Frequently Asked Insurance Questions
For further details on any of these issues, please contact:
Bob Reilly on 830 35804 or Tom Pontt on 830 33878
Contracts and agreements - includes indemnity clauses and professional indemnities
Student field trips, work experience and internships
Off-campus activities
Purchase or sending of equipment or material
Motor Vehicles
Research
Travel insurance coverage (including study abroad)
Travel insurance claims
Contracts and Agreements
Q: We have been asked to sign a contract that has a ‘hold harmless’ indemnity clause. Can we sign this?
DO NOT SIGN any contract that has a hold harmless clause as the University insurer will not support the University in the event of a claim. By accepting the hold harmless clause the University has given up its right to indemnity under an insurance policy.
Q: The School is entering into a contract with the ABC Company Pty Ltd to provide consulting services. They are asking for indemnity from the University. Can we sign this?
The School is unable to sign a contract in its own right, the contract must be in the name of the University and the terms and conditions must be subject to a legal review. For a consulting services contract, the management of the contract should be referred to ARI Pty Ltd to ensure that it meets the requirement of the University.
Our insurers require that any indemnity being entered into by the University be subject to a legal review. Should a claim arise out of the contract and it is shown that the contract does not conform to the University requirements, the insurer may deny liability and all cost and expense would then rest with the School.
Q: We have contracted to have a building painted by the ABC painting company. Do we need to have the contractor provide us with proof of Professional Indemnity insurance?
No – Unless the painting company has provided the University with professional advice that the University followed, and which would result in the University suffering a financial loss if the advice turned out to be incorrect. The painting company is unlikely to provide that kind of advice.
Q: We have contracted with an architectural firm to design a new building. Do we need have them provide Professional Indemnity insurance and if so how much?
Yes – They are providing the University with professional advice upon which the University will rely, and if that advice is incorrect then the University could suffer a financial loss (for instance, if the design is flawed and the building later collapses). The amount of Professional Indemnity insurance depends upon the level of risk involved. It is the responsibility of the project manager to undertake a risk assessment of the consultancy being provided to determine the likelihood and consequence of risk with the project. The outcome of the risk assessment will assist in negotiating the amount of insurance that the consultant should have. Further assistance with the risk assessment can be sought from the Manager, Insurance and Risk Management in Legal and Risk, Ph 830 35804.
Students – Field Trips, Work Experience and Internships
Q: Our students are going on a field trip are they covered by insurance?
Students are covered under the University insurance program for Public Liability should their actions or lack of action result in a loss or damage to a third party. They are also covered by the Student Personal Accident policy (copy available through Insurance Policy Guides page) in the event of suffering a personal injury. It should be noted that the Personal Accident policy only provides for medical expense not covered by Medicare.
Q: Our students are going on a field trip and will be driving University vehicles. Are they covered by insurance?
Providing the student holds a current driving licence, and has been approved by the Head of School or Business Manager to drive a University vehicle, they are covered by the University motor vehicle insurance program. There is an age excess applied for drivers under 21 years of age, under 25 years of age, or inexperienced drivers who have only held their drivers licence for a period of less than 2 years.
Q: A student is going on work experience with the ABC Company. What insurance do we have for this student?
There is a Student Work Experience guide available on the Insurance Policy Guides page. This guide should be used to ensure that the students, the University and the host organisation are all protected by a clear understanding of the indemnity offered to the student by the University and the obligations placed upon the student to comply with the work conditions required by the host organisation.
Q: I am a student of the University. I want to undertake work experience with the ABC Company during the semester break. The ABC Company has asked me for proof of Public Liability. Will the University insure me?
No – The University only provides insurance for students undertaking work experience as part of their course of study and with the approval of Head of School. If you or your parents have a public liability policy as part of your home insurance you may be able to obtain cover through that facility.
Q: I am an International Student and, with the support of my School, I am going to start an internship with the ABC Company. The ABC Company have asked for proof that I have personal accident insurance.
As an international student you have the health insurance purchased to meet your visa requirements, you are also provided with the University student Personal Accident insurance. The Personal Accident insurance does not provide insurance for any claim that can be lodged under Medicare or your International Student health insurance program.
Off-campus Activities
Q: We are holding an event in the parklands and the Council has asked for proof of insurance. How can I get one?
A certificate of insurance is available and can be emailed to you to provide to the Council. Contact Legal and Risk on 830 35804.
Q: We are having an art show in Rundle Mall, the City Council has asked for proof of Public Liability.
A certificate of insurance can be emailed to you to provide to the Council. Contact Legal and Risk on 830 35804.
Q: The School is hosting an international conference that is being held at a resort in Victor Harbour. Are we covered for Public Liability?
Yes, provided that you advise Legal and Risk in advance of the conference so that we are able to inform the University insurers. Contact Manager, Insurance and Risk Management on Ph 830 35804.
Purchase or Sending of Equipment or Material
Q: We are shipping research material to the USA. Can this be covered by insurance?
Yes – This is covered under the Marine Transit policy. Insurance is automatic and there are no forms to be filled out. If the value is greater than $10,000 inform Legal and Risk in advance so that the insurer can be advised of the shipment, asthey may require that an inspection of the packaging and method of shipping be undertaken. You should also ensure that any licence or permit requirements associated with export are met; if you are in doubt and require further guidance, contact Legal and Risk on 830 35033.
Q: We have purchased high value equipment in Germany that is going to be shipped to the University. Do we have insurance for this?
There are two ways that this equipment can be insured.
- The manufacturer can insure the shipment on a Free into Store basis. This is the best approach as the manufacturer will take more responsibility for the packaging and method of shipment. This is the preferred option.
