List of NSW Workers Compensation Insurers | Contact Details & Agents

In NSW, workers compensation claims are managed by different insurers depending on who you work for, which industry you are in, and whether your employer is part of the nominal insurer scheme or licensed to self-insure. Working out who is actually managing your file matters because the insurer controls key decisions about liability, weekly payments, treatment approvals, and return-to-work planning.

Fast answer: how to identify your insurer in under 10 minutes

Check the most recent decision letter (denial, weekly payment change, or treatment refusal).
Match the letterhead entity to the insurer directories below (scheme agent, specialised insurer, or self-insurer).
If names conflict across documents, email both insurer and employer and request written confirmation of the legal decision-maker.

This quick check prevents the most common escalation error: sending evidence to the wrong team and losing time on transfer loops.

What usually goes wrong before workers search for their insurer

The worker only knows the employer name

Many people are told to deal with HR, payroll, or a return-to-work coordinator without ever being given the actual insurer or claim manager details. That becomes a problem when you need to chase unpaid benefits, a treatment decision, or a missed certificate update.

The claim is really with a scheme agent, not icare itself

People often say they are "with icare" when the day-to-day decisions are actually being made by EML, Allianz, GIO, QBE, or Gallagher Bassett. Knowing the scheme agent helps you identify who issued the letter and who is responsible for the next step.

A dispute letter arrives before the insurer is understood

By the time aSection 78 notice, payment stoppage, or treatment refusal is issued, workers sometimes still do not know which entity is behind the decision. That slows down responses and creates avoidable deadline pressure.

The real issue is not identity, but escalation

Once you know the insurer, the next question is usually how to challenge their position — whether that is a denied claim, aweekly payments stoppage, atreatment denial, or a dispute headed to thePersonal Injury Commission.

icare (the Nominal Insurer)

Most employers in NSW are covered by the nominal insurer scheme. In practical terms, that means many workers say their claim is "with icare". But icare usually appoints a scheme agent to handle the day-to-day file, issue decisions, approve treatment, and manage weekly payments.

icare scheme agents

If you are unsure which scheme agent is handling your policy, contact icare directly on 13 44 22.

How to identify the actual decision-maker on your file

Check the top of any insurer letter, certificate response, IME booking, payment remittance, or treatment decision. The name on that document is usually the scheme agent or self-insurer managing your claim.

If the insurer has issued a decision you disagree with, keep the letter and compare it against the next step guides fordenied claims,work capacity decisions, andunfair IME reports.

Specialised insurers

Some industries have dedicated insurers rather than the ordinary nominal insurer pathway. These insurers manage claims for particular sectors and can have their own claims teams and processes.

Coal Mines Insurance (CMI)

Covers NSW coal industry claims.

StateCover Mutual

Covers NSW local council workers compensation.

Racing NSW

Covers the thoroughbred racing industry.

Guild Insurance

Covers pharmacy and child-care sectors.

Hospitality Industry Insurance (HII)

Covers hotels, clubs, and takeaway businesses.

Self-insurers

Self-insurers are employers licensed by SIRA to manage their own workers compensation liabilities. If you work for one of these employers, the claim may be handled internally or through their own approved arrangements rather than through the nominal insurer scheme.

Practical checklist if you cannot work out who your insurer is

Check your insurer letters and payment remittances

The insurer or scheme agent name is often buried in the footer, email signature, or remittance advice.

Ask your employer for the claim number and insurer name

Do not settle for “icare” or “HR is handling it”. Ask for the actual insurer, claim number, and claim officer.

Keep the latest certificate and dispute letters together

That makes it easier to assess whether the issue is about liability, work capacity, payments, or treatment.

Match the problem to the right next-step guide

Use targeted pages forPIAWE recalculation,treatment denial, andPIC disputesrather than treating everything as a generic complaint.

Current licensed self-insurers

Current group self-insurers

Having trouble with an insurer?

Whether you are dealing with icare, a specialised insurer, or a self-insurer, the core rules remain the same. If your claim is denied, your weekly payments are wrong, or treatment is delayed, the file usually needs quick evidence and strategy rather than more waiting.

Start Free Claim Check Call 02 9635 0889

Related guides

Unsure who your insurer is?

If you cannot identify the insurer or agent, or you are getting bounced between your employer and the claims team, we can help you work out who is responsible and what to do next.

Start Free Claim Check Call (02) 9635 0889

*This list is for general informational purposes only. SIRA reviews licences for specialised and self-insurers periodically. Always verify current insurer status on the official SIRA website.