Personal Accident Insurance

While bushwalking is a low-risk activity when compared with most sports and active recreational pursuits, accidents do occur from time to time, and the seriousness and cost of an incident is potentially greater in remote areas where medical aid may not be readily available. For this reason it is recommended that member clubs arrange Personal Accident Insurance for their members.  Important Note:  Some member clubs have elected on behalf of their members to not participate in the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. See Endorsement Schedule under Policy Documents below for the list of these clubs.

The Personal Accident Policy provides cover to club members in respect to injury incurred while the member is engaged in an activity authorised by and under the control of the Insured (the club), including direct uninterrupted travel to and from such activity subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the Policy. 

Renewal Arrangements for 2023-2024

The Bushwalking Australia Personal Accident insurance policy was renewed from 1 July 2023.  There is no change to insurer, conditions or endorsements, with the exception that cover now extends to members from the age of five.   Clubs that submitted renewal questionnaires requesting cover under this policy will automatically have their cover renewed from 1 July.

The Schedule of Benefits under the Personal Accident Policy include the following (refer to the policy documents for specific details of all benefits and applicable conditions and exclusions):

  1. Loss of earnings - Benefit of $700 per week up to age 95, maximum of 80% of income, 7 day excess, maximum of 52 weeks
  2. Non-Medicare medical benefit, 80% claimable to a maximum of $3,000 (previously $2000)
  3. Broken bones benefit of up to $2,000
  4. Capital Benefit due directly and solely to injury - $50,000 up to age 84, $10,000 age 85-95 or under age 18
  5. Critical Incident Debriefing - benefit of up to $5,000 per person per event
  6. Home Care, $250 per week (increased from $150 per week)

Medicare and Accident Cover

When it comes to reimbursement of Personal Injury claims, some people get confused about Medicare, the Medicare Gap and what is covered through the Personal Accident policy. 

The Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cth) strictly prohibits any general insurer from covering any item that is listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. This also means that regardless of your out of pocket expenses, it is against the law for the Insurer to cover you for the Medicare Gap.

So what does that mean? If your medical or other treatment has a Medicare Item Number, it is uninsurable and you may not claim for reimbursement under the accident policy.

If your medical or other treatment does not have a Medicare Item Number, you may claim for reimbursement under the accident policy.

The following document provides additional information on the difference between what is covered by Medicare and what is covered through the personal accident policy:  pdfMedicare vs Personal Accident Policy1.04 MB.

Claims and Enquiries

For information on how to make a claim, or to enquire about claims or coverage, please see the Claims and Enquiries page.

Policy Documents

  • pdfPersonal Accident Product Disclosure Statement696.25 KB  
    Important note:  The personal accident Product Disclosure Statement must be read in conjunction with the policy schedule and endorsement schedule below.  Where a matter is covered in both the PDS and the policy schedule, the provisions of the schedule prevail.)

 

Leisure Travel Insurance

Our insurance broker, Marsh, offers Leisure Travel insurance to members of affiliated bushwalking clubs via three insurers: World2Cover, Chubb and nib. For more information, including the discounts offered, please follow this link: Leisure Travel Insurance.

Chubb Insurance offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy with some features and optional additional cover for some winter activities, related equipment and Cancellation Expenses. For further details follow this link: Chubb Travel Insurance.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

Ambulance Cover

This is a complex topic, as ambulance service arrangements, including charging of fees for ambulance transport, varies from state to state.  Download the following FAQ for an overview.  pdfAmbulance FAQ118.32 KB 

The FAQs are provided to assist member clubs gain a better understanding of the insurance arrangements organised on their behalf by Bushwalking Australia (BA).  Suggestions for topics to be covered are welcome at any time by emailing Bushwalking Australia at info@bushwalkingaustralia.org 

pdfInsurance_FAQs511.02 KB (Updated 5-9-2023)

  

  Non-Participating Clubs

Members of the following clubs DO NOT have Personal Accident coverage for 2020-2021 and should direct any enquiries they have to their club secretary.

New South Wales

  • Brindabella Bushwalking Club Inc.
  • Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc.
  • Catholic Bushwalking Club Inc.
  • Dungog Walkers Inc
  • National Parks Association of the ACT Inc.
  • Southern Highlands Bushwalkers Inc.

 

Victoria

  • Waverley Bushwalking Club Inc.
  • Dandenong Valley Bushwalking Club Inc.
  • Pakenham Bushwalking Club Inc
  • Bendigo Bushwalking & Outdoor Club Inc 

 

South Australia

  • Adelaide Bushwalkers Inc.
  • Retired Teachers Walking Group Inc.
  • Mount Gambier Bushwalkers Inc.
  • Adelaide Happy Wanderers Inc 

 

Tasmania

  • Hobart Walking Club Inc.
  • Deloraine Walking Club Inc.
  • Launceston Ramblers Inc.
  • North West Walking Club Inc