Volunteers Aged 85 and over
Introduction
Scouts Queensland values the contribution of all our volunteers, including those who have supported our movement for many decades. This article explains an important part of our Voluntary Workers Insurance Policy that relates to age limits for personal accident insurance.
Personal Accident Cover Ends at Age 85
Under the policy’s General Provisions – Age Bracket Limitation, personal accident benefits cannot be provided to volunteers aged 85 years or older.
This is a standard limitation applied by insurers for this type of cover.
This means that once a volunteer reaches 85:
- Lump-sum benefits for injury (eg, fractures, permanent disability)
- Accidental death benefits
- Weekly benefits for lost income
…are no longer available.
This change happens automatically when the volunteer reaches their 85th birthday.
It does not require any action from the volunteer or their formation.
What This DOES NOT Affect
Even though personal accident cover stops at age 85, all other insurance protections remain active.
Public Liability Insurance – Still Active
Volunteers aged 85+ continue to be covered under Scouts Queensland’s Public Liability policy, which protects both the individual and the organisation if a third party suffers injury or property damage.
Participation in Scouting Activities – Still Allowed
Volunteers aged 85+ can continue to:
- Attend Scouting activities
- Support youth and adult members
- Supervise activities
- Assist with meetings and events
Youth members and other adults participating alongside them remain fully insured.
Other Scouts Queensland Insurance Policies – Still Apply
Only personal accident cover changes at age 85. All operational protections for general activities remain in place.
Why This Happens
Insurance companies place age limits on personal accident policies because the risk of injury increases with age. These limits are standard across the industry and are not set by Scouts Queensland.
The policy wording from our insurer outlines this requirement clearly.
(As noted in Age Bracket Limitation section: Voluntary Workers Insurance Policy PDS).
What This Means for Volunteers and Leaders
Volunteers aged 85+ are still valued and welcome in all Scouting settings.
Formations should continue to include, encourage and support their involvement.
Adult Volunteers should be aware that personal accident benefits no longer apply after age 85 and plan supervision and activities accordingly.
If formations have any questions about what this means in practical terms, they can contact the Scouts Queensland Facilities & Risk Team for guidance on risk@scoutsqld.com.au .
In Summary
- Personal accident benefits stop at age 85.
- Public Liability and all other protections continue as normal.
- Volunteers aged 85+ remain welcome, appreciated and insured for all general Scouting involvement.
Scouts Queensland remains committed to ensuring that all volunteers, of every age, can continue to support our movement safely and confidently.
Related Articles
Understanding Public Liability Insurance
Introduction Public liability insurance is one of the most important protections that Scouts Queensland holds. It helps keep our movement safe, financially secure, and able to continue delivering high-quality programs to young people across the ...Vehicle Insurance Explained
Introduction Scouts Queensland owns and operates several different types of vehicles, in support scouting activities. These include but may not be limited to: Trailers Motor vehicles Tractors Ride on mowers Buses These assets, when recorded through ...Certificates of Currency 2025-2026
The Scout Association of Australia Queensland Branch Inc. maintains insurance coverage in select areas to cover the broad standard operations of the organization. This is renewed each year on the 31 March. Following this date a certificates of ...Group Personal Accident: Instructions on lodging a claim
Introduction As described in QBSI 5.6.6, Scouts Queensland maintains a Personal Accident Insurance Policy. This policy provides a level of coverage for all members, and volunteers, providing support as part of an approved scouting activity. While not ...Tree Management
Introduction Trees play a vital role in creating vibrant and sustainable Scout properties and community spaces. They provide shade, enhance aesthetic value, support biodiversity and improve air quality, making them a long-term investment in the ...