Equipment

We can pay for equipment, otherwise known as assistive technology, if you have been severely injured in a motor accident or at work in NSW.

If you’re a Lifetime Care participant or worker in the Workers Care Program, we can pay for equipment to assist you with difficulties you are having because of your injury.

Your treating team will work with you to determine your equipment needs. This will typically happen first when you are in hospital, and then reviewed on an ongoing basis as your needs change.

What we can pay for depends on your needs, the nature of your injury and your personal circumstances. It also depends on whether you are in the Lifetime Care or Workers Care Program.

How to request equipment

You can choose to manage your equipment needs in consultation with your case manager, or contact your icare contact directly.

Some items require a prescription from an allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

What we can pay for

Each person’s equipment needs will vary based on the nature of their injury, as well as their goals and personal circumstances. For that reason, we don’t have a definitive list of all types of equipment offered.

We pay for equipment that has been prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional, and which is required as a result of your injury. 

Some examples of what we can pay for are:

  • wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories, including seating and wheels
  • beds and mattresses
  • consumable products including continence, wound care and respiratory equipment
  • communication and assistive equipment
  • environmental control and home automation equipment
  • pressure care equipment
  • prostheses, orthoses and walking aids
  • equipment for rehabilitation, exercise and fitness
  • equipment for recreation and leisure.

Maintenance

We can pay for the maintenance or replacement of equipment provided.

This includes:

  • maintenance and repairs to equipment funded by icare, resulting from normal wear and tear
  • routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer or to meet industry standards
  • adjustments to equipment due to growth
  • other changes in your needs.

Changes to your needs

Your equipment needs are likely to change as your goals and needs change over time.

Your icare contact, case manager, occupational therapist or other healthcare professional can help you choose the right equipment for your needs and goals.

When you no longer need your equipment

Equipment purchased for you will be available for your use as long as you need it.

It’s important to get in touch with your icare contact or case manager when you no longer need your larger items of equipment, such as wheelchairs, exercise machines or beds, as we may be able to retrieve them.

Equipment insurance

If you have equipment that has been paid for by icare, and this equipment is lost, accidentally damaged or stolen, we need to know straight away.

Insurance may be available for the repair or replacement of the equipment. More information can be found in our information sheet below.