Details Concerning Counselor Malpractice Insurance

Counselor malpractice insurance is a necessity. Many aspiring counselors do not consider this fact when considering this rewarding career. The fact remains however, in our litigious society, malpractice insurance is necessary for any professional employed by the health field unless they are employed by the government.

Medical malpractice is when a medical professional has acted in a way that is negligent in treating a condition, and this negligence can be proven. An example that would pertain to counselors is delaying referring a patient to a psychiatrist if the patient’s condition warrants it or delaying referring the patient to a medical doctor if that is the proper protocol. Any delay in treatment or diagnosing is malpractice as is misdiagnosis of a condition or inappropriate treatment of a condition.

As with all insurance, it pays to shop around for malpractice insurance. Insurance for counselors is no exception. Many factors can influence the price paid for this insurance. The time practiced in the field, prior career record, particular field practiced in, the area of the county; all of these factors and other influence the price the counselor will pay for insurance. Part time discounts are often available for those who counsel less than twenty hours a week. Unlike automobile insurance coverage may be purchased for prior acts for a price. Counselors employed by the government are not required to carry counselor malpractice insurance as the government assumes the liability. Education levels and field of practