Workers compensation services
Alternative Workers Compensation Premium Models
For some employers, jurisdiction-specific arrangements such as Retro-Paid Loss (RPL), Loss Prevention and Recovery (LPR) or other experience-based options may be worth assessing alongside conventional workers compensation arrangements.
WCS helps employers assess whether an alternative model may fit their operating profile, claims experience, risk appetite and financial objectives, then supports transition planning and ongoing program management where appropriate.
Discuss your workers compensation model
Compare the model with your business needs
Alternative arrangements can change how premium and claims experience interact over time. The right question is not simply whether an option exists, but whether its risk, cash-flow and governance requirements suit your organisation and jurisdiction.
| Consideration | Conventional arrangement | Alternative model |
|---|---|---|
| Premium and claims relationship | Primarily determined by the applicable scheme, insurer and rating rules. | May reflect an employer’s own claims experience more directly, subject to the model rules. |
| Financial exposure | Consider the premium structure and standard policy obligations. | Consider cash-flow variability, claim development and any limits or adjustment periods. |
| Governance and capability | Maintain effective claims, injury management and renewal processes. | May require stronger data, oversight and coordination across finance, people and safety teams. |
This is a high-level comparison only. Specific terms, eligibility and financial effects depend on the current scheme rules and the employer’s circumstances.
RPL, LPR and other scheme options
Names and arrangements differ by jurisdiction. For example, South Australia has a Retro-Paid Loss (RPL) arrangement, while NSW offers Loss Prevention and Recovery (LPR) options, including LPR Plus for qualifying employers. Other jurisdictions may have different experience-based or alternative arrangements. Availability and criteria can change, so each option needs to be checked against the relevant authority’s current requirements.
Our support from assessment through management
1. Review
Understand your jurisdictions, current arrangements, claims trends, workforce profile and business priorities.
2. Assess
Consider relevant model options, likely trade-offs, data needs, financial exposure and implementation requirements.
3. Transition
Support decision preparation, stakeholder coordination, information gathering and transition planning with relevant scheme and authorised parties.
4. Manage
Help monitor claims, return to work, injury prevention, performance and renewal considerations so the arrangement remains under review.
Connected services
Model selection works best alongside strong claims and injury management. Explore our Premium Reduction Strategies and Premium Management & Policy Placement services.
Frequently asked questions
What do RPL and LPR mean?
RPL commonly refers to Retro-Paid Loss, including an arrangement offered in South Australia. LPR refers to Loss Prevention and Recovery options in NSW. The details and availability are scheme-specific.
Can every employer move to an alternative premium model?
No. Options have jurisdiction-specific eligibility and approval requirements, and may depend on factors such as employer scale, performance, safety and financial capability. We assess current requirements with you.
Does an alternative model always reduce premiums?
No. Outcomes depend on claims experience, model rules and other factors. An alternative model may also change financial exposure and cash-flow timing. We assess potential trade-offs and do not guarantee savings.
Can WCS support us after a transition?
Yes. We can support ongoing program review and coordination across claims, return to work, injury prevention and premium strategy, alongside relevant scheme, insurer or authorised advisers.
Discuss your options with WCS
We can help you determine what information is needed to assess your current arrangement and relevant alternatives in the jurisdictions where you operate.
Contact Workers Compensation Solutions
Eligibility, scheme design, approval pathways and outcomes vary between jurisdictions and may change. This page is general information, not legal, financial or insurance advice. Any regulated insurance advice or placement is provided by appropriately authorised parties.