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Professional Liability Insurance for Occupational Therapists

Quote and buy professional liability insurance online in minutes.

What is professional liability insurance for occupational therapists?

For occupational therapists, it’s essential to have protection against claims from a patient or someone who cares for them. As you know every client’s progress and outcomes can vary, often based on factors that are beyond your control. Even by following the highest standards of care and professional guidance, you could still find yourself facing a costly lawsuit.

Thankfully EasyCover by Acera has professional liability insurance to suit the specific needs of occupational therapists like you. Also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, professional liability coverage protects you from legal claims related to your occupational therapy services.

Interested in purchasing your professional liability online in minutes?

Acera Insurance offers EasyCover where you can get a quote, bind your policy and pay online in only a few short minutes. Get comprehensive coverage and affordable rates quickly and easily.

Here are some of the benefits of EasyCover:

  • Get free online quotes 24/7
  • No long, confusing applications to fill out
  • Purchase and manage your policy online
  • Support by phone, email or chat
  • Option to bundle with other coverages

What does occupational therapists professional liability insurance cover?

You may already have business insurance like commercial general liability (CGL), however these policies usually don’t cover claims resulting from your services. EasyCover’s professional liability insurance can protect you if you’ve been sued by a client who believes your occupational therapy was inadequate or caused them harm. Even if their claim is unfounded, it can still lead to costly legal defence costs.

If a claim does happen, professional liability insurance is there to help cover your legal expenses and court-ordered settlements or judgments (up to your policy limits). We highly recommend occupational therapists across all practice settings purchase professional liability insurance. 

How much professional liability coverage do occupational therapists need? 

Determining the right coverage you need will depend on a number of factors, including your client base and the potential financial impact of a lawsuit. With EasyCover by Acera Insurance, you can select one of the following coverage levels:

  • $1 million
  • $2 million
  • $5 million

These amounts reflect the maximum claim payout over a 12-month policy period.

Each covered claim requires you pay a deductible that is generally in the range of $250 to $1,500 and is determined by your annual revenue. If your deductible is $500 and you have two covered claims in one year, you would be responsible for paying $1,000 in deductible costs. Your professional liability insurance would be there to cover the remaining legal expenses, up to your policy limits.

Examples of E&O Claims for Occupational Therapists

Missed referral after workplace injury

After sustaining an injury at work, a client received treatment from an occupational therapist who did not refer them to a specialist despite the injury’s complexity. The client’s recovery was delayed, causing additional pain, prolonged absence from work, and further financial loss. The client alleges negligence, claiming the therapist’s failure to refer caused unnecessary hardship.

Failure to deliver services

A client alleges that the occupational therapist did not provide services as promised: scheduled sessions were missed or delayed, the agreed number of appointments was not completed, and the therapist was often unavailable. As a result, the client saw no improvement and files a claim for breach of contract.

Incorrect assessment leading to harm

An inaccurate assessment led to the wrong treatment plan for a client. The inappropriate therapy aggravated the injury, worsening the client’s condition and causing further setbacks in recovery. The client alleges negligence, claiming the occupational therapist overlooked important information that could have prevented harm.

Factors affecting occupational therapist professional liability insurance rates

These are the top factors influencing professional liability insurance rates for occupational therapists: 

  • Your scope of services and annual revenue
  • The type of clients you work with
  • Your practice size and setting(s)
  • Your insurance history and any past claims
  • Your certifications and specializations
  • Years of experience 
  • Your coverage limits and options 
  • The province(s) you operate in 

To get a quick estimate of your professional liability insurance costs, use EasyCover’s online quote tool.

The cost of E&O insurance for occupational therapists

Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for occupational therapists starts at around $440 annually for $1 million in coverage. Our advisors generally recommend choosing at least $2 million in coverage. The added protection is significant, while the cost increase is relatively small – about $660 compared to $440.

Use our quick quote tool to generate your own online E&O estimate. If you are comfortable with the price, continue to the next step to complete your purchase online. It’s that easy.

Risk management strategies for occupational therapists

Professional liability insurance is essential for occupational therapists, but proactive risk management is the most effective way to safeguard your practice, maintain client trust, and minimize the risk of disputes.

Comprehensive Documentation

Maintaining accurate and secure client records is essential. This includes agreements, assessments, intake forms, progress notes, and communications. Be sure to record any advice or recommendations you’ve provided, as well as updates or adjustments to treatment plans.

Effective Communication

Transparent communication is vital in occupational therapy. Ensure you clearly explain your therapeutic approach to set expectations with clients, while allowing them to ask questions and express any concerns.

Professional Standards

Joining relevant associations and regularly staying updated on occupational therapy regulations and best practices will help to minimize your risk. You’ll also ensure you’re providing quality, ethical service and advice that aligns with industry standards.

Why occupational therapists rely on EasyCover by Acera Insurance for their E&O coverage

EasyCover by Acera Insurance is proud to provide dependable and affordable professional liability coverage for occupational therapists across Canada. We make sure it’s simple and straightforward to get a free online quote and buy your insurance in minutes. And our knowledgeable team is here if you have questions or require timely claims support.

We also offer additional liability coverage options for occupational therapists.

Commercial General Liability 

CGL is a standard insurance for many businesses. It helps cover expenses for third party injuries and property damages as a result of negligence. For example, it provides protection if  someone were to slip and fall at your office. Please note that employee injuries and property damage are not covered by CGL.

Cyber Liability

We recommend cyber liability as a critical coverage for occupational therapists across various roles and settings. Since you likely have access to sensitive client data, this can provide vital protection if there is a cyber-attack or data breach. Cyber liability can cover legal expenses to help you and your business recover.

Directors and Officers Liability

If you own or manage your own occupational therapy practice, you’ll likely want to carry D&O coverage. If there is a claim from an employee or third-party related to how you run your business, D&O insurance can protect your personal assets by covering legal defence costs and settlements.