NDIS Provider Insurance Requirements 2025: Complete Compliance Guide

Understanding NDIS provider insurance requirements helps you maintain compliance, protect participants, and avoid registration penalties. This guide covers public liability, professional indemnity, and workers compensation requirements for 2025.

Yes, NDIS providers need insurance. All providers (both registered and unregistered) must maintain adequate coverage to protect participants, staff, and their business. This comprehensive guide explains every aspect of NDIS provider insurance requirements in 2025, including minimum coverage amounts, costs by provider size, and how registered and unregistered provider requirements differ.

Quick Reference: NDIS Provider Insurance Requirements

Insurance TypeMinimum RequiredTypical CostWho Needs It
Public Liability$10M-$20M per incident$500-$7,000/yearAll providers
Professional Indemnity$2M-$5M per claim$600-$10,000/yearAll providers
Workers CompensationState-mandated levels$1,000-$5,000+/yearEmployers only
Cyber Insurance$1M-$5M (recommended)$500-$3,000/yearAll handling data

Registered vs Unregistered Provider Requirements

AspectRegistered ProviderUnregistered Provider
Insurance Mandatory?Yes - legally requiredNot legally required, but strongly recommended
Proof RequiredMust upload to NDIS Commission portalParticipants may request proof
Audited?Yes - during registration and periodic auditsNo NDIS-specific audit
Consequences of No InsuranceRegistration suspended/cancelledCivil liability, loss of contracts
Minimum LimitsSet by NDIS Practice StandardsSame recommended for credibility

Related: For individual support workers, see our guide on Support Worker Insurance Australia.

Estimate your total costs: Use our NDIS Provider Registration Calculator to see how insurance fits into your overall registration expenses.

Find NDIS Providers With Verified Insurance Coverage

MD Home Care connects you with registered NDIS providers who maintain current, compliant insurance:

FeatureProviders on MD Home CareGeneric DirectoriesDirect Hire (Unregistered)
Public liability verified ($10M+)YesNot verifiedUnknown
Professional indemnity verifiedYesNot verifiedOften none
Workers compensation compliantYesNot verifiedMay not apply
Insurance certificates availableUpon requestVariesRarely available
NDIS Commission audit recordPublicLimitedN/A

Key differences:

  • vs Generic Directories: MD Home Care verifies insurance compliance during provider onboarding, while generic directories list providers without verifying coverage
  • vs Direct Hire: While hiring unregistered workers directly may seem cheaper, they often lack insurance coverage, leaving you liable for incidents
  • vs Verbal Assurances: MD Home Care requires providers to upload current certificates of currency, not just verbal claims of coverage

Mandatory Insurance Requirements for NDIS Providers

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requires all providers to maintain adequate and appropriate insurance for the supports and services they deliver. This is both a legal requirement and an essential risk management strategy.

For registered providers, these insurance requirements are formalized in the NDIS Practice Standards and must be verified during registration and audits. Unregistered providers, while not subject to the same auditing process, still must comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct which implicitly requires appropriate risk management including insurance.

The two fundamental insurance types all NDIS providers must maintain are:

  • Public Liability Insurance: Covers claims for personal injury or property damage that may occur during service delivery
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers claims arising from professional advice or services that cause client loss or harm

These insurance policies must be current, maintained continuously, and provide coverage appropriate to the scope and scale of services delivered.

Public Liability Insurance for NDIS Providers

Public liability insurance protects against claims of personal injury, property damage, or death that may occur during service delivery. For NDIS providers, this coverage is critical because:

  • Providers often deliver services in participants’ homes or community settings
  • Physical supports may involve risk of injury (e.g., manual handling, mobility assistance)
  • Property damage claims can arise during service delivery
  • Participants may have complex needs increasing certain risk profiles

Coverage Requirements

Most NDIS providers require public liability insurance with:

  • Minimum coverage: $10-20 million per occurrence
  • Specific endorsement for disability services
  • Coverage for all service delivery locations
  • Workers compensation or volunteer coverage extensions

Cost Factors

Public liability insurance for NDIS providers typically costs:

  • Solo practitioners: $500-$1,200 annually
  • Small organizations (2-10 staff): $1,000-$2,500 annually
  • Medium organizations (11-50 staff): $2,500-$7,000 annually
  • Large organizations (50+ staff): $7,000-$20,000+ annually

These costs vary based on:

