Insurance

Minimum coverage requirements are determined by regulatory bodies and/or your association.

Most health funds require practitioners to hold the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $2 million Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover claims related to professional $5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance if you are an Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner, as determined by AHPRA.

• $10 million Public/ Products Liability Insurance to cover third-party injury or property

Yes, the policy includes several exclusions and conditions that may impact your coverage:

• Beauty Therapists Endorsement: Excludes claims arising from the piercing of the tongue or genitalia, and from skin types 5 and 6 unless specific conditions are met.
• Health Conditions: Excludes claims related to Hepatitis A, HIV, AIDS, and related
• Laser and Light Treatments: Excludes claims from laser, intense pulsed light, and variable pulsed light treatments unless certain safety and training requirements are met.
• Mesotherapy and Injectables: Excludes claims from mesotherapy (except for skin rejuvenation by registered nurses or medical practitioners) and injectables unless performed under the supervision or prescription of a medical professional.

• Skin Types 5 and 6: Excludes claims from laser treatment on these skin types unless specific conditions, including patch tests and proper training, are met.
• Sun Tanning Cancer: Excludes claims related to skin cancer or conditions resulting from the use of sun tanning devices.
• Professional Instruments: Requires that tools used in professional duties, especially those that contact bodily fluids or penetrate tissue, be sterilized and handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Work Experience Students: Coverage for students during work experience is provided only under direct supervision of a qualified beauty therapist.
• Hot Stones: Excludes claims arising from the use of hot stones unless placed on the patient by hand rather than tongs.
• Hypnotherapists Exclusions: Excludes claims related to stage hypnosis, past life regression, or regressive memory therapy unless conducted in accordance with the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia guidelines.
• Infectious Diseases: Excludes claims arising from any infectious disease, virus, or pandemic, including COVID-19.
• Financial Advice: Excludes claims arising from providing financial advice or failing to provide such advice.

We recommend reviewing your policy wording for a detailed understanding of exclusions, limitations, and applicable conditions. If you need further clarification, please contact us for assistance.

If a client alleges harm or an adverse reaction following treatment, the insured must contact GSA immediately. The following information will be required:

• The nature of the alleged
• The type and severity of pain reported by the
• Whether the insured believes the alleged injury could result in a
• Copies of any correspondence or communications from the

GSA will triage and advise if this is a notifiable incident. Due to the claims made and notified nature of the Professional Indemnity coverage, GSA would then move to notify the insurer and liaise with the insurer on your behalf, should this eventuate into a claim.

If you need to lodge a claim, contact GSA as soon as possible with details of the incident. Provide all relevant documentation, including client records, correspondence, and any legal notices received. GSA will guide you through the claims process and liaise with the insurer on your behalf. Prompt reporting is essential to ensure compliance with the policy conditions.

Yes, the policy covers both hands-on treatments and online consultations.

Yes, the policy includes coverage for online telecommunication services, provided the insured is domiciled within the territorial limits of the policy (Australia & New Zealand) at the time of service. Coverage excludes clients located in the United States and Canada.

The policy provides worldwide coverage from a territorial perspective, excluding the United States and Canada. However, jurisdictionally, coverage is limited to Australia and New Zealand. If a claim is made against the insured by an international client, all legal proceedings must be initiated in an Australian or New Zealand court for the policy to respond.

There are no specific compliance or consent requirements, other than ensuring the insured is domiciled within Australia or New Zealand at the time of the telehealth service however, the practitioner should ensure they are adhering to the same standards for telehealth as they would for hands on services.

No, online consultations do not require separate documentation for insurance purposes. However, it is important to ensure that all consultations, whether in-person or online, are thoroughly documented in accordance with professional standards and in alignment with the scope of your qualifications and insured modalities.

Yes, your policy covers written treatment plans, email advice, and video consultations, provided these activities fall within the scope of your qualifications and the insured modalities outlined in your policy. It is important to ensure that all services provided are in line with the professional standards.

If legal proceedings are initiated outside of the Australian or New Zealand court system, the policy will not provide coverage. However, if the client submits the claim in an Australian or New Zealand court, the policy will respond, subject to its terms and conditions.

