Published: 20 July 2016
Author: Stringer Clark WorkCover Law team

What you need to know about WorkCover and work injury

What medical expenses will WorkCover pay?

One of the first things you might need from WorkCover is help with the medical expenses that start from the moment you’re injured.

While generally the insurer offers a reasonable coverage in terms of medical expenses, there are some traps you must be careful to avoid.

First, what medical expenses are you entitled to?

Medical expenses – the essentials

WorkCover will pay what it considers to be “reasonable” medical expenses. This includes doctors visits and medication, and hospital, nursing, rehabilitation, and ambulance expenses that occur as a result of your workplace injury.

They will also pay for less obvious but equally helpful services such as home help or basic gardening services, should you injury prevent you from carrying out these types of duties around the home.

Physiotherapy, and chiropractor bills are covered, as are appointments to see your specialist, and surgery (if approved by the insurer).

Mobility devices and special equipment, home and car modifications and transportation costs are also covered, again if approved by the insurer.

Medical expenses continue to be covered for at least 52 weeks after your right to weekly payment ceases - and sometimes longer.

Some traps in medical expenses

It’s not all straight forward however. There are some things you need to know to ensure that payment of your medical expenses goes as smoothly as possible:

  1. If the insurer refuses to pay for a particular medical expense, you can contest that decision if there is support for the position that you require that expense.
  2. In general, you can see a doctor of your choosing. You don’t need to ask your employer for permission to see a particular doctor.

If you’re not sure whether an expense is something that the Insurer will cover, ensure you ask an expert.

If you're concerned about your WorkCover rights, call 1800 641 743 or find us at an office near you for free advice on WorkCover claims, or download our WorkCover brochure

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