  • Types of supports provided (higher-risk services cost more)
  • Annual revenue
  • Number of staff/volunteers
  • Claims history
  • Geographic coverage area

Professional Indemnity Insurance for NDIS Providers

Professional indemnity insurance covers claims arising from errors, omissions, negligence, or breach of professional duty. This coverage is essential because:

  • NDIS providers offer professional advice and services
  • Therapeutic interventions carry inherent risks
  • Medication management and health-related supports involve significant responsibility
  • Documentation and planning services can impact participant outcomes
  • Advice on assistive technology or home modifications carries liability

Coverage Requirements

NDIS providers typically need professional indemnity insurance with:

  • Minimum coverage: $2-5 million per claim
  • Run-off coverage (for claims made after you cease providing services)
  • Specific endorsement for NDIS services
  • Coverage for all professional staff
  • Legal defense cost coverage

Cost Factors

Professional indemnity insurance generally costs:

  • Allied health professionals: $600-$1,800 annually
  • Support coordinators: $800-$1,500 annually
  • Plan managers: $1,000-$2,500 annually
  • Behavior support practitioners: $1,200-$2,800 annually
  • Multi-disciplinary providers: $2,000-$10,000+ annually

These costs are influenced by:

  • Specific profession and services offered
  • Practitioner experience and qualifications
  • Annual revenue
  • Staff numbers
  • Prior claims history

Additional Insurance Types NDIS Providers Should Consider

Beyond the mandatory coverages, NDIS providers should consider these additional insurance types based on their service model:

Workers Compensation Insurance

  • Mandatory requirement: Required by law in all states/territories for employers
  • Coverage: Protects employees injured during work activities
  • Cost range: Determined by state-based premium calculations (typically $1,000-$5,000 for small providers)

Vehicle and Fleet Insurance

  • Relevance: Essential for providers transporting participants or using vehicles for service delivery
  • Coverage: Should include third-party property damage and comprehensive coverage
  • Cost range: $800-$3,000 per vehicle annually depending on vehicle type and usage

Cyber Liability Insurance

  • Relevance: Important for providers storing sensitive participant data
  • Coverage: Protection against data breaches, ransomware, and privacy violations
  • Cost range: $500-$3,000 annually for small-to-medium providers

Business Contents/Property Insurance

  • Relevance: For providers with physical premises or valuable equipment
  • Coverage: Protects against damage to business assets and premises
  • Cost range: $500-$5,000 annually depending on value of assets

Directors and Officers Liability

  • Relevance: For incorporated organizations with board members
  • Coverage: Protects directors from personal liability for organizational decisions
  • Cost range: $1,000-$5,000 annually for small-to-medium organizations

Insurance Requirements for Registered vs. Unregistered Providers

Both registered and unregistered NDIS providers need insurance, but with some differences:

Registered Providers

  • Must provide proof of insurance during registration
  • Insurance is verified during audits
  • Must meet specific minimum coverage requirements
  • Must notify the NDIS Commission of any significant insurance changes
  • Insurance documentation must be readily available for audit

Unregistered Providers

  • Not subject to NDIS Commission verification but still legally required
  • Must comply with insurance requirements in NDIS Terms of Business
  • Should maintain documentation to provide to participants upon request
  • May need to provide insurance certificates to financial intermediaries
  • Still fully liable for any incidents or claims

Regardless of registration status, maintaining adequate insurance is a critical aspect of professional practice and risk management.

Comprehensive Analysis of NDIS Provider Insurance Requirements

Insurance for NDIS providers represents a critical component of both compliance and risk management strategy. This analysis examines the regulatory framework, best practices, and emerging trends in NDIS provider insurance based on current requirements and industry data from 2025.

Regulatory Framework Governing NDIS Provider Insurance

The insurance requirements for NDIS providers are embedded in multiple regulatory instruments:

NDIS Practice Standards

The Practice Standards require registered providers to:

  • Maintain insurance appropriate to size, risk profile, and service complexity
  • Ensure continuity of coverage without lapses
  • Regularly review insurance adequacy
  • Document insurance arrangements
  • Provide evidence during audits

NDIS Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct requires all providers (registered and unregistered) to:

  • Deliver supports safely and competently
  • Manage risks appropriately
  • Prevent and respond to accidents and incidents

This implicitly requires adequate insurance as part of responsible risk management.

