Coverage Comparison

 

Since the alleged injury took place while you were performing your professional service, you would claim this under your medical malpractice liability policy.

• Limit of liability is $3,000,000 per occurrence/ $5,000,000 aggregate

 

Commercial general liability

Commercial general liability provides coverage for claims resulting from bodily injury, property damage and personal injury to others arising from the operation of your business. This policy is carried by any responsible business owner, whether a sole proprietor, partnership or corporation. It covers claims from patients, clients, landlord or neighboring tenants. For example:

1. A patient is leaving your clinic, and slips on ice and breaks his/her leg. The patient sues you, alleging you failed to clear the walkway which is your responsibility under your lease.
2. The bathroom toilet overflows, leaking to the premises below your business unit. The neighboring tenant sues you for damages caused to stock and equipment.
3. While leaving a client's home after providing a treatment your massage table catches their couch and tears a hole in the fabric.

 

Unless you already have commercial general liability coverage under an existing policy or are an employee of a clinic that carries the coverage with you included under the policy, it is highly recommended you purchase this coverage option.

• Limit of liability is $3,000,000 per occurrence/ $5,000,000 aggregate

 

We are pleased to advise that both liability policies "follow" you anywhere in Canada - whether you are in your home or office, or travel to a client's premises, the liability policies are not location specific.

It is also important to note that both the medical malpractice liability policy and the commercial general liability policy protect you the individual. If you are incorporated, have a partnership or form any type of legal entity, you must make arrangements to protect the legal entity by purchasing a separate business policy. This type of policy is not included within your Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) membership and must be arranged separately. Click here for more information.

Contents Insurance

This covers your property at the business location. Contents include equipment, stock, office furniture, and electronic data equipment. This protects you from losses due to fire, theft, vandalism etc. Contents coverages are available at $30,000, $50,000, and $75,000.

Optional coverage

Online Therapy at no additional premium. Modalities for online therapy need to be approved by NHPC.

The purpose of this endorsement is to extend your professional liability insurance to include services offered via web-based conferencing or telephone therapy. The standard policy covers in-person therapy.

It is important that this endorsement extends coverage to clients seen worldwide, as there is a cap on the exposure in the USA. Your professional earnings from the USA should not exceed 25% of your overall annual income.

Secondly, because you are licensed/registered in Canada, your clients should be informed and agree to the fact that any lawsuit brought against you must be made in the Canadian Courts, as this is your governing jurisdiction.