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1. Purpose and Objectives

This policy outlines the extensive insurance coverage which is maintained by The University of Queensland. All protection is subject to certain terms, exclusions, conditions and limitations.

2. Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Affiliate – any entity wholly or partly owned or controlled by the University which has been accepted by the insurer as an affiliate at the request of the University and specified as such in the Certificate of Entry or Protection Schedule; any entity which the University, has under contract or otherwise, agreed to include in their protections but only to the extent required by such contract or agreed to by the University.

Excess/Deductible/Retention - the first amount payable by the claimant in the event of a loss, and is the uninsured portion of the loss, so when a claim is submitted an excess/deduction may be payable.

Industrial Special Risks (ISR) -  also known as “Property” insurance.

Liability - any legally enforceable obligation; a responsibility of one person to another, enforceable in law.

Loss – a physical loss or a potential loss as a result of a legal action against the University.

Member - any person or group of persons being members of or students of or employed by Members or their Affiliates or performing any function whatsoever in Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere under the aegis of the University.

Organisational Unit – any School, Institute, Centre or Affiliate of The University of Queensland.

Staff - a current employee of The University of Queensland.

Student - a current, enrolled student of The University of Queensland.

3. Policy Scope/Coverage

This policy applies to all staff and students of The University of Queensland and approved affiliates.

4. Policy Statement

The University manages insurance in accordance with the following -

  • Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009 - s. 58 Insurance Contracts
  • Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994
  • Compensation and rehabilitation Act 2003
  • Personal Injuries Proceeding Act 2002

The University must establish cost effective insurance arrangements with one or more insurance providers to cover the University’s primary insurance needs, and manage the risk exposure.

Heads of organisational units are responsible for monitoring their risks and the management of all insured assets under their control.  All excesses are to be covered by the organisational unit incurring the loss.

Heads of organisational units are responsible for notifying the Insurance Office, FBS of all losses over indemnity and property losses over $500 (including any anticipated legal action involving the University).

The role of the Insurance Office includes:

  • Maintaining a register of insurance arrangements including:

o      the name of the insurance company;

o      a description of the risk insured; and

o      the commencement and expiry dates of the policy;

  • Ensuring the University and its staff and students have appropriate levels of insurance coverage for the diverse range of activities undertaken, and arrange additional coverage as required;
  • Providing policy interpretation and advice to staff and students (excludes private insurance);
  • Claims management;
  • Management of the annual renewal of all policies; and
  • Working with insurers to conduct risk assessments on higher insurable risk activities of the university.

Apart from workers' compensation (also known as Work Cover), all insurance coverage for the University is arranged through the Insurance Office. Workers compensation insurance is administered by the Work Injury Management Team in the Occupational Health and Safety Unit. 

5. Insurance Policy Summary

Listed below is a summary of the insurance policies held by the University.  Further information on each insurance cover is available from the Insurance Office, FBS.

For additional policy details, please visit the Insurance webpage.

Policy Type

Description

Casual Hirers

Covers hire of University facilities to third parties.

Clinical Trials

Covers clinical trials that have been approved by the University’s Ethics Committee. Coverage will only apply to the part of the trial conducted within Australia.

Contract Works

Covers contract works that are performed on building or grounds of the various campuses.

Directors and Officers

Covers any loss that Directors or Officers are legally liable to pay, by reason of any claim first made against them (individually or collectively) and arising out of any negligent act, error, or omission in relation to the University's professional business.

Expatriate

Covers financial and other losses incurred by expatriates while living and working in a country other than their own. Insurance should be arranged prior to relocating to a new country or destination.

Marine Cargo/Transit

Loss or damage to any goods or equipment, owned by the University, which are being transported overseas. Organisational unit must complete the Overseas Transit Insurance Advice Form and email it to the Insurance Office insurance@uq.edu.au at least two weeks prior to departure of the property so as to ensure the policy coverage is sufficient to cover the equipment. University equipment of a value in excess of the Travel Insurance Policy benefits is not to be taken as either hand or checked luggage on a carrier. If it is carried in this manner, the organisational unit is responsible for any damage that occurs, and an insurance claim will not be accepted.

Equipment is to be sent overseas via professional/specialised couriers and is to be packed in a manner appropriate to the type of equipment.  Organisational unit need to advise staff that extra time must be allowed for delivery by couriers and except in the most exceptional of circumstances, lack of time will not be accepted as a reason why the equipment was taken as either hand or checked luggage on a carrier.

