PII Frequently asked questions

Free Legal Advice

Your policy provides you with access to legal assistance for claims and inquiries covered by your policy. If your legal query relates to a matter not covered by your policy and you have utilised your free legal assistance, you may need to engage your solicitor at your own cost.

The advice can be requested on any legal matter related to your professional activity. The legal hotline is commonly accessed for

• advice about subpoenas
• health records and
• confidentiality issues.

Your policy entitles you to 30 minutes of free legal advice per policy period. Any unused hours or part thereof cannot be aggregated from one period of insurance to another. 

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I don't have an APNA membership, or my membership with APNA has lapsed. Can I still purchase or hold APNA member Professional Indemnity Insurance?

APNA member Professional Indemnity Insurance can only be purchased as part of APNA membership and you must remain a financial APNA member throughout the insurance period or your policy will be cancelled. 

When do I receive my Certificate of Currency?

Your Certificate of Currency is emailed to you within five business days. If you need it sooner, please get in touch with membership@apna.asn.au

If I change insurers, will the new policy cover my past activities?

Yes, the member insurance policy offers unlimited retroactive cover. If you become aware of a new and valid claim under this policy, even if the claim resulted from your past activities, the policy would cover you.

Am I covered for legal costs and expenses associated with registration board hearings?

Yes. The APNA member policy provides $10,000,000 per claim, including legal costs and expenses for hearings, investigations, tribunals, and inquiries into your business services by a professional body or industry association, including:

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
• Health Care Complaints Commission
• Coronial inquiries

As a nurse, I work in several different environments, e.g., hospitals, general practice, and home care. Will I be covered at all these locations?

Yes, the APNA member policy covers you to practice as a nurse anywhere in the world, excluding the USA/Canada. You are suitably qualified and work by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration standards, professional codes, and guidelines.

Am I covered for ear syringing?

Ear syringing, if within the scope of practice, is covered under our Professional Indemnity Insurance. The APNA member policy is designed to protect all your activities as a Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner, providing you are suitably qualified and are working by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration standards, professional codes, and guidelines.

Am I covered for cosmetic injectables?

There are a variety of activities that nurses undertake during their professional engagement. We have received several enquiries relating to injectable cosmetic treatments. Nurses can be involved in performing several injections for varied reasons and purposes. Cosmetic injectables are one of these. Numerous types of substances are tried and tested and have been used responsibly for some time for this purpose, such as Botox or Fillers. You are covered if they are prescribed by a qualified Australian registered Doctor or nurse practitioner. Suppose they are not tried and tested substances, or substances other than Botox or Fillers, such as Vitamin Infusers, or there are treatments involving Laser. In that case, you should contact the team at Insurance House so that they can check with the Insurer for acceptance of cover for the activity. Depending on the insurer’s position, you may need to purchase a separate cover.

I have been asked to assist a student in completing their practical experience. Will I be covered?

Yes, as an APNA policyholder, you will be covered for claims made against you or your student for work performed by a student whilst under your supervision.

Is voluntary work covered?

Yes, volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community, but it is still considered providing a service. You are covered for claims arising if you do any volunteer nursing work, not-for-profit or charitable community event. Volunteer work can be in any sector, including but not limited to public, private, sporting clubs, sporting events, charities, associations, or not-for-profit organisations.

Am I covered as a locum and for home care visits?

Yes, locums are covered, as are home care visits.

I am not a midwife, but I provide antenatal or postnatal nursing services, am I covered for these?

Yes. Midwifery is not covered, but services where ‘midwife’ qualifications are not required, such as antenatal or postnatal care/advice, are considered part of a nurse’s scope and covered under the policy.

Am I covered when I retire or go on parental leave?

All members holding an APNA member insurance policy have access to free unlimited extended Run-Off cover if they are retiring or planning to take an extended period of leave upon request. To activate, contact Insurance House in writing before your policy’s expiry, noting the date you are ceasing to practice. Insurance House will issue you with confirmation that the cover has been activated for your records.

Am I covered if I work as a nurse temporarily overseas?

The policy is valid in all countries, excluding the USA and Canada. We recommend members check the local laws and registration requirements before practising in any country outside of Australia.

Can I buy Business Insurance from Insurance House?

Yes, Insurance House offers a broad range of business and personal insurance products. To arrange a quotation, please call Insurance House on 1300 213 067