Specialised insurer responsibilities
Specialised insurers are responsible for:
- Targeted work health and safety, return to work and injury management programs for people within a defined industry.
- The direct ownership and management of workplace and workers compensation risks.
- The experience and outcomes for people with an injury.
- Workforce relationships.
A standard licence lasts up to 5 years and can be renewed.
Eligibility
Specialised insurers must obtain appropriate authorities, be financially viable and maintain a high standard of injury management and case management throughout the term of the licence.
You can read more about licensing requirements in the specialised insurer licensing framework.
The licensing requirements are listed below.
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Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
If you're a specialised insurer you must hold an authority from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to carry out insurance in Australia (unless exempted by specific legislation).
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Ownership and controls specifications
Specialised insurers must be incorporated with 50% of the shares and paid up capital held by the relevant professional, business or other industry bodies with 50% of the voting rights.
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Strong financial viability and strength
To be a specialised insurer you must:
- Be adequately capitalised.
- Have a strong financial position based on net tangible assets.
- Have a sound profit and cash flow history.
- Lodge your annual report (including audited financial statements) each financial year.
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Financial security
If you're a specialised insurer you're required to provide financial security to ensure you're able to meet your workers compensation liabilities.
Our security policy sets out the types of security and the terms under which security will be accepted.
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Reinsurance
If you're a specialised insurer you must obtain appropriate reinsurance cover for your workers compensation risks.
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Case management practices
We will conduct case management audits periodically throughout a licence term. This assists specialised insurers to monitor compliance with legislation and identify opportunities for improvement in case management. Specialised insurers will also be required to report self-audit results at least annually.
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Work Health and Safety Loss Management Program
Specialised insurers are required to demonstrate that they have a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Loss Management program in place to assist insured employers maintain strong work health and safety standards.
The WHS Loss Management program should focus on systematic approaches to injury and/or illness prevention based on industry-specific problem areas utilising WHS risk management principles.
Our specialised insurer loss management assessment criteria have more information on loss management programs and our expectations.
Our licensing framework explains our requirements in more detail.
How to apply
Before an application is made, a preapplication meeting should be arranged by emailing intent to apply to licensing@sira.nsw.gov.au. A meeting will be scheduled with representatives from the Licensing & Approvals team to discuss the process and expectations.
When you are ready to lodge the application and all supporting documents (as required by the Licensing framework for specialised insurers and Application for a new specialised insurer licence: requirements), email licensing@sira.nsw.gov.au to advise you are ready to proceed. The Licensing & Approvals team will provide a secure channel for uploading the application and exchange of information.
When an application is received, it will be reviewed prior to assessment to ensure all required information is present. SIRA will then assess applications according to the requirements of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 and the Licensing framework for specialised insurers.
Note: An invoice of $50,000 for specialised insurance applications will be issued upon receipt. Payment is required before the assessment can commence. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.
For more information please contact licensing@sira.nsw.gov.au.
List of current licensed insurers
A list of all current licensed insurers for workers compensation.
Self-insurer licence applications
Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback on pending licence applications.
Notifying SIRA about a significant matter
Specialised insurers are required to notify SIRA of significant matters.
Review of self and specialised licensing framework
SIRA is currently reviewing and updating the self and specialised insurer licencing framework which will include reviewing and updating the below documents. Some content may be amended as a result of this review.
The documents below have more information and applicants and insurers can contact SIRA by emailing selfspecialisedinsurers@sira.nsw.gov.au for clarification of specific requirements.
Specialised insurer forms
Updated 16 April 2026