Provided equipment is despatched correctly, and the Insurance Office is notified as above, the equipment will be covered by this policy.

Marine Hull

Covers the loss or destruction of University-owned vessels. It does not cover testing or research equipment used on the boat or in or under the water. If a vessel valued at over $50,000 is being purchased, the Insurance Office must be advised of the acquisition at least one week prior to delivery.

Medical Malpractice

Covers legal liability to pay damages as a result of any claim or claims first made against the University for bodily injury (including death) arising from any negligent act, error or omission in relation to the provision of medical and/or veterinary services.

Motor Vehicles

Covers fleet and University-owned vehicles including motor vehicles, scooters, motor cycles, tractors, trailers, mowers and buses.

Professional Liability (also known as Professional Indemnity)

Covers legal liability to pay damages as a result of any claim or claims first made against the University and arising out of any negligent act, error, or omission in relation to the University's professional business.

Property (ISR)

Covers all risks of physical loss or damage; including buildings, plant, machinery, stock and merchandise, loss of revenue, increased cost of working, loss of rental income and additional expenses resulting from interruption or interference to the business; and property in the care, custody or control of the University. Property within Australia is covered automatically whilst in transit up to $2,000,000.

Public and Product Liability

Covers the University’s legal liability to pay compensation in respect of personal injury or property loss caused as a result of University business including the manufacture and/or sale of goods or products. This policy also covers the legal liability of any person acting on instruction from or on behalf of the University such as staff, students and volunteers.

Staff Personal Accident

Covers current staff members (including volunteers) of the University for accidental bodily injury, whilst on University business.

Student Personal Accident

Covers enrolled students of the University for accidental bodily injury; while on University business (this includes field placements and excursions).

Staff Travel Insurance

Covers current University of Queensland staff on approved overseas or domestic travel.  This would normally include:-

  • Death and capital benefits
  • Overseas medical expenses
  • Cancellation of travel benefit
  • Personal effects cover
  • Other benefits commonly included in travel insurance policies

Student Travel Insurance

Covers currently enrolled students of the University on approved overseas and domestic travel.

Workers' Compensation

Covers injuries received by staff whilst on University business. Managed by the Work Injury Management Team in the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

Please note that information regarding these policies is for guidance only.

All insurance policies are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations as specified in the policy wordings, and nothing in this policy affects their force.

6. Contracts and Agreements

The business activities of the University are diverse, and organisational units regularly enter into contracts or agreements with external parties for the delivery of goods or services.

Most contracts/agreements have clauses relating to the University having appropriate insurance cover for the activity to be undertaken, and the provision of indemnity to the third party for any losses or claims that might arise against them as a result of the University activity.

It is important that such clauses do not have requirement levels that exceed the coverage the University has through its insurance policies, otherwise the University is exposed. The risk is that the organisational unit may need to fund any shortfall over the coverage provided should a claim arise.

If a contract/agreement does have clauses that exceed UQ's coverage and the external party will not change them, the organisational unit will be required to do a full risk assessment and gain approval to the proposed exposure. The Enterprise Risk Unit can assist with such risk assessments.

7. Hiring of Consultants

Organisational units hire external consultants to undertake many special activities and projects related to University business.  These consultants are not covered by any University insurance policy and it is necessary for them to hold their own policies, in particular Public Liability and Professional Indemnity.

The minimum level of coverage for Public Liability is $10 million, and for Professional Indemnity it is $5 million. For larger projects and contracts the level of coverage should be increased after assessment of the risk to the University should an incident occur as a result of the consultant’s  work.

Organisational units are required to obtain, check and file a current copy of the Certificate of Currency for the consultant’s insurance policy.

Consultancy contracts or agreements should contain clauses relating to indemnity and insurance issues – refer to “6. Contracts and Agreements” above. 

8. Risk and Risk Assessments

By definition, insurance is taken out by the University to cover levels of risk that the University has deemed it is unwilling to accept. It is essential that you do not rely on insurance as a substitute for proper risk management.

To determine and quantify the level of acceptable risk on any particular project, the organisational unit will almost certainly be requested to perform a Risk Assessment.

For assistance with a Risk Assessment contact Assurance and Risk Management Services (ARMS).

Custodians
Director, Governance and Risk