If you work for a self-insured employer in Queensland, your workers' compensation claim may be managed by your employer rather than WorkCover Queensland.
A self-insured employer is approved to manage and pay its own workers' compensation claims instead of using the state's insurer.
Your legal rights and entitlements stay exactly the same.
The main difference is who manages your claim. Instead of WorkCover Queensland, your employer will:
- Assess your workers' compensation claim.
- Decide whether to accept or reject the claim.
- Pay any compensation you are entitled to.
What ‘Self-Insured’ Actually Means
A self-insured employer is a large organisation that has been approved to manage its own workers' compensation claims instead of paying premiums to WorkCover Queensland.
This means the employer is responsible for:
- Receiving workers' compensation claims.
- Assessing and deciding claims.
- Paying compensation benefits.
- Managing return-to-work programs.
Who Can Become Self-Insured?
Self-insurance is generally only available to large employers who have 2000+ staff. To obtain a self-insurance licence in Queensland, an organisation must meet strict financial, safety and regulatory requirements set by the Workers' Compensation Regulator.
Does It Change Your Rights?
No. Your legal rights and entitlements are exactly the same.
The only difference is who administers your claim. Whether your claim is handled by WorkCover Queensland or a self-insured employer, the same workers' compensation laws apply.
If you'd like to learn more about how the system works, read our guide on ‘What are self-insurers?’
WorkCover Queensland vs a Self-Insured Employer
Both systems run under the same law and deliver the same entitlements. The differences lie in who handles the claim and who carries the cost. This table sets out the key differences.
The single practical difference worth understanding concerns money:
- When you claim through WorkCover Queensland, a state insurer pays.
- When your employer self-insures, the organisation deciding your claim is the same one paying for it out of its own budget.
Your Entitlements Do Not Change
Whether your claim runs through WorkCover Queensland or a self-insured employer, you are entitled to the same statutory support while you recover.
What you are entitled to:
- Weekly compensation for lost wages. This is generally up to 85% of your normal weekly earnings for the initial period of incapacity.
- Payment of reasonable medical and hospital expenses related to your work injury.
- Rehabilitation and support to help you return to work.
- A lump sum if you are left with a permanent impairment, once your injury stabilises.
- The right to have a decision reviewed and appealed if you disagree with it.
What you must do:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- See a doctor and ask for a work capacity certificate.
- Lodge your claim within 6 months of becoming aware of the injury, as required by the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld).
- Keep copies of everything you submit and receive.
For a full breakdown of the support available, see our guide on ‘What Payments Does WorkCover Queensland Cover?’
Common Scenarios and Questions
Is Coles self-insured?
Yes. Coles Group holds a Queensland self-insurance licence, so a Coles workplace injury claim is managed by Coles rather than by WorkCover Queensland. Your entitlements are unchanged. You lodge and follow up your claim through the employer's workers' compensation team, and you keep the same review and appeal rights.
Is Woolworths self-insured?
Yes. Woolworths continues to hold a self-insurance arrangement in Queensland. Because licences change over time, the surest way to confirm who handles your claim is to check the current WorkSafe Queensland register of self-insured employers or ask your HR team. Either way, your legal entitlements stay the same.
Is Bunnings self-insured?
Bunnings is owned by Wesfarmers, which self-insures in some states. Whether a Bunnings workplace injury in Queensland is handled by a self-insurer can change, so confirm it on the WorkSafe Queensland register or with your workplace before you assume who your claim goes to.
How do I find out if my employer self-insures?
Check three places: your payslip, your HR or workplace health and safety team, and the WorkSafe Queensland register. Many payslips or superannuation records name the workers' compensation insurer.
If your employer self-insures, you lodge your claim with the employer's own claims unit, not with WorkCover Queensland.
Other big Queensland self-insurers include Qantas, BHP, Aurizon, Queensland Rail, Brisbane City Council, the University of Queensland and The Star Entertainment Group.
Are my rights different if my employer self-insures?
No. Self-insurance changes who administers your claim, not what you are entitled to. The same Act sets your weekly payments, medical expenses, rehabilitation and lump-sum rights.
