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Workers compensation insurance in Tasmania
In Tasmania, employers insure with a private insurer licensed by the WorkCover Tasmania Board, or hold a permit to self-insure. WorkSafe Tasmania regulates the scheme under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988. Here is who must insure, what the policy covers, and how a licensed broker compares the licensed insurers for you.
- Insurers licensed by the WorkCover Tasmania Board
- What the policy must cover
- Compared by a broker
Who needs workers compensation insurance in Tasmania?
Every Tasmanian employer must hold a workers compensation policy with an insurer licensed by the WorkCover Tasmania Board, unless it holds a permit to self-insure, which is for large organisations. WorkSafe Tasmania administers the scheme. Insurers must be licensed and approved by the Board to sell workers compensation in Tasmania.
Tasmania runs a private underwriting model like WA. There’s no state-owned insurer, so a licensed broker compares the licensed insurers on your business details.
The Tasmanian scheme at a glance
| Point | What applies |
|---|---|
| Regulator | WorkSafe Tasmania, under the WorkCover Tasmania Board |
| Insurer | A private insurer licensed by the WorkCover Tasmania Board, or a self-insurance permit |
| Who must insure | Every employer with workers |
| If an employer isn’t insured | The nominal insurer can step in for the injured worker, and the employer remains liable. Failing to insure is an offence under the Act |
| Act | Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Tas) |
| Premium | Set by the licensed insurer from your wages, industry and claims history |
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 Tasmanian premium
Each licensed insurer prices from the same core details.
We don’t publish premiums. A broker compares the licensed insurers and explains the quotes.
How to get Tasmanian workers compensation through us
Tasmanian workers compensation questions
Is workers compensation compulsory in Tasmania?
Yes, once you employ. Every employer must hold a policy with an insurer licensed by the WorkCover Tasmania Board, or a permit to self-insure. 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.
Which insurers can provide workers compensation in Tasmania?
Only insurers licensed and approved by the WorkCover Tasmania Board. A broker compares them for your business.
What happens if a Tasmanian employer isn’t insured?
The nominal insurer can step in so the injured worker is paid, and the employer remains liable. Failing to maintain a policy with a licensed insurer is an offence under the Act.
Does Tasmania have a wages threshold for workers compensation?
The pages we checked don’t set one. Treat the duty as applying from your first worker, and ask the broker to confirm your situation.
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Sources
Tasmania