- The other option is for the University to insure the equipment under its Marine Transit policy. This requires advance notice of the shipping to Legal and Risk so that the insurer can be advised. Depending upon the value of the shipment, an additional premium may be charged which will be the responsibility of the School to pay. The insurer may also require that an inspection by a Marine Surveyor be undertaken to ensure that the equipment is correctly packed and is shipped in a manner that will not cause damage. This option will incur additional costs for the School.
Motor Vehicles
Q: One of our vehicles has been damaged, and will cost less than $2,000 to repair. Do we have to report it to the insurance company?
As long as there is no third party involved to claim against the University, it is not necessary to report it to the insurance company. The School can arrange for its repair and is responsible for payment of the cost associated with the repairs.
If there is a third party involved then the claim must be reported to the insurer regardless of the cost of repair.
Research
Q: I am undertaking a research project that requires Human Ethics approval. I am using the Royal Adelaide Hospital Human Ethics Committee and they have asked for proof of insurance.
A certificate of insurance for Clinical Trials and Human Studies can be sent to you by email, by contacting Legal and Risk on 830 35804. You can attach this to your submission to the Human Ethics Committee as proof of insurance.
Travel Insurance Coverage
Q: I am a staff member travelling to the USA and Canada. I will be working for 6 weeks and my family is joining me for a 3 week holiday in the USA. Am I covered and is my family covered under the University travel insurance.
As a staff member, you have automatic travel insurance providing that your travel is for a University purpose and has been approved by either the Head of School of the Executive Dean. The University allows for personal time up to 50% of the overall time away to a maximum of 4 weeks. As your personal time does not exceed 4 weeks and is within the 50% time frame, you are also covered for the private portion of your travel. Further information is available in the Travel Insurance guide available on the Insurance Policy Guides page.
Your wife and family will not be covered under the University program and will be required to purchase their own insurance. The University provides a facility whereby you can access the University insurance broker, who can provide your family with the same level of benefits available under the University policy and with the same insurer. This is of benefit should there be an unfortunate event that results in you and a member of your family needing to access travel insurance at the same time, asthere will be no dispute as to who is insured with whom.
The cost of your family insurance must be at your own expense. The University will not pay this as it attracts fringe benefit tax. You can apply by completing the Private Travel Proposal Form available on the Insurance Policy Guides page.
Q: I am a PhD student going to a conference in France. Do I have travel insurance or do I have to buy my own?
You have automatic cover under the University travel insurance policy providing that:
- your travel has been approved by Head of School
- your travel does not exceed a total of 180 days
- your personal holiday time does not exceed 50% of the total travel time up to a limit of 4 weeks.
Further information is available in the Travel Insurance guide available on the Insurance Policy Guides page.
Q: I am going to a conference in Germany but the cost of my ticket and conference fees have been paid by the RTG organisation. Am I still covered under the University travel insurance program?
Yes – Providing that:
- your travel has been approved by Head of School
- your travel does not exceed a total of 180 days
- your personal holiday time does not exceed 50% of the total travel time up to a limit of 4 weeks.
Further information is available in the Travel Insurance guide available on the Insurance Policy Guides page.
Q: I will be a Study Abroad student going to Canada for a semester. Am I covered by the University travel insurance?
The Canadian Government (and certain other Study Abroad destinations, including the United States) requires you to purchase medical insurance in Canada for the duration of your stay. The University travel insurance will provide cover to you excluding what cover is available to you under the Canadian Government scheme, providing that:
- your travel has been approved by Head of School
- your travel does not exceed a total of 180 days (approximately 6 months)
- your personal holiday time does not exceed 4 weeks
Q: I will be a Study Abroad student going to China for a semester. Am I covered by the University travel insurance?
Yes – for the full time you are in China providing that:
- Your travel has been approved by Head of School
- Your travel does not exceed a total of 180 days (approximately 6 months)
- Your personal holiday time does not exceed 4 weeks
Q: I will be a Study Abroad student going to Chile for a year. Am I covered by the University travel insurance?
You are covered for the first 180 days (approximately 6 months) by the University but you will need to purchase top up insurance for the remainder of your time in Chile. There is an application to purchase top up insurance on the Insurance Policy Guides page. This top up insurance is with the same insurer providing the first 180 days, so there will be no break in your coverage and no confusion as to who was insuring you at what time.
Travel Insurance Claims
Q: I was to attend a conference in Germany next week but there has been a death in the family and I had to cancel. Can I claim this under insurance?
Yes. You will need to have the travel agent cancel your ticket and seek a refund. There will be a cost incurred that can be claimed against the travel policy. Also ensure that your accommodation is cancelled and cancel your attendance at the conference. Again any cost incurred can be claimed.
Complete the corporate travel claim form that can be downloaded from the Insurance Policy Guides page, and return to Legal and Risk along with original receipts and statements from the airline. Also provide proof of the need to cancel the flight. This can be in the form of a death notice from the paper.
Q: When I was in the USA I had to visit the doctor as I was unwell can I claim this?
Yes. Complete the corporate travel claim form on the Insurance Policy Guides page and return to Legal and Risk with original receipts.
Q: I had my camera stolen while I was overseas and I paid $600 for the camera. Can I claim for this?
Yes. However there is deductible (excess) applied of $150 for cameras, computers etc. Complete the corporate travel claim form available from Insurance Policy Guides page and return to Legal and Risk. Provide copies of receipts or other proof of purchase, copies of police reports from the city when you reported the camera stolen.
Q: A student left a satellite phone in an unlocked vehicle and it was stolen. The phone was leased. Can we claim the cost of the phone?
No. The insurer requires that valuable items in care custody and control be secured at all times. The student should have taken the phone with them and not left it in an unlocked vehicle.
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