Insurance occupation categories

Occupations are categorised into broad groupings for insurance purposes.

The occupation category you’re in will determine the insurance premiums you pay, alongside:

  • Your age
  • Whether you're male or female
  • The type and amount of cover
  • For Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI), your Waiting Period

How you're assigned an occupation category

When you're provided with insurance cover, your occupation category is determined according to the information provided by your employer, or from you yourself.

For that reason, it’s important you notify us if your occupation details are incorrect, or if your occupation category changes at any time.

This will make sure you have the correct cover and are being charged the correct premium.

The five insurance categories

There are five categories based on occupation and employment duties. You may have been assigned one of four categories when insurance was first provided. The fifth category is available to opt-in if you meet eligibility criteria.

White Collar

Your occupation is office based with no manual work.

For example, accounting clerks, office managers, physiotherapist, counsellors, secondary school teachers.

Light Blue Collar

Your occupation is primarily non-manual but may involve light manual duties.

For example, dental assistants, registered and qualified child care workers, qualified cooks.

Blue / Heavy Blue Collar

Your occupation involves a moderate to high degree of manual duties or is a recognised qualified trade.

For example, electricians, commercial cleaners, registered nurses.

Hazardous

Your occupation involves hazardous chemicals or work environments, or has high accident or health risk.

For example, police officers, fire fighters, prison officers.

Opt-in category

Professional and Executive

This is an opt-in category that you can apply to join once you determine you meet the specific criteria.

Find out if you're eligible to apply

Couple with laptop at table (Man with blue collared shirt)

Check and change your occupation category

You can view your current occupation category in Member Online via the 'Insurance' tab.

To make changes, select 'Change your insurance'.

Once we have assessed your request to change your category, we'll let you know when it's approved.

Go to Member Online

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Page last updated 19 December 2023

Thank you for printing this page. Remember to come back to gesb.wa.gov.au for the latest information as our content is updated regularly. This information is correct as at 09 May 2024.