Insurers

Authorised insurer defined

An authorised insurer is the company with which an employer has taken out a workers’ compensation insurance policy for its employees.

Under the Seacare scheme, the authorised insurer must be:

• a general insurer or Lloyds underwriter under the Insurance Act 1973, or
• an insurer who carries state insurance.

For compensation to be payable under the Seafarers Act, a compensation claim must be made by or on behalf of an employee with an injury or illness.

See a list of authorised insurers servicing the Seacare scheme.

The relationship between an insurer and employer

It is important that employers develop a strong working relationship with their insurer.

For employers, it is essential that services available under the policy are made best use of, to enable employees to safely return to health and to work as soon as possible.

To support a positive relationship with the employer, we recommend the insurer to:

• take a strong supportive role in assisting the employer manage the rehabilitation and return to work process, when a claim is made that exceeds the policy’s excess limit. This should always be done in consultation with the employee’s treating medical practitioner, their rehabilitation provider and the employee who has the injury or illness.

To support a positive relationship with their insurer, we recommend that employers:

• ensure they fully appreciate and understand their obligations, the benefits, and the services available under their insurance policy
• immediately advise their insurer when they receive a workers’ compensation claim, even if the claim cost is expected to fall below the claim excess. This alerts the insurer, that a call on the policy may be made. It also assists the employers to develop a full understanding of the company’s claim history and of claims by the employee
• communicate with their insurer on claim costs and cost control strategies
• call upon their insurer’s claim and injury management expertise. For example, employers may be able to suggest an appropriate rehabilitation provider that has successfully achieved positive return to work outcomes for another employer. This type of advice can lead to earlier or more lasting return to work outcomes and ultimately lower insurance premium costs.

Insurers in the Seacare scheme

We provide a list of insurers servicing the Seacare scheme.

Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd

Mr Michael Berg
Underwriting Manager Corporate Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation Underwritten Operations
Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd
GPO Box 4049
Sydney NSW 2001
Phone 02 9390 6387

Louise De Audney
Claims Manager, Workers Compensation - Specialty Lines
Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd
GPO Box 4049
Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 02 8258 6724

Visit Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd.

Liberty International Underwriters

Mr Dominic Fogarty
Claims Manager - Excess Workers' Compensation
Liberty International Underwriters
Level 27
1 Macquarie Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8124 8501

Visit Liberty International Underwriters.

QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited

Mr Leigh Ebzery
Portfolio Manager, Workers' Compensation
QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited
QBE House
200 St George's Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Phone 08 9213 6319

Visit QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited.