NEW captive insurance program
We are re-introducing members to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association malpractice insurance program now that it has been designed to capture surplus insurance premiums and flow them back into the association, for future use, as determined by the members. Learn moreBuyer bewareIf you have questions about malpractice insurance or have been approached by an alternate provider, read this news bulletin. Take time also to familiarize yourself with AON's member insurance program and scan the comparison chart provided.
CPA is proud to offer its members comprehensive insurance coverage designed specifically to meet the business and personal insurance needs of today’s physiotherapists and support personnel. If you work in public or private practice, are a clinic owner or an independent contractor, you have insurance needs that are critical to protect your self, and your practice.
Is coverage through an employer sufficient?
A common misconception amongst physiotherapists employed in many public practice settings is that the professional liability insurance held by their employer is sufficient to cover their practice, and that they do not need to purchase additional liability coverage through a plan such as that offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. It is true that employer insurance policies are required to cover malpractice insurance claims related to an employee’s actions within the scope of their employment. However, physiotherapists should be aware of the potential limitations on coverage provided by employers, and of the many scenarios in which an employer policy will not apply.
Limitations on coverage through an employer
There are several scenarios in which your employer’s insurance might apply, but there might be varying degrees of limitations on the coverage. For example,
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Are the individual and aggregate limits on the insurance coverage sufficient, and comparable to those offered through other plans?
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If you were named a defendant, would you be assigned your own legal counsel?
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Would you be covered for legal representation if you were charged with a criminal act such as assault?
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Would the policy cover your actions if your employer decided they could not support your actions at the time of the incident?
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Would the policy cover legal representation for a proceeding before a regulatory College for a complaint or disciplinary hearing?
In these situations, individuals without supplementary insurance would need to independently make up for these shortfalls, all of which would be covered by the CPA Professional Liability Insurance Plan.
In addition to compensating for limitations on employer coverage, additional coverage protects you in scenarios in which coverage through an employer would not apply at all. This includes, for example:
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Volunteer work done outside the employment setting (e.g., teaching a course, participating in educational physiotherapy demonstrations)
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Paid work conducted outside your normal employment (e.g., part-time private clients)
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Providing professional advice outside of the employment setting
CPA’s plan covers you as a professional – a role that you carry with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week – rather than as an employee.
How to apply for CPA malpractice insurance
Please note that ALL insurance programs are for CPA members only. If you are not yet a CPA member, you can purchase insurance when you join CPA. If you are a member, login to access application forms, and information on policy content and submission of applications. | 