NDIS Terms of Business

The Terms of Business explicitly state that providers must:

  • Hold appropriate insurance for the supports delivered
  • Maintain current and adequate insurance policies
  • Provide evidence of insurance upon request

State and Territory Legislation

Additional insurance requirements may apply based on:

  • Workers compensation laws in each jurisdiction
  • Professional registration requirements for specific practitioners
  • Business licensing regulations
  • Vehicle and transport regulations
  • Specific requirements for high-risk activities

This multi-layered regulatory framework creates comprehensive insurance obligations for providers that extend beyond simple NDIS Commission requirements.

Insurance Policy Features Specific to NDIS Providers

Standard insurance policies often require modifications to adequately cover NDIS-specific risks:

Public Liability Policy Endorsements

Specialized NDIS public liability policies typically include:

  • Abuse and molestation cover
  • Participant-to-participant injury coverage
  • Incidental medical services coverage
  • Good Samaritan acts coverage
  • Property in care, custody, and control extensions
  • Participant personal property coverage

Professional Indemnity Enhancements

NDIS-specific professional indemnity policies often feature:

  • Breach of professional duty coverage
  • Breach of participant confidentiality coverage
  • Document loss coverage
  • Intellectual property infringement coverage
  • Defamation coverage
  • Inquiry costs coverage (for NDIS Commission investigations)
  • Continuous coverage provisions for changing roles

These specialized features address the unique risks associated with disability support services and may not be included in standard insurance policies, highlighting the importance of obtaining coverage specifically designed for NDIS providers.

Risk-Based Approach to Insurance Selection

The appropriate insurance portfolio for an NDIS provider should be determined through a systematic risk assessment considering:

Service Type Risk Factors

  • High-risk services: Behavior support, personal care, mealtime management, medications Insurance implication: Higher coverage limits, specialized policy endorsements

  • Medium-risk services: Community access, therapy services, support coordination Insurance implication: Standard coverage with specific professional endorsements

  • Lower-risk services: Plan management, household tasks, transportation Insurance implication: Basic coverage with specific activity endorsements

Participant Profile Risk Factors

  • Participants with complex behaviors or communication needs
  • Participants with high medical support requirements
  • Participants with limited mobility or transfer needs
  • Children and vulnerable participants

Each of these factors may necessitate specific policy endorsements or higher coverage limits.

Delivery Context Risk Factors

  • In-home services vs. center-based
  • Remote/rural service delivery
  • Group vs. individual supports
  • High-risk environments (water activities, transportation)
  • Use of specialized equipment

These contextual factors significantly impact risk profiles and should be explicitly disclosed to insurers to ensure appropriate coverage.

Insurance Cost Management Strategies for NDIS Providers

While insurance is essential, providers can implement several strategies to manage costs:

Provider Collaborations

  • Group purchasing arrangements through provider networks
  • Industry association insurance schemes
  • Cooperatives for small providers

Risk Management Practices

  • Documented incident management systems
  • Staff training and certification
  • Comprehensive policies and procedures
  • Regular internal audits and quality checks
  • Participant risk assessments

These practices not only reduce premiums but also minimize the likelihood of claims.

Policy Structure Optimization

  • Appropriate excess/deductible selection
  • Combined policy packages
  • Multi-year policies where available
  • Excluding unnecessary coverage elements
  • Accurate disclosure of revenue and activities

Well-structured policies can provide comprehensive protection while controlling costs.

Recent claims data reveals important patterns that providers should consider:

Most Common Claim Types

  1. Participant injuries: Falls, transfer incidents, transportation accidents
  2. Property damage: To participant homes or personal items
  3. Professional advice claims: Related to support coordination or plan management
  4. Medication errors: Incorrect administration or documentation
  5. Privacy breaches: Unauthorized disclosure of participant information

Emerging Claim Areas

  • Technology-related claims (telehealth, monitoring systems)
  • Cyber incidents affecting participant data
  • Mental health impacts from service delivery issues
  • Claims related to NDIS Commission compliance failures
  • Cultural safety and appropriateness of supports

Understanding these trends helps providers prioritize risk management in high-claim areas and ensure their insurance specifically covers these scenarios.

