered under the University's Corporate Travel insurance.

All study-related travel must be approved by an appropriate University Delegated Authority via the University's travel management system Concur in accordance with the University's Travel Policy.

The insurance provides cover against unforeseen losses such as Overseas Medical & Hospital Costs, Repatriation of Mortal Remains, Lost Baggage, Hire Car Excess, Missed Transport Connections and Political Risks & Natural Disaster Evacuation. Specific conditions and exclusions in relation to trip duration, private or leisure travel, age, pre-existing health conditions, group bookings, charter flights, high / extreme risk locations and activities do apply under Corporate Travel insurance. Find out more about Corporate Travel insurance.

The University recommends that students familiarise themselves with these specific conditions and exclusions, and direct any insurance queries to Aon at [email protected].

Student Placement or Work Experience

UWA students undertaking approved unpaid (i.e. not paid a salary) student placements, work experience, community placement or internships, which are an assessable component of their university course or have demonstrated relevance and benefit to their study, will be protected under the following insurances maintained by the University:

• General & Products Liability
• Professional Indemnity (where appropriate)
• Medical Malpractice (where appropriate)
• Personal Accident
• Corporate Travel (where placement involves approved overseas travel)

These insurances do not extend to cover liability for any negligent actions or omissions on the part of the Host Organisation that result in injury to, or loss or damage of personal property of a student.

In order for the University's insurer to release confirmation of cover letters which may be requested by host organisations, students will need to request from their respective Student Advising Office or Placement Coordinator.

Student Personal Accident Claims

To proceed with a Personal Accident claim for capital benefits or expenses not covered by Medicare or any other source (e.g. Private Health insurance, Overseas Student Health Cover or relevant Sports Association insurance), students will need to take the following steps within 30 days of the injury occurring or as soon as practically possible:

• Download and complete the Student Personal Accident Claim Form below
• Email the completed forms to Aon at [email protected] with all receipts, quotes and relevant documentation including UWA Incident Report within 30 days of completion of your incident or as soon as possible thereafter
• Ensure your Australian bank account details and Student ID number are detailed on the claim form to enable funds to be paid into your nominated bank account

Aon will review and assess the information submitted with your claim.

Enquiries and confirmation of cover letter requests may be made to Aon at [email protected].

Clinical Trials

UWA Office of Research

Controlled Environments

The university sector, including UWA, has had many claims for research material stored in a controlled environment. Primarily as a result of the adverse loss experience, the coverage available for research in Controlled Environments (CEs) has become more restrictive.

Definition:

The key change involves a new section in the policy wording for Research Projects in which the term Controlled Environments is introduced. This identifies and addresses the similarities regarding the exposures within any environment that has research conducted that requires a controlling mechanism. This could be oxygenated fish tanks, freezers/fridges, insectaries, animal houses, greenhouses, rooms that must be kept a set temperature, dewars, etc. This is not an exhaustive list and if an environment requires a controlling mechanism, then it is captured by these changes.

Mitigation:

'Mitigated' is a clearly defined term in relation to Controlled Environments. For a Controlled Environment to be considered mitigated, it must have:

• A back to base alarm that is monitored 24 hours a day. The alarm must be capable of detecting a change in the environment (temperature and power) and must be serviced to manufacturer specifications.
• The Controlled Environment's contents are being managed by Freezer Pro.
• Back-up power capable of providing power in the event of a loss of regular power to the environment. Back-up power must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• The controlling mechanism, for example a minus 80-degree freezer, must be serviced to manufacturer specifications.
• A documented and tested response plan for management of research contents in the event of a failure.
• Valuation assessment in accordance with our insurers Research Valuation Guidelines or a similar, approved methodology. (Refer to Controlled Environment Research Guide and Valuation Tools)
• A variation of the above that has been assessed and approved by our insurer and noted within our policy wording.

Where the Controlled Environment does not meet the criteria of points 1-6 or a pre-agreed variation (point 7), it will be considered non-mitigated and the cover available to it is reduced.

Policy Limits and Deductibles:

For mitigated controlled environments, the policy limit is $5m for any one event. Our retention (excess) is 20% of the value of the claim subject to a base deductible of $50,000.

For non-mitigated controlled environments, the limit has been reduced to $250,000 for individual losses with an annual aggregate of $500,000 i.e. the maximum UWA can claim in any one policy year for this type of loss is $500,000. Our retention is 50% of the loss subject to a base excess of $50,000.