Workers’ Compensation Victoria
Workers’ compensation in Victoria
If you’re injured or become ill because of your work, workers’ compensation, known as WorkCover insurance in Victoria (VIC), can help support you financially and medically while you recover.
WorkCover insurance in Australia is a no-fault system and is designed to protect both workers and employers, playing a vital role in workplace safety and wellbeing.2
The WorkCover scheme is a type of insurance that employers in VIC are required to have. It covers Victorian workers who are injured or become ill because of their job. Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, this support may include:
- Weekly payments based on pre-injury average, weekly earnings
- Reasonable cost of treatment expenses
- Support for families if a family member passes away due to a work-related incident.
How does workers compensation work in Victoria?
You’re injured at work
You should notify your employer that you have sustained a work-related injury. You should register first aid on your injury if possible and visit a doctor to get treatment and a Certificate of Capacity.
You lodge a workers’ compensation claim
After notifying your employer, you should follow up with a formal claim submission via WorkSafe Victoria and fill out a Worker’s Injury Claim Form for your employer. Once they receive it, they must send it to their WorkCover insurer.
The insurer reviews your claim
Once submitted, the workers compensation insurer will look at factors of the claim, including the employer injury claim report, cause of injury, the extent of resulting impairment and other possible contributions to the injury, including pre-existing conditions. The claims management team will then decide whether to accept or reject your claim and may ask you for further information during this time.
If a claim is accepted, you may receive the following support from the compensation scheme:
- Weekly payments: Noting the amount will depend on a number of factors, for example work capacity, the number of weeks and the Entitlement Period the payment falls within.
- Superannuation contributions: Whether superannuation contributions are made will depend upon eligibility criteria and also the duration of weekly payments being made.
- Return-to-work support: This may involve modified duties.
Where a claim is rejected or a dispute arises regarding the cover, the decision may be eligible for independent review with the Workers Compensation Independent Review Service, run by WorkSafe Victoria.
You can:
- Request a review by the insurer
- Go through conciliation via the Workplace Injury Commission (a free, independent process)
- Take your matter to court, as a last resort
- Also get support from a lawyer or your union during this process.
Does workers’ compensation cover travel to and from work in Victoria?
In general, workers’ compensation policies in Victoria do not extend insurance cover to injuries sustained during the commute between home and work. However, you may be covered if you were required by your employer to travel for work-related duties, such as visiting a client, attending an off-site meeting or delivering goods. Typically, travel may be covered when:
- Travelling is part of your job (e.g. a delivery driver or tradie moving between sites)
- You’re travelling between two work locations
- You’re on your way to a meeting or another off-site work-related task.
How long can I be covered under workers’ compensation in Victoria?
The length of time you’re covered will depend on a number of factors, including:1
- Individual circumstances
- Work capacity
- The type of support you’re receiving
- Your recovery.
Weekly payments
The rate of weekly payments will vary, depending on whether the payment is being made within the first 13 weeks, 14 weeks to 130 weeks, and beyond 130 weeks.
Medical expenses
- WorkCover will continue to pay for your treatment as long as it’s reasonable, necessary and related to your injury, even after wage payments stop.
- If you have a work-related mental injury, you may be able to access treatments and support for up to 13 weeks while waiting for the outcome of your claim.
- If your injury is long-term or permanent, you may be eligible for support up to your retirement age.
Permanent impairment or serious injury
You might be entitled to a lump sum payment for permanent impairment.
Role of employers
Employers play an important role in both the prevention of workplace injuries and the efficient management of claims when a workplace incident occurs. Employers are required to collaborate with insurance providers and WorkSafe Victoria to ensure that all necessary support services are provided to the injured worker, including facilitating modified duties.
Businesses should take a proactive approach to ensure a safe work environment and provide their employees with occupational health and safety training. Ensuring a timely response to incidents is also a key elements in reducing the incidence and severity of workplace injuries.
Meet our business insurance expert, Adrian Taylor
As a General Insurance expert with over 13 years’ experience in financial services, Adrian Taylor strongly believes in the protection and peace of mind that all types of business insurance provide business owners. Adrian says this type of cover can be the difference between a business staying afloat and going under if trouble arises.
Want to know more about business insurance?
1 WorkSafe Victoria. Types of WorkCover compensation. Accessed April 2025.
2 WorkSafe Victoria. The WorkCover Scheme. Accessed April 2025.