Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance

Policy Wording: Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance

The Insurer’s Policy Wording or Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording’ sets out the actual coverage terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions provided under the policy. Please access these documents on the links provided and read them thoroughly in conjunction with your Policy Schedule and call us immediately if you require clarification on any issue.

Latest PDS and Policy Wording:

AFA Voluntary Workers Insurance PDS and Policy Wording Version No. 14: 1-OCT-2022-PDS-VW-10097.

- For any Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance policies commencing or renewing effective on or after February 1 2024.

Previous PDS and Policy Wording:

QBE Voluntary Workers Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording QM182-0521.

- For any Personal Accident -  Voluntary Worker Insurance policies commencing or renewing effective on or before February 1 2024.

Change in Insurer: New PDS and Policy Wording

Not all Insurance policies are the same. We have conducted a review and in most sections of cover the AFA policy is equal to or superior to the QBE policy – a tabled comparison of the expiring QBE cover against the AFA.

Cover is detailed as per comparison table and serves as a useful reference for understanding the differences between the two policies.

Volunteer Worker Personal Accident Insurance – Comparison Table

Endorsements: Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance 

Endorsements are changes made to the base Policy Wording that customise it to fit the needs of most community groups. These changes expand the coverage provided by the policy, but there are still certain activities or situations that are not covered, known as Exclusions.

It’s important to note that these Exclusions are not meant to avoid paying claims, but rather they exist because certain activities or risks are not insurable (such as intentional injury, suicide, war, terrorism), are against public interest (like being under the influence of alcohol or drugs), or are better covered by a specialised Insurance policy (such as flying in an unlicensed aircraft).

What’s important to know is that this policy can help provide coverage for volunteers while undertaking most activities when acting on behalf of a community groups The endorsements to this policy are shown in the section headed Policy Extensions, the standard policy exclusions are listed under the heading Exclusions further down this page.

Accidental Death and Capital Benefit:

The benefit payable is an amount calculated by applying the benefit percentage to the sum insured shown in the policy schedule against Part A — Accidental Death and Capital Benefits.

• Accidental Death 100%
• Permanent Total Disablement 100%
• Permanent paraplegia, quadriplegia or incurable paralysis of all limbs 100%
• Permanent and total loss of sight in one or both eyes 100%
• Permanent and total loss of use of one or both limbs 100%
• Permanent and incurable insanity 100%
• Permanent total loss of hearing:
  1. in both ears 100%
  2. in one ear 60%
• Permanent and total loss of the lens of
  1. both eyes 100%
  2. one eye 60%
• Permanent and total loss of use of four fingers and the thumb of:
  1. both hands 100
  2. either hand 80%
• Permanent disfigurement from:
  1. third degree burns which cover more than 20% of the entire external body 50%
  2. second degree burns which cover more than 20% of the entire external body 25%
• Permanent and total loss of use of four fingers of either hand 50%
• Permanent and total loss of use of one thumb (both joints) 40%
• Permanent and total loss of use of one thumb (one joint) 20%
• Permanent and total loss of use of one finger:
  1. all three joints 15%
  2. two joints 10%
  3. one joint 5%
• Permanent and total loss of use of all toes of either foot 15%
• Permanent and total loss of use of toes (per toe)
  1. both joints of the great toe 5%
  2. one joint of the great toe 3%
  3. (c) all joints of any toe other than the great toes 1%
• Fractured leg or patella with established non-union 10%
• Shortening of the leg by at least 5cm 7.5%
• Permanent disablement not otherwise provided for above through Injury Types 2–18 inclusive Such percentage of the capital benefit sum Insured which corresponds to the percentage reduction in whole bodily function as certified by no less than three medical practitioners, one of whom will be the Insured person’s treating medical practitioner and the remaining two will be appointed by us. In the event of a disagreement payable will be the average of the three opinions. The maximum amount we will pay is 75% of the capital benefit sum Insured.

Exclusions:

These Exclusions mean that the Insurer may not provide coverage for death, injury, or disability in the following circumstances:

• Deliberate, illegal, or criminal acts committed by or on behalf of an Insured person, or with their consent or direction.
• Use of the Insured person's personal motor vehicle that violates the terms of the applicable comprehensive motor vehicle Insurance policy.
• Using a motor vehicle while under the influence of a prescription drug that impairs motor vehicle control, or with a percentage of illicit drug or alcohol in their system that exceeds the legal limit at the time and place of the incident.
• Training for or participating in a professional sport.
• Active service in any armed force for any nation.
• War, civil war, invasion, insurrection, revolution, use of military power or usurpation of government or military power in Australia or an Insured person’s country of residence.
• Involving any pre-existing condition, except for illnesses or diseases directly resulting from necessary medical or surgical treatment for an injury.

The above statements are issued as a matter of information only and for full terms and conditions you should refer to the Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording. All cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.

Policy Benefits:

The Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance does have options which enables you to tailor the policy to provide the most suitable level of cover for your volunteers.

• Payment of 100% of income up to the amount shown on the policy Schedule and for up to 104 weeks.
• No waiting period applies to this section.
• Our policy covers volunteers anywhere in Australia.
• Full Benefits paid up to the age of 90. 90+ years have a reduced Capital Benefit sum Insured of $25,000.                                
• Out of pocket expenses related to the injury of up to $10,000. This includes Non-Medicare Medical Expenses** with reimbursement of 100% of all non-Medicare medical expenses incurred as a result of personal injury.
• Aggregate limit of liability $10,000,000 any one accident or series of accidents arising out of the one event.