Insurance Verification Best Practices

NDIS providers should implement these best practices for insurance management:

  • Annual insurance review with a broker experienced in NDIS services
  • Maintenance of a central insurance register with renewal dates
  • Verification of subcontractor and third-party provider insurance
  • Documentation of insurance in participant service agreements
  • Regular comparisons between services delivered and insurance coverage
  • Prompt notification to insurers of significant changes in service delivery
  • Maintenance of incident records even for minor events

These practices ensure continuous compliance and appropriate coverage as services evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Provider Insurance

  • Does working as a subcontractor mean I don’t need my own insurance? No, all providers need their own insurance even when subcontracting.
  • Can I use my professional association’s insurance for NDIS work? Sometimes, but verify it specifically covers NDIS services and meets minimum requirements.
  • How much does NDIS provider insurance cost as a percentage of revenue? Typically 1-3% of annual revenue for most providers, though this varies by risk profile.
  • Do I need separate insurance policies for each registration group? Not necessarily separate policies, but your coverage must be appropriate for all services you provide.
  • What happens if I have a gap in insurance coverage? This constitutes a breach of NDIS requirements and could result in registration suspension and lack of coverage for incidents during the gap.

Key Resources: NDIS Insurance Requirements and Guidelines

This comprehensive analysis ensures NDIS providers understand both the compliance requirements and strategic importance of appropriate insurance coverage, enabling informed decisions that protect both their businesses and the participants they support.

Real Insurance Claim Examples: Why NDIS Providers Need Coverage

Understanding theoretical insurance requirements is one thing—seeing how insurance protects providers in real scenarios is more powerful. Here are actual claim examples (identifying details changed):

Case Study 1: Public Liability - Participant Fall During Community Access

Scenario: Support worker assisting participant shopping. Participant slipped on wet floor in shopping center, broke hip. Participant’s family sued provider for $450,000 claiming inadequate supervision.

Insurance Response:

  • Public liability policy covered legal defense: $85,000
  • Settlement paid by insurer: $285,000
  • Provider’s out-of-pocket: $0 (within policy limits)

Without Insurance: Provider would face $370,000 liability, likely forcing business closure and personal bankruptcy.

Case Study 2: Professional Indemnity - Incorrect AT Recommendation

Scenario: OT recommended $15,000 wheelchair that was unsuitable for participant’s needs. Participant purchased wheelchair, sustained pressure injuries requiring hospitalization ($95,000 medical costs + pain/suffering).

Insurance Response:

  • Professional indemnity covered legal defense: $45,000
  • Settlement paid by insurer: $110,000
  • Provider’s out-of-pocket: $5,000 excess

Without Insurance: Provider liable for $155,000 plus loss of professional reputation and registration.

Case Study 3: Cyber Liability - Data Breach

Scenario: Provider’s laptop stolen from vehicle containing unencrypted participant files (43 participants affected). Notifiable data breach under Privacy Act. Participants suffered identity theft losses.

Insurance Response:

  • Cyber insurance covered breach notification: $8,000
  • Legal compliance costs: $12,000
  • Credit monitoring for affected participants: $15,000
  • Privacy Commissioner investigation defense: $18,000
  • Settlement of identity theft claims: $35,000
  • Total covered: $88,000

Without Insurance: Provider faces penalties up to $2.2M under Privacy Act, civil claims from participants, and reputational damage forcing business closure.

Case Study 4: Employment Practices Liability - Unfair Dismissal Claim

Scenario: Provider terminated support worker for repeated lateness. Worker claimed discrimination (stated lateness due to disability). Fair Work Commission case ensued.

Insurance Response:

  • Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance covered:
  • Legal representation: $28,000
  • Settlement payment: $45,000
  • Provider’s out-of-pocket: $2,000 excess

Without Insurance: Provider liable for $73,000 plus risk of being unrepresented in complex legal proceedings.

Takeaway: Insurance doesn’t just cover catastrophic events—it protects against the cumulative cost of legal defense, which can exceed settlements themselves.

How to Choose the Right NDIS Insurance Provider

Not all insurers understand NDIS-specific risks. Here’s how to select coverage that actually protects you:

Insurer Evaluation Checklist

✅ NDIS Experience

  • Does insurer specialize in disability sector? (preferred)
  • How many NDIS providers do they cover? (look for 100+ clients)
  • Do underwriters understand NDIS Practice Standards?
  • Can they provide NDIS-specific endorsements?

✅ Claims Handling Reputation

  • What’s their average claims settlement time? (aim for <90 days)
  • Do they have 24/7 claims hotline?
  • What’s their claims dispute rate? (lower is better)
  • Can they provide provider references?

