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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Insurance

A student on a field excursion breaks his or her leg. What are the insurance implications for the member of staff responsible?

The student needs to complete an accident/injury form and forward it to the Health, Safety and Environment Team in HRS. The student would be covered, firstly under Medicare and secondly, under the University's Personal Accident Policy (if they do not have private health insurance). The staff member is covered by the University's Public Liability Policy if the student decides to take an action against the staff member for alleged negligence.

I am a student of the University and would like to undertake some work experience, which is course related but not a course requirement. The organisation where I will be working has asked if I am covered by the University's Public Liability and personal accident insurance. Am I covered by the University's insurance?

The University's insurance policies cover students whilst undertaking work experience that is related to their course, but not a course requirement. To ensure cover is in place you will need to complete the work experience request form that can be found on the Insurance web page. The University's insurance does not extend to cover students in the discipline of Medicine for work experience.

I am an employee of the University and am travelling overseas on University approved business. I am also taking two weeks annual leave. Am I covered by the University's Travel Policy during this period that I am overseas?
Yes. Staff travelling on University-approved business are covered under the University's Corporate Travel Policy for up to 80 days whilst they are on business and for up to four weeks personal travel when taken in conjunction with the University business.

Refer to the Insurance web page for additional information regarding the extent of coverage. Also, ensure that you take the International SOS Emergency Assistance Card with you.

I am an employee of the University and am travelling overseas on University approved business. My partner is going to travel with me, are they covered by the University's Corporate Travel Policy during this period?

No. The only time an accompanying partner or dependent is covered by the University corporate travel policy is if the university has funded their travel expenses.

I am an employee of the University of Newcastle and was hospitalised whilst travelling on University business to the United States. What is my position?

The University's Travel Policy includes unlimited cover for medical expenses (as defined in the policy) incurred whilst travelling on University business. You may also be covered by Workers Compensation. Please refer to the Insurance web page for information about how to make a claim under the University's Corporate Travel policy.

I am an enrolled student of the University and was injured whilst playing for the University of Newcastle basketball team. Is there any insurance to cover my medical expenses?

Yes. The University maintains a personal accident policy that covers students of the University whilst on campus and/or engaged in University/Course/Sport related activities and/or practical placement activities including necessary direct travel to and from such activities in Australia. The policy does not cover expenses that are claimable under Medicare and only responds after claims on any private health insurance held. A $50.00 excess applies. Refer to the Insurance web page for information about how to make a claim.

I have a piece of research equipment valued at $6,000.00 which I use in my field research. It is moved to various locations. Is it covered?

Yes, provided all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent loss or damage.

I have a private consultancy agreement with a manufacturing company. Am I covered by the University's Professional Indemnity and Public Liability policies?

No. This cover would only apply to consultancies clearly operating under the aegis of the University. If you carry out unauthorised consultancies and purport to do so under the auspices of the University, the University would be indemnified in respect of any negligence on your part but the University's insurers would take action against you personally to recover any money they had to pay to settle the claim.

I have arranged to borrow a grand piano from a private sponsor for a performance concert. Is the piano, whilst in transit and at the University, covered?

Yes, provided the Insurance company is advised in advance and all reasonable precautions to prevent loss, destruction or damage are taken.

I have just been advised that my application for SSP (Special Study Programme) has been approved. I will be spending 4 months overseas and my partner and 2 school aged children will accompany me. Do I need to organise my own travel insurance?

The University's travel policy includes cover for staff on SSP including accompanying partners and dependents. The cover includes up to four weeks personal travel when taken in conjunction with the SSP. The current insurance provides coverage for up to 180 days; if your trip will exceed 180 days you should contact the Insurance team in advance of your trip.

Full Policy wording and levels of cover can be found at the University Insurance web page. This policy does not cover routine medical treatment or dental work, you should read the policy wording to determine whether the level of cover is considered adequate given your circumstances.

If I hire a vehicle through a car hire firm for University authorised business do I need to purchase motor vehicle insurance from them as well?

No - provided you are hiring a car in Australia, the University's Motor Vehicle Policy includes coverage for vehicles hired by the University within Australia. The level of Vehicle coverage is $50,000 so if you are hiring a vehicle that is valued in excess of $50,000 you should advise the insurance team prior to the event to enable them to make arrangements with our insurer to extend cover in the circumstance.

If you are a staff member hiring a car outside of Australia, then you will need to purchase the insurance coverage available from the rental agency. You may elect an excess/deductible up to $10 000.

It is proposed that a student will drive the departmental vehicle on a field excursion. Does this affect the vehicle insurance?

No. Students using University vehicles are covered by the University's insurance. It is important that students using University vehicles do so in accordance with the University's internal Policy on Motor Vehicles.

My car is damaged whilst parked on campus. Is it covered by the University's insurance?

No. Non-university owned vehicles are not covered by the University's insurance. Students, staff and visitors to the University park their vehicle on campus at their own risk.

The Computer I use, owned by the University and valued at $2,000.00 was stolen from home. It was not locked down with an approved device. Am I covered?

Yes. The theft should be reported to the Police and you should obtain an incident report number. Advise the Insurance area of the theft including the approximate value of the equipment and also whether any research has been lost.

The current excess on the Industrial Special Risks Policy for theft is $25,000.00. A claim would not be lodged with our insurer if the total cost of the claim is less that $25,000. The University will cover the cost of the replacement centrally. If the cost is greater than $25,000 the Risk and Insurance Section will recover the remainder as an insurance claim. Continued loss of equipment by the Department may result in the Departments being asked to carry some of the replacement costs.

The University's computer, valued at $2,000.00 was stolen from my University Office. Is it covered?

Yes. The theft should be reported to Security Services and also to the Police. You should obtain an incident report number from the police. Advise the Insurance area of the theft including the approximate value of the equipment and also whether any research has been lost.

The current excess on the Industrial Special Risks Policy for theft is $25,000.00. A claim would not be lodged with our insurer if the total cost of the claim is less than $25,000. The University will cover the cost of the replacement centrally. If the cost is greater than $25,000 the Risk and Insurance Section will recover the remainder as an insurance claim. Continued loss of equipment by the Department may result in the Department being asked to carry some of the replacement costs.