Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below a list of common insurance enquiries. The questions have been sorted under the following 3 headings:

General
Public and Product Liability/Errors and Omissions
Personal Accident

If your question is not answered below, please contact V-Insurance Group on ph: +61 (2) 8599 8660.

What is the period of insurance for the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) insurance program?

30 June 2023 to 30 June 2024.

What measures can clubs take in order to minimise risks and reduce potential claims?

Ensure that all participants are registered members of Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) or an affiliated club prior to commencing their activities.
Actively encourage coaches to undertake accreditation courses.
Keep an injury register/record of all injuries sustained in any rowing related activity.
Ensure that you are incorporated (and maintain your incorporated status) and your bylaws are current and up to date (including the provision of appropriate Discipline and Grievance clauses and procedures).

What is Public Liability insurance?

Public Liability insurance is designed to protect you in the event that you are sued by a third party for injuries caused to them or any damage caused to their property. Public Liability insurance will cover the cost of compensation to the third party, should you be found negligent including any associated defence costs.

What is Products Liability insurance?

Product Liability insurance will cover you in the event that any goods that you supply cause injury, illness, loss or damage to a member of the public. This could include food prepared and sold at a fundraising day.

How can we prove that we have Public Liability Insurance?

If you are asked to provide proof of insurance by anyone (e.g. local council or a property owner) you will require a Certificate of Currency. Certificates of Currency are available on our website.

Is the club covered for any fundraising events that we may have throughout the season?

Yes, club fundraising activities are automatically covered under the AOCRA insurance scheme. These activities may include but are not restricted to trivia nights, presentation nights, sausage sizzle at the local shops etc. However, some activities such as the use of jumping castles could be excluded under the policy. Please refer to V-Insurance Group for confirmation that the activity is covered.

Are external contractors covered?

No, external contractors should carry their own Public Liability insurance, unless they are approved event managers and race directors.

What should a State Association/Club do before signing a Hire/Lease/Rental Agreement?

Thoroughly read any agreement before signing.
Some councils may ask you to sign an agreement which states that they will not be held liable in the event of injury arising as a result of use for training or events.

Please note that there is a policy exclusion on your Public Liability policy if you sign an agreement which contains such “Indemnity and Hold Harmless” clauses.

Should you find any Indemnity/Hold Harmless clauses in the agreement, please refer to V-Insurance Group on +61 (2) 8599 8660 or [email protected] We will advise you on the correct wording to insert into the lease agreement.

What is Personal Accident (Sports Injury) insurance?

Personal Accident insurance is a policy that covers you in the event that you are injured whilst participating or travelling to or from training or events that are authorised by AOCRA and that take place at a Rowing Australia affiliated club. The policy will pay out an income or a lump sum in the event of disability, paraplegia, quadriplegia or death, caused by an accident.

What does the Personal Accident (Sports Injury) insurance cover?

The Personal Accident policy covers items such as death, paraplegia, quadriplegia, Non-Medicare medical expenses, loss of income, student tutorial costs, domestic home help costs and parental assistance. You are covered for injuries even if the accident was your fault.

Do I need to have private health insurance if I am covered by the Personal Accident section of this program?

This is a personal decision. However, it must be remembered that the Personal Accident cover has limited benefits to keep the cost as low as possible.

When should I send in a Personal Accident claim form?

A claim form should be completed, signed by your club and submitted to the insurer as soon as you become aware that you will be making a claim. You do not have to wait until after you have completed treatment for your injury. Please note that any treatment rendered necessary by injury must be completed within 12 calendar months from the date of such injury occurring for expenses to be covered.

Is the Medicare Gap claimable under the Personal Accident Policy?

No, the Health Insurance Act (Cth) 1973 does not permit the Insurer to contribute to any charges covered by Medicare (including the Medicare Gap). This means that any charges for treatment from a Doctor, Surgeon, Anesthetist or Surgeon’s Assistant are not covered. It also means charges for X-Ray, some MRI Scans (if Medicare registered) and Public Hospitals are not covered. In addition, there will be no refund in respect of:

Any expenses recoverable by You from any other insurance program or plan providing medical or similar coverage or from any other source except for the excess of the amount recoverable from such other policies/plans.
Any expense to which the National Health Act (Cth) 1953 or any of the regulations made there under apply.

Is the cost of ambulance transport covered under the program?

Yes, ambulance transport is a Non-Medicare medical expense and as such covered under the Personal Accident section of the program (up to the limits that you are entitled to).

Can I claim on my Private Health Insurance as well as the insurance scheme for personal injury claims?

You must initially claim on your Private Health Insurance and then claim on the Rowing NSW insurance scheme for any Non-Medicare medical costs that exceed the limits of your Private Health Insurance.

Can I make more than one claim during the year?

Yes, you can make more than one claim during the year. It is important however, that you obtain a clearance from your treating physician prior to returning to rowing activities.

Example of a Medical Claim Payment

James is a 25 year office worker who has injured his leg whilst competing in a rowing event. He has been advised by his local doctor that he has to undertake physiotherapy treatment, as well as have some x-rays. He is advised that he requires surgery. James has a weekly earning of $1,000 net per week. As a result of his injuries, he has 12 weeks off work. He does not have any Private Health cover.

Medical Expenses	(Government legislation does not allow General insurers to cover any costs subject to a Medicare rebate)
Private practitioner visit	Covered by Medicare *
Surgeon	Covered by Medicare *
X-Ray/MRI	Covered by Medicare *
Anaesthetist	Covered by Medicare *
Public Hospital Accommodation	Covered by Medicare *
Private Hospital accommodation	3 days @$500
*MRI scans are generally covered through Medicare; however please check with your treating physician, as sometimes the provider is not registered with Medicare.