Policy Benefit options available:

• Capital Benefits $50,000 / weekly $500
• Capital Benefits $75,000 / weekly $750
• Capital Benefits $100,000 / weekly $750
• Capital Benefits $100,000 / weekly $1,000

Note:

The Non-Medicare Medical Expenses benefit may not be payable to all injured volunteers. Cover in this area is regulated by legislation which includes the [Commonwealth] Private Health Insurance Act 2007 and the Rules attaching to the Act; the [Commonwealth] Health Insurance Act 1973; the [Commonwealth] National Health Act 1953; and where the legislation may be updated from time to time.

The Helping Hands Community Centre is a non-profit organisation that provides various services and support to the local community. They heavily rely on their volunteers' dedication and hard work to carry out their mission.

One of their top priorities is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their volunteers, which is why they have implemented Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance cover.

Scenario:

During a fundraising event organised by the Helping Hands Community Centre, one of their volunteers, Sarah, accidentally slipped and fell, resulting in a severe ankle injury. As a result, Sarah could not work at her regular occupation and faced financial challenges due to the loss of income.

Impact and benefits: Thanks to the Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance cover, Sarah was able to receive financial compensation for her injury. The policy covered her loss of income, providing her with a weekly benefit to help alleviate the financial burden caused by her inability to work. This allowed Sarah to focus on her recovery without worrying about her financial situation.

Additionally, the policy also provided a capital benefit for permanent disablement. Although Sarah's injury was not permanent, this benefit serves as a safety net for volunteers who may experience more severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disabilities.

Furthermore, the policy covered Sarah's out-of-pocket non-Medicare medical expenses related to her injury. This ensured that she received the necessary medical treatment without bearing the financial burden of non-Medicare medical bills.

The Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance cover held by the Helping Hands Community Centre not only provided financial support to Sarah but also gave her peace of mind, knowing that she was protected while volunteering for the organisation. This coverage was crucial in supporting Sarah during her recovery and allowing her to continue contributing to the community once she had healed.

Conclusion:

The case of Sarah and the Helping Hands Community Centre highlights the importance of Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance cover. By implementing this Insurance policy, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing of their volunteers and provide them with the necessary support in case of accidents or injuries. This coverage helps protect volunteers financially and fosters a sense of security and trust within the organisation.

Remember, this case study is fictional and provided for illustrative purposes only. The specific Insurance needs of each organisation may vary, so it's important to consult with LCIS to determine the appropriate coverage for your specific situation.

Testimonials: Discover why passionate people from community groups like yours rely on us for insurance and risk management advice.

“Thank you LCIS for your patience in responding to my Insurance enquiries.

I realise the difficulties you may face with recalcitrant customers, but the straight forward explanations of your team allowed me to understand exactly what we needed to do and how to go about it.”

Di — Secretary/Treasurer

Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance helps provide cover for loss of wages, compensation for permanent disablement, and, in some circumstances, payment of injury-related non-Medicare medical expenses where a volunteer is injured while undertaking activities on behalf of the organisation and cannot work at their regular occupation.

Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance helps provide cover for volunteers working for you in an official capacity, e.g. organising activities or assisting at events. The policy can provide volunteers with financial compensation if they sustain a personal injury while working in a group's volunteer capacity. It would be best if you considered keeping a register of volunteers and when they are engaged in activities on your behalf.

Full benefits are paid up to the age of 90. Capital Benefit applies where individuals are over the age of 90.

No, there are usually no waiting periods to claim policy benefits under Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance. This means that if an accident or injury occurs, you can access the benefits without any waiting period.

Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance can cover various expenses, including loss of income, compensation for permanent disablement, and, in some cases, payment of injury-related non-Medicare medical expenses. The coverage for non-Medicare medical expenses is subject to legislation including the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 and Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Rules; the [Commonwealth] Health Insurance Act 1973; the [Commonwealth] National Health Act 1953; and where the legislation may be updated from time to time.

Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance is specifically designed to provide coverage for volunteers who are working in an official capacity on behalf of an organisation. Performers, such as those involved in choirs or theatre groups, are often considered to be engaged in a different capacity and may not fall under the scope of coverage provided by Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance.

It's important to review the specific terms and conditions of the Insurance policy to understand the coverage limitations and exclusions. If coverage for performers is required, it may be necessary to explore alternative Insurance options that are specifically tailored to cover individuals engaged in performing activities. Consulting with an Insurance provider or broker can help determine the most appropriate Insurance coverage for performers.

Yes, there are certain activities that may not be approved to be covered under Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance. Here are some examples of activities that may not be covered:

Activities outside the scope of volunteering:

Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance typically covers activities that are performed in an official capacity on behalf of the organisation. If an activity falls outside the scope of volunteering or is not considered part of the organisation's official operations, it may not be covered.

Professional or paid services:

Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance is designed to cover volunteers who are providing their services on an unpaid basis. If a volunteer is engaged in professional or paid services, they may not be eligible for coverage under this Insurance.

Hazardous activities:

Certain hazardous activities, such as extreme sports or high-risk physical activities, may be excluded from coverage under Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance. These exclusions are in place to manage the risks associated with such activities.

Criminal or illegal activities:

Any activities that involve criminal or illegal actions are typically excluded from coverage under Personal Accident - Voluntary Worker Insurance.

It's important to carefully review the Policy Wording and consult with us to understand the specific activities that may be excluded from coverage. This will help ensure that volunteers are aware of any limitations or exclusions and can take appropriate measures to mitigate risks or seek alternative Insurance coverage if needed.

The above statements are issued as a matter of information only and for full terms and conditions you should refer to the Policy Wording. All cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.