The same review process and the same appeal path to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission apply. If anyone tells you a self-insured claim gives you fewer rights, that is incorrect.
Can I still make a common law claim against a self-insured employer?
Yes. If your injury was caused by your employer's negligence, you may be able to pursue a separate common law claim through a lawyer, on top of your statutory claim. This works the same way as it does with WorkCover Queensland.
You open a statutory claim first while you recover. Having an open claim file is a prerequisite. Learn more here about workplace injury claims.
Red Flags When Your Employer Is Also Your Insurer
Most self-insured claims are handled properly. Still, it helps to know what to watch for when the organisation assessing your claim is the same one paying for it.
- Pressure to return to work before your treating doctor says you are ready.
- A rehabilitation or return-to-work plan that seems built around the employer's roster rather than your recovery.
- Being steered towards a doctor chosen by the employer without being told you can see your own.
- Delays in approving reasonable medical treatment or paying weekly benefits.
- Being discouraged from getting independent advice, or told a claim ‘is not worth it’.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Relying only on verbal updates. Ask for decisions in writing.
- Missing the review window. You generally have 3 months from a decision to apply to the Workers' Compensation Regulator for a review.
- Assuming a knock-back is final. You can appeal a review decision with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, generally within 20 business days.
The Law Behind Self-Insurance
Self-insurance in Queensland operates under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld), the same legislation that governs WorkCover Queensland claims.
What this means for you:
Self-insured employers must follow the same workers' compensation laws as WorkCover Queensland.
They are licensed and regulated by the Workers' Compensation Regulator and must provide the same benefits, apply the same legal rules, and respect the same review and appeal rights as the state scheme.
If you disagree with a decision, you can still have it independently reviewed. The review process is overseen by the Workers’ Compensation Regulator, not your employer.
If you are unsure how to start, our step-by-step guide on how to make a WorkCover claim walks you through the process, and it applies whether your employer self-insures or not.
When to Get Legal Advice
Consider speaking to a lawyer if any of the following apply to your self-insured claim:
- Your claim has been rejected, or benefits have been reduced or stopped.
- You are being pushed back to work before you feel ready or before your doctor agrees.
- You have a permanent impairment and are being asked to accept a lump sum.
- You believe your injury was caused by unsafe work practices or employer negligence.
Here is why early advice matters
Whether your claim is handled by WorkCover Queensland or a self-insured employer, having legal representation can make a significant difference.
A lawyer can ensure your claim is properly prepared, challenge incorrect decisions, and guide you through the review or appeal process if needed.
In many cases, claims are resolved without going to court, but having legal representation shows the insurer or employer that you're prepared to pursue your legal rights if a fair outcome isn't reached.
This can be especially important if your employer is self-insured, as the organisation assessing your claim is also responsible for paying your compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Self-insurance is about administration, not entitlements. Your rights under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld) are the same as a WorkCover Queensland claim.
- Big Queensland self-insurers include Coles, Qantas, BHP, Aurizon, Queensland Rail, Brisbane City Council and the University of Queensland. Check the WorkSafe Queensland register if you are unsure about your workplace.
- The organisation deciding your claim is the one paying for it. That is worth keeping in mind, though most claims are handled properly.
- You keep full review and appeal rights. Ask for a review within 3 months, and you can appeal to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, generally within 20 business days of receiving the outcome.
- A common law claim may be available on top of your statutory claim if employer negligence was involved.
Get Help Now
If you have been injured working for a self-insured employer in Queensland and you are unsure whether your claim is being handled fairly, Smith's Lawyers can talk it through with you.
Contact Smith's Lawyers today:
- Call 1800 960 482 for a free, no-obligation consultation about your situation
- No upfront costs: We operate on a No Win, No Fee, No Catch® basis; you only pay if we secure compensation for you
- Or request a call back: Use the form below to have our experienced team get in touch at a time that’s convenient for you.
When you get in touch, a member of our team will listen to what happened and explain the next steps that apply to your specific case.