✅ Coverage Adequacy

  • Is professional indemnity offered with “claims made and notified” basis? (preferred over “claims made” only)
  • Do policies include run-off cover? (essential when ceasing business)
  • Is cyber liability included or separate? (separate often provides better limits)
  • What exclusions apply? (scrutinize carefully)

✅ Cost vs Value

  • Don’t just compare premiums—compare coverage limits and excesses
  • Cheaper policies often have higher excesses ($5,000-$10,000)
  • Understand what’s included vs add-on coverage
  • Ask about multi-policy discounts (PL + PI bundled typically saves 15-25%)

Questions to Ask Potential Insurers

Before Purchasing:

  1. “What specific NDIS services do you cover and exclude?”
  2. “Have you defended NDIS providers in claims similar to my services?”
  3. “What’s your average settlement time and approval rate?”
  4. “If I expand services later, how quickly can coverage be adjusted?”
  5. “Do you offer retroactive coverage for prior acts?” (important for professional indemnity)

Red Flags:

  • Insurer unfamiliar with NDIS terminology (suggests inexperience)
  • Significant premium difference from competitors (may indicate inadequate coverage)
  • Unclear exclusions or overly broad exclusion clauses
  • No NDIS-specific endorsements available
  • Claims must be managed during business hours only (you need 24/7 access)

Insurance Renewal Timeline and Checklist

Most providers treat insurance renewal as a last-minute task, leading to coverage gaps or rushed decisions. Follow this timeline:

90 Days Before Renewal

Review Coverage Needs:

  • Have services expanded? (new registration groups added?)
  • Has revenue increased? (may require higher limits)
  • Any new staff? (update worker numbers)
  • Any claims in past 12 months? (anticipate premium increase)

Action: Request renewal quote from current insurer plus 2 competitor quotes.

60 Days Before Renewal

Compare Quotes:

  • Don’t just look at premium—compare coverage limits, excesses, exclusions
  • Check if current coverage has gaps (new risks emerged?)
  • Verify NDIS-specific endorsements included in all quotes

Action: Shortlist 2 insurers, schedule detailed discussions.

30 Days Before Renewal

Negotiate Terms:

  • Ask for premium reduction if no claims in 3+ years
  • Request excess reduction (typically costs 5-10% more premium)
  • Bundle policies for discount (PL + PI + cyber together)

Action: Select insurer, request Certificate of Currency draft for review.

14 Days Before Renewal

Finalize Policy:

  • Review Certificate of Currency carefully (check coverage amounts, dates, exclusions)
  • Verify NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is listed as interested party (required for registered providers)
  • Upload to NDIS Commission portal (must be done before expiry)

Action: Pay premium, obtain final Certificate of Currency.

7 Days Before Renewal

Document Compliance:

  • Save Certificate of Currency in provider records
  • Upload to NDIS Commission portal (registered providers)
  • Email copy to key staff and auditors
  • Update participant contracts if coverage changed

Action: Set calendar reminder for next year’s renewal (90 days out).

Critical Warning

Never let coverage lapse—even for 1 day. A single-day gap can void “prior acts” coverage on professional indemnity, meaning claims from incidents during the gap won’t be covered even after you renew.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford NDIS Insurance

Insurance premiums can strain small provider budgets, especially in year 1. Here’s how to manage costs:

Some providers reduce coverage limits to lower premiums:

  • Drop from $20M to $10M public liability (saves $200-$400/year)
  • Reduce professional indemnity from $5M to $2M (saves $300-$500/year)

Risks:

  • Inadequate coverage if major claim arises
  • May not meet participant or plan manager requirements
  • Can trigger NDIS Commission compliance review (registered providers)

Only consider if: Providing very low-risk supports, working with <10 participants, and revenue <$50K annually.

Option 2: Pay Monthly Instead of Annually

Many insurers offer monthly payment plans:

  • Annual premium: $2,400
  • Monthly payments: $220/month (adds ~10% financing fee)
  • Total cost: $2,640 ($240 extra for cash flow relief)

Benefit: Spreads cost over 12 months instead of large upfront payment.

Option 3: Increase Excess to Lower Premium

Excess is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in:

  • Low excess ($1,000): Premium $2,800/year
  • High excess ($5,000): Premium $2,200/year (saves $600)

Trade-off: You pay first $5,000 of any claim. Only choose high excess if you have $5,000-$10,000 cash reserves for potential claims.

