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Guidelines for insurance coverage: Work Integrated Learning activities, including internships and placements.

Overview

Students undertaking University-approved Work Integrated Learning activities, including internships and placements, are covered under the University’s insurance policies, subject to the specific terms and conditions of each policy.

Eligibility for University insurance coverage

A placement is only eligible for University insurance coverage if it has been formally approved through a signed agreement or an authorised online process involving the student, the host organisation, and the University.

DOWNLOAD STUDENT PLACEMENT AGREEMENT

Additional review and approval are required for:

• Placements in the United States or Canada: These require an insurance review due to liability limitations. Contact the University’s Insurance Office for guidance before proceeding.
• High-risk travel destinations or activities: Where international travel or high-risk activities are involved, students must verify their destination and complete all University approval processes before booking travel or applying for a visa.

General criteria for all placement types

The following criteria apply to all student placements, with additional requirements depending on the placement type:

• Unpaid under the Fair Work Act 2009: The student must not be paid and is not considered an employee of the host organisation.
• Defined Placement Period: The placement agreement must clearly state the start and end dates, ensuring the total duration complies with the relevant limits.
• Appropriate Supervision: The student must be supervised by personnel with appropriate qualifications and experience throughout the placement.

Additional criteria by placement type

Compulsory (Vocational) Placement

• A formal course requirement involving structured work experience.
• Academic credit is awarded.
• Must not exceed 20 weeks Full-Time Equivalent (FTE).
• No payment is permitted.

Voluntary Placement

• Must be relevant to the student’s field of study or aligned with future career goals involving structured work experience.
• No academic credit is awarded.
• Must not exceed 4 weeks FTE.
• Must be undertaken while the student is enrolled and prior to graduation.
• No payment is permitted.

Key coverage

University-approved placements are covered for under these key insurance policies:

Institutional Liability:

• Public Liability
• Professional Indemnity
• Medical Malpractice (applicable to clinical placements)

Personal Risk:

• Group Personal Accident or
• Business Travel (if eligible)

Key conditions and exclusions

The University’s insurance coverage is subject to strict terms and conditions. Key conditions and general exclusions include:

• Formal approval requirement
  • Insurance coverage applies only for placements that have received formal University approval. Any activities conducted before this approval are not covered.
• Wilful misconduct and breaches
  • Wilful misconduct, criminal acts, or deliberate breaches of privacy or confidentiality are not covered.
  • Coverage excludes losses arising from fraudulent or intentional acts.
• Negligence of third parties
  • The University’s insurance does not extend to third parties (e.g., host organisation). They are responsible for their own negligence and must hold adequate insurance. This includes paid placements or employment by the host organisation, which are not covered.
• Student conduct and scope of practice
  • Students must follow the policies and directions of both the University and the host organisation.
  • For clinical or medical procedures, students must be supervised by registered and appropriately qualified practitioners. Students are not registered practitioners and are not authorised to independently practice their discipline. They may only undertake supervised clinical activities in approved environments with appropriate supervision.
• Insurance cover applies only to unpaid placements
  • The University's insurance policies, including the Group Personal Accident or Business Travel insurance (if eligible) policies, extend to unpaid placements. Receiving a living expenses stipend or Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)Ìýdoes not impact this coverage.
  • Students on unpaid placements are not classified as employees and therefore do not qualify for Workers' Compensation insurance.
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  • Students using personal vehicles should ensure they have comprehensive car insurance; any excess may be claimable through the University’s Business Travel insurance (if eligible).
  • For host vehicles: Clarify with the Host Organisation who is responsible for any excess.

Reporting notifiable events

A notifiable event is any incident that may give rise to a claim or expose the University to liability. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Patient injury or adverse clinical event
• Allegations or evidence of fraud
• Threats of legal action
• Property damage

All notifiable events, including updates or changes to previously reported events, must be promptly reported to the Insurance Office. Use the Notifiable Event Reporting Form to submit your report.

Further enquiries

For academic credit eligibility queries, contact your Faculty.

For insurance review or coverage clarification, contact the Insurance Office:
Call +61 8 8313 4539
Email insurance@adelaide.edu.au Ìý