In April 2017, icare made a landmark announcement regarding the future of the NSW Workers Compensation scheme. From 1 January 2018, EML (Employers Mutual Limited) was appointed as the sole agent for new claims, marking a significant shift in the industry.
A Major Change for NSW Workers Compensation
Previously, five agents managed claims under the scheme: Allianz, CGU, GIO, QBE, and EML. Industry expectations were that this number would reduce to three. Instead, icare’s decision to appoint EML as the exclusive agent surprised many stakeholders and reshaped the claims management landscape.
Transition of Existing Claims
- Allianz and GIO continue to manage their existing claims but no longer accept new ones
- GIO has also assumed responsibility for the CGU and QBE portfolios following their exit at the end of 2017
- While Allianz and GIO were initially expected to cease claims management by the end of 2018, no official timeline has been confirmed, with further announcements anticipated
What This Means for Employers and Workers
This consolidation aims to streamline claims management and improve efficiency across the NSW Workers Compensation scheme. Employers and workers should be aware of the following:
- New claims from January 2018 are handled exclusively by EML
- Existing claims remain with Allianz or GIO until further notice
- The transition period may involve updates from icare regarding licensing and claim closure timelines
Industry Impact
icare’s decision represents one of the most significant structural changes in NSW Workers Compensation in recent years. By centralising new claims under EML, the scheme seeks to deliver consistency, improved service, and stronger outcomes for injured workers and employers.
Source: Marsh
Title: Client Alert: icare Announces New NSW Workers Compensation Claims Service Model
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