About - Insurance

Bushwalking is a low-risk activity when compared with most active sports and recreational pursuits. Nevertheless accidents do occur from time to time, and the seriousness of an incident is potentially greater in remote areas where medical aid is not usually available. Retrieval via helicopter may also be needed. When an accident occurs there is a possibility of considerable cost being incurred by someone injured. For this reason it is recommended that member clubs arrange Personal Accident Insurance for their members.

Sometimes, due to unfavourable weather or unforeseen circumstances, a leader may need to make a decision for the safety of the party, and the wisdom of that decision may be challenged in court. Bushwalking clubs are strongly advised to carry insurance to protect their walks leaders. Most State Federations require member clubs to carry Public Liability Insurance to protect the club including office bearers, walks leaders, members and, in turn the State Federation.

Bushwalking Australia operates a National Insurance Scheme providing Public Liability Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance which is available to affiliated member clubs in all States and Territories. In addition, other insurance covers, such as property insurance, can be arranged to meet the specific requirements of a club.

The Public Liability Policy is designed to pay, by way of compensation on behalf of the Insured (the club), all sums which the Insured shall become legally liable to pay in respect to injury and or damage as a result of an occurrence in connection with the insured activities of the club, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. This Policy currently provides a Limit of Liability - $20,000,000 for any one occurrence.

The Personal Accident Policy provides cover to the members of the club 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.

The Schedule of Benefits under this Policy includes:
Capital Benefits (Death and Permanent Total Disablement)	$50,000
Weekly Benefits - Injury	$500
Sub Limits of Liability include:
Non-Medicare Medical Expenses Reimbursement	$2,000

Insurance policies are renegotiated each year, and generally apply from 1 July to 30 June.
Inquiries regarding the Insurance Scheme should be directed to The Insurance Officer Bushwalking Australia Inc. Alternatively, enquiries may be directed to your State Federation office.