Frequently Asked Questions

The Former Officers' Medical Benefits Scheme provides support to former police officers and former Aboriginal police liaison officers who have been injured at work, regardless of how their service with WA Police Force ceased.

The Scheme is governed by legislation - Police (Medical and Other Benefits for Former Officers) Act 2008 - that prescribes entitlements tied to the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023,.

The Insurance Commission manages claims on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in line with legislation.

Yes. You must be able to provide enough supporting information to enable the WA Police Force to verify your claim. These details include dates, witnesses, description of the incident etc.

You will not be eligible under this Scheme if you have been compensated for your injury elsewhere, such as motor vehicle third party insurance, act of grace payment, common law and/or criminal injury compensation.

Reasonable medical and health expenses as well as miscellaneous expenses (e.g. travel) directly related to an injury that occurred while working for the WA Police Force can be claimed in accordance with sections 71 and 72   of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023. Please note that rates may be different to the level of medical and health expenses provided by the WA Police Force during employment.

Other types of treatment may also be considered; usually, this requires a referral from an appropriate medical practitioner or specialist confirming the expected benefits of the treatment.

NOTE: Not all providers will charge in accordance with Australian Medical Association rates. It is therefore recommended that the provider invoices us directly to ensure you are not out of pocket.

No, you should provide your claim number and treatment number to your treating doctor and ask them to submit a claim through HICAPS or they can send the invoice to invoices@icwa.wa.gov.au for payment.

Yes.  For ongoing treatment plans, regular case reviews are required to ensure your treatment program will assist your recovery. Under Section 180 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023, you may be required to attend a medical case review for an independent assessment of your treatment program.

Yes. The amount payable is calculated in accordance with section 71 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.  The amount payable over the life of a claim is prescribed by WorkCover WA  and is reviewed annually at the beginning of each financial year.

No further indexing occurs once the limit has been reached on a claim.

You will be advised in writing when your claimed expenses reach 60% of the prescribed limit.  If required, you can apply for consideration to be given to an increase in the medical and health expenses general limit amount. Applications will take into account your social and financial circumstances and additional sums can only be approved to support a defined treatment program that will assist recovery from your work injury.

In exceptional circumstances, you may apply to the WorkCover WA Conciliation and Arbitration Service for a further additional sum to support operative or post-operative treatment. This application must be lodged within five years of lodging the original claim.

1. Complete Part 1 of the Police (Medical and Other Expenses for Former Officers) Claim Form.
2. Attach all relevant medical information including a medical certificate.
3. Send or deliver to WA Police Force Health and Safety Division:
   1. By email or
   2. By post: Level 9 Westralia Square, 141 St Georges Terrace, PERTH WA 6000

You may be required to submit further information, including current medical certificates and medical specialist reports to ensure your treatment program complies with Scheme entitlements.

If you do not have a treating specialist, a medical review with a WorkCover WA Approved Medical Specialist may be required and be arranged on your behalf.

If treatment is urgent, seek treatment immediately. Otherwise, it is recommended you first seek approval for your claim. Once you receive an approval letter please provide a copy to your medical practitioner who will invoice us directly or the invoice may be paid through HICAPS where available.

If you have paid for your approved treatment, you may be entitled to be reimbursed by the Insurance Commission. Upload your receipts here.

Yes.  In the first instance, you should contact us to discuss your concerns or issues, and you may participate in our Internal Dispute Resolution Process.

If the matter cannot be resolved by the internal review you may contact WorkCover WA’s Workers Compensation Conciliation Service on 1300 794 744 for advice and/or determination

Contact the WA Police Force Health, Welfare and Safety Division on 08 6229 5615 or by email.

You can contact your assigned claims officer directly.