Insurance & Care NSW (icare) has announced the claims service partners it has chosen for its reformed workers’ compensation scheme, with EML the big winner and QBE being pushed aside.

EML has been selected as the sole agent for new claims from January 1 next year, with GIO and Allianz providing services as transition agents.

CGU had already withdrawn from the selection process, and QBE’s involvement will also conclude at the end of this year.

QBE told insuranceNEWS.com.au it’s disappointed with the decision but “remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition for affected customers and injured workers”.

“We are working through how this will affect our people and how we can minimise the ramifications for them,” EGM Intermediary Distribution Jason Clarke said.

icare Group Executive Workers Insurance John Nagle says clients can expect a significant enhancement in service delivery.

“Both injured workers and NSW employers can expect to have a simplified, empathetic and consistent experience with our main claims partners moving forward,” he said.

“Our new claims model is about moving from an adversarial model to empowerment and choice for employers and injured workers.

“It is focused on supporting the needs of our customers in their journey to recover and return to work, regardless of the simplicity or complexity of their claim.”

Mr Nagle says disruption to customers will be kept to a minimum and thanked CGU and QBE for their “longstanding, valued support”.

More details in our regular bulletin on Monday.