Broker-arranged
WorkCover Queensland: workers compensation insurance in QLD
In Queensland, WorkCover Queensland is the insurer for almost every employer. Here is who must hold an accident insurance policy, how the premium is worked out from your wages and industry rate, the 2026-27 rate, and how a licensed broker arranges it alongside your other covers.
- Who must insure with WorkCover Queensland
- How the premium is calculated
- 2026-27 average rate held
Who needs WorkCover insurance in Queensland?
WorkSafe Queensland says employers must insure their workers with a WorkCover Queensland accident insurance policy, unless they’re an approved self-insurer. That applies from the first worker you employ. A policy has no effect until WorkCover receives the premium or agrees an instalment plan, so arrange it before your first worker starts.
WorkCover Queensland is a government-owned insurer, so there’s no shopping around on price. A broker’s job is to classify your business correctly, declare wages properly and fit the policy with your other covers.
The Queensland scheme at a glance
| Point | What applies |
|---|---|
| Insurer | WorkCover Queensland, for every employer except approved self-insurers |
| Who must insure | Every employer, from the first worker |
| Premium | Starts with your WorkCover Industry Classification (WIC) and its industry rate, applied to your wages. New businesses pay (estimated wages ÷ $100) × industry rate, plus GST and stamp duty |
| 2026-27 | WorkCover Queensland held its target average premium rate at $1.343 per $100 of wages for the second year (announced 26 June 2026). Your own rate depends on your industry and claims |
| Wage declaration | Declare actual wages to WorkCover each year by 31 August |
| Regulator | WorkSafe Queensland |
What workers compensation covers, and what it doesn’t
The scheme sets the benefits, not the insurer. Every scheme covers these in some form.
Usually covered
- Weekly payments while an injured worker can’t work.
- Medical, hospital and rehabilitation costs for a work-related injury or illness.
- Lump sums for permanent impairment, under the scheme’s rules.
- Injuries on the way to or from work, in some states and circumstances.
Usually not covered
- The business owner’s own injury, unless the scheme treats you as a worker. That’s income protection or personal accident cover.
- Injury to the public. That’s public liability.
- Fines for safety breaches.
- Contractors with their own cover, depending on how the scheme deems them.
What sets your Queensland premium
WorkCover uses your WIC and its linked industry rate as the starting point.
The $1.343 figure is the scheme’s target average across all Queensland employers, not a quote for your business.
How to get Queensland workers compensation through us
Queensland workers compensation questions
Is workers compensation compulsory in Queensland?
Yes, once you employ. WorkSafe Queensland says employers must insure their workers with a WorkCover Queensland accident insurance policy unless they’re an approved self-insurer. Check the scheme’s threshold before you hire your first person, including apprentices and casuals.
Does a sole trader need workers compensation?
Not for yourself, in most schemes, because you aren’t your own employee. You need it once you employ someone. Your own income is protected by income protection or personal accident cover instead.
Can I choose my workers compensation insurer in Queensland?
No. WorkCover Queensland is the insurer for every employer except approved self-insurers, which are large organisations. A broker still helps with classification, wages and fitting the policy with your other covers.
How much is WorkCover in Queensland?
It depends on your industry rate and wages. WorkCover’s target average premium rate for 2026-27 is $1.343 per $100 of wages, held from the year before, but your business’s own rate sits above or below that average.
When does a WorkCover Queensland policy start?
When WorkCover receives the premium or agrees an instalment plan. Until then the policy has no effect, so arrange cover before your first worker starts.
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Sources
Queensland