Yes, your policy provides coverage for services rendered at any location within the territorial limits of the policy, including rented clinic spaces and multiple practice locations. Coverage applies as long as your services are conducted within Australia and New Zealand and align with the scope of practice outlined in your policy.

Standard home and contents insurance policies in Australia typically do not cover business-related incidents, such as professional liability, public liability claims relating to business activities or property damage related to business activities conducted from home. Many policies explicitly exclude coverage for business use, including business equipment, client visits, and potential legal liabilities arising from professional activities.

To ensure appropriate coverage, the insured should contact their home and contents insurer to confirm their policy terms. In most cases, a separate business insurance policy or an endorsement on the home insurance policy is required to cover business-related risks adequately.

Yes, your policy provides coverage for services delivered anywhere within the territorial limits of the policy, which include Australia and New Zealand. This means you are insured whether you treat clients in their homes, public spaces, or your own premises, as long as your services are provided within these approved regions.

If you are operating your business from home, it is also advisable to inform your home insurer. Many home insurance policies exclude or limit coverage for business activities conducted on the premises, so notifying your insurer ensures you understand any restrictions and can arrange appropriate coverage if needed.

Yes, if you lease a clinic space, you are typically responsible for certain insurance requirements. Most commercial leases in Australia require tenants to have public liability insurance to cover incidents involving clients or third parties on the premises. Additionally, you may need contents insurance for business equipment

Leases often include a clause requiring that any insurance policy obtained by the tenant is endorsed to note the interest of the landlord in the premises as an interested party in relation to Public Liability coverage. Upon request, we can include this endorsement on the insured’s Certificate of Currency.

Additionally, landlords may require plate glass cover, which is automatically included within the policy.

It is advisable to review your lease agreement and contact us to review any insurance requests to ensure you have adequate coverage.

The standalone policy, which includes Professional Indemnity and Public Liability, does not automatically cover general property or portable business equipment. However, this can be included as an additional product providing accidental damage cover for items such as portable electronic equipment, professional tools of trade, and other general property used in the course of business

(e.g., laptops, speakers, massage tables, yoga props, microscopes).

• Policy total maximum cover limit: $10,000
• Policy maximum cover limit per item: $5,000
• Excess: $250
• Additional premium: $150 + government charges

For more information or to add this coverage to your policy, please contact us.

4.1 Do health funds have specific insurance requirements I must meet?

Yes, most health funds require practitioners to hold the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $2 million Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover claims related to professional
• $10 million Public/ Products Liability Insurance to cover third-party injury or property

These limits must be met to ensure compliance with health fund requirements.

No, your insurance policy does not provide assistance in resolving disputes between a client and a health fund.

Yes, your professional indemnity insurance includes coverage for legal fees and defence costs if you need to respond to a professional complaint. This covers legal representation, court costs, and any settlements or judgments, up to the policy limit. An excess of $250 will need to be paid for the claim to be notified to the insurer.

This coverage provision does not extend to criminal complaints.

No, your policy does not provide coverage for audits or investigations by a regulatory body, unless the investigation is related to a complaint made against the practitioner by a client. However, in the event of a claim, you are entitled to one hour of free legal advice.

The current policy extends coverage to a wide range of natural therapy-related services. If the insured cannot locate a specific modality at the time of purchasing or renewing their policy, they should contact us. We will either include the modality or refer the request to the insurer for approval.

Additional premium may apply depending on the modality requested.

Yes, it is essential to notify GSA if you introduce a new treatment or therapy. This ensures that the new treatment or therapy is properly covered under your insurance policy. GSA can provide an endorsement to include the new practice, and you will receive an updated Certificate of Currency reflecting the change in coverage.

It is important to confirm with GSA so we can contact the insurer to clarify your coverage based on the following:

• Are the products TGA-approved? Insurers typically require herbs and supplements to be listed or registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
• Do all products comply with NICNAS and ACCC requirements? Compliance with the

National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) and Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulations is essential.

