In 2023, Victoria had 106,426 registered nurses and midwives, with a total of 95,475 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions[AG1]1. Victoria has seen significant growth in its healthcare workforce, with a 6.7% increase in new roles—including nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals—in the year to June 20242.
Registered nurses in Victoria earn an average income between $85,000 and $95,000 annually3.
While nursing services are in demand in Australia, there is a potential shortfall of nurses looming. Projections indicate an estimated shortage of 100,000 nurses by 2025, increasing to over 123,000 by 20304. This anticipated shortage underscores the increasing demand for nursing professionals in the coming years.
Nurse Licensing Requirements in Victoria
To work as a registered nurse in Victoria, Australia, candidates must:
- Complete an Accredited Nursing Qualification – A Bachelor of Nursing or an equivalent program accredited by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
- Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) – Apply via AHPRA and meet registration standards, including English proficiency, criminal history checks, and professional development requirements.
- Meet English Language Proficiency Standards – For international applicants, minimum scores include IELTS 7.0 (each band) or equivalent tests like OET, PTE, or TOEFL.
- Pass Criminal History and Identity Verification – Submit a police clearance and proof of identity.
- Renew Registration Annually – Nurses must renew by May 31 each year and complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
VIC Nurse insurance requirements
In Victoria, registered nurses (RNs), enrolled nurses (ENs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) must have appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance to practice legally. The NMBA requires insurance as part of the registration requirements under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Victoria).
What types of insurance do VIC nurses consider?
Professional Indemnity insurance
Mistakes can happen to anyone, and negligence claims are unfortunately common for medical professionals. Professional Indemnity insurance helps protect nurses against claims of negligence, errors in their services, and other types of professional wrongdoing.
Public Liability insurance
Public Liability insurance is considered essential for many nurses given how closely they work with people in their homes, aged care facilities, and other settings. It can help protect you against accidental injury and property damage claims brought by members of the public, such as patient family members and other healthcare professionals.
Cyber Liability insurance
Many nurses collect and store sensitive patient information, such as birthdates, medical plans, and payment details. Cyber Liability insurance helps cover unplanned expenses if this data is lost or stolen due to cyberattack, data breach, or human error.
Personal Accident & Illness insurance
Independent nurses may not qualify for workers’ compensation schemes, leaving them financially vulnerable if they are too ill or injured to work for an extended period. Personal Accident & Illness insurance can help replace lost income while they recover.
How much does nurse insurance cost in Victoria?
The average cost of insurance for Victorian nurses is $71 per month* with BizCover.
However, business insurance costs vary based on factors such as services provided, cover limits, and the provider. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is an easy way to understand how much nurse insurance will cost for your business.
1. Department of Health and Aged Care, Summary Statistics, Nursing and Midwifery Professions
2. Premier of Victoria, Historic Growth Across Victoria’s Healthcare Workforce
3. Seek, Registered Nurse salary in Victoria, accessed 15 April 2025
4. Global Health Education Australia, The future of nursing in Australia
*Customer Average Monthly Payment Report is based on 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 and presented as a guide only. It may not reflect pricing for your particular business, as individual criteria will apply.
This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the PDS or policy wording.
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