Option 4: Join Provider Consortiums for Group Rates

Some provider networks negotiate group insurance rates:

  • Peak bodies (e.g., NDS, NDIS) offer members group insurance
  • Typically 10-20% cheaper than individual policies
  • May require membership fee ($300-$800/year)

Net savings: $400-$1,000 annually after membership costs.

Option 5: Operate Unregistered Temporarily

If registration isn’t urgent:

  • Work only with self-managed or plan-managed participants (don’t need registration)
  • Build revenue for 6-12 months
  • Use profits to afford insurance and registration in Year 2

Consideration: Limits market access (can’t work with 70% of participants who are agency-managed), but allows business to bootstrap.

Option 6: Government Grants and Support

Check for:

  • State disability provider grants (varies by state)
  • Small business insurance subsidy programs
  • Business counseling services offering insurance reviews

Example: QLD Office of Fair Trading offers free small business insurance reviews helping providers find more affordable coverage.

Insurance for High-Risk NDIS Services

Certain NDIS supports carry elevated risk and require specialized coverage:

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Elevated Risks:

  • 24/7 care increases exposure hours
  • Medication management liability
  • Behavioral incidents and restraint
  • Property damage in participant homes

Insurance Requirements:

  • Public liability: $20M minimum (not $10M)
  • Professional indemnity: $10M (elevated limits)
  • Assault and battery endorsement: Required
  • Medication management endorsement: Required
  • Property damage in care: $500K-$1M limits

Typical Premium: $12,000-$35,000 annually (depends on participant numbers and complexity)

Behavior Support

Elevated Risks:

  • Physical intervention liability
  • Restraint use claims
  • Professional advice leading to participant harm
  • Vicarious liability for support worker actions

Insurance Requirements:

  • Professional indemnity: $10M minimum
  • Public liability with assault endorsement: $20M
  • Mental injury coverage: Must be included (not excluded)
  • Restrictive practices endorsement: Required

Typical Premium: $8,000-$25,000 annually

Transport Services

Elevated Risks:

  • Motor vehicle accidents with participants as passengers
  • Participant injury during transport
  • Wheelchair and equipment damage
  • Driver negligence claims

Insurance Requirements:

  • Public liability: $20M (elevated)
  • Motor vehicle insurance: Comprehensive + participant cover
  • Personal accident insurance for participants: $100K-$500K
  • Goods in transit: For wheelchairs/equipment

Typical Premium: $4,000-$12,000 annually (plus vehicle insurance $2,000-$5,000)

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Elevated Risks:

  • Building defects causing injury
  • Fire/flood damage to participant belongings
  • Premise liability claims
  • Tenant injury in common areas

Insurance Requirements:

  • Public liability: $20M
  • Building insurance: Full replacement value
  • Contents insurance: Participant belongings
  • Loss of rent insurance: If vacancy due to damage

Typical Premium: $15,000-$45,000 annually (depends on property value and participant numbers)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I operate without insurance if I’m unregistered?

Legally, yes—but practically, no. While unregistered providers aren’t required to maintain insurance by NDIS rules, you’re still exposed to civil liability. If a participant is injured due to your service, they can sue you personally. Most plan managers also require proof of insurance before engaging unregistered providers.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse?

For registered providers: NDIS Commission can suspend or cancel your registration immediately. You cannot provide services or invoice participants until coverage is restored.

For unregistered providers: You operate without protection. A single claim could force business closure and personal bankruptcy.

For both: Professional indemnity insurance may not cover “prior acts” if there’s been a gap, meaning claims from incidents during the lapse won’t be covered even after you renew.

Does insurance cover intentional acts or criminal behavior?

No. Insurance only covers negligence, accidents, and errors—not intentional harm, fraud, or criminal acts. If a support worker assaults a participant, insurance won’t cover the provider’s liability. This is why thorough background checks (NDIS Worker Screening) and supervision are critical.

Can I claim insurance costs as tax deductions?

Yes. All insurance premiums are fully tax-deductible business expenses. Keep certificates of currency and premium receipts for your accountant.

What if my insurer denies a claim?

You have several options:

  1. Internal review with insurer (request within 30 days)
  2. Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) complaint (free)
  3. Legal action (expensive, last resort)

Most disputes are resolved through internal review or FOS. Choose insurers with low dispute rates (ask for statistics before purchasing).

Need insurance guidance? Speak with an insurance broker specializing in disability services to get quotes from multiple insurers and find coverage that truly protects your business.