• Do you assume any liability in your contracts? If any agreements transfer liability to you, this may impact coverage.
• Does your business have strict recall procedures? Insurers may require a documented recall plan in case of product-related issues.
• What are the supplements? A list of the specific supplements prescribed is needed for
• Do you manufacture or formulate the supplements? If so, additional coverage may be required. If a third party manufactures them, the insurer will need details on who they are and where they are located.

Before prescribing any new products, please confirm with GSA so we can ensure your policy provides adequate coverage. Let us know if you need assistance.

If an allegation of professional misconduct or inappropriate behaviour arises, the claim will be notified to the insurer for review. However, the policy contains an abuse exclusion (verbal, physical or sexual abuse, molestation, assault, battery or any violence committed), which means any claim related to alleged abuse may not be covered, regardless of whether the allegation is denied.

Each case is assessed individually, and the insurer will consider all submissions provided by the insured. If you are facing an allegation, it is essential to notify us as soon as possible so we can assist in referring the matter to the insurer for review.

It’s best to contact GSA as soon as possible if this occurs. While your professional indemnity insurance may provide coverage, documenting all client interactions, including treatment recommendations and refusals, is essential. For specific guidance and confirmation of your coverage, please reach out to GSA directly.

To minimise the risk of claims, follow these key best practices:

1. Maintain Clear Documentation – Keep detailed client records, including consent forms, treatment notes, and communication history.
2. Obtain Informed Consent – Ensure clients fully understand the treatment, risks, and expected outcomes before proceeding.
3. Stay Within Scope of Practice – Only provide treatments you are qualified and insured Notify GSA if you introduce new therapies.
4. Follow Industry Guidelines – Adhere to professional standards, association codes of conduct, and regulatory requirements.
5. Ensure a Safe Environment – Maintain a clean, hazard-free workspace to prevent public liability risks.
6. Communicate Clearly – Manage client expectations by explaining procedures, potential risks, and treatment plans upfront.
7. Hold Adequate Insurance – Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure it aligns with your current practice.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of claims and maintain professional protection.

• GSA offers a single policy specifically for fully qualified We are unable to extend coverage to students or individuals who have not yet obtained their formal qualifications.
• New graduates must meet the necessary qualification requirements before they are eligible for coverage under our policy.

Currently, payment plans are not available for policies with premiums under $500. However, we understand the importance of flexible payment options, and we are actively working to introduce payment plans for all policy premiums, regardless of size.

We are committed to providing more accessible solutions for ATMS members, and we will notify you once these options become available.

Yes, ATMS members enjoy several exclusive benefits through our partnership with GSA, including:

• Heavily discounted policy
• 15 months for the price of 12 in your first
• 7 years free ‘run-off’ coverage once you have ceased This is subject to insurer approval prior to acceptance. Please notify GSA if this coverage is required.
• 1 hour of free legal advice per policy period, in relation to a notifiable event or circumstance which could potentially lead to a claim.
• Instant policy issuance for quick and efficient
• Unlimited Retroactive Cover, ensuring protection for past activities, once you have ceased
• Emergency Costs Approval up to 10% of the policy limit, providing financial assistance in urgent (Consent for this coverage is required to be obtained from the insurer within 30 days of costs being incurred)
• ATMS members can cancel their policy at any time during the insurance period by providing written notice. If cancelled, the premium will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis, ensuring members only pay for the coverage period used.

It is important to be aware that cancellation of a policy removes access to the free runoff coverage.

These added benefits are designed to provide greater value and support to ATMS members.

Your policy cannot be paused. However, members do have the option to lower their policy limits. Keep in mind that this is not recommended due to the claims-made nature of the policy. The coverage limits in place at the time a claim is made—not when the incident occurred—will apply. Reducing your limits now could leave you underinsured if a claim arises in the future.

If you retire, it’s crucial to maintain your policy for run-off cover. Run-off cover protects you against potential claims related to incidents that occurred during your time in practice, but had not been reported and where you were only notified after you stop practicing.

If you cease trading during a policy period, your policy includes a provision for run-off cover for up to 7 years. To ensure you benefit from this cover, it is recommended not to cancel your policy but allow it to continue until its natural expiry.

Please note that this is subject to underwriting and by referral to the insurer. If you wish to retire, please contact GSA to ensure your run-off cover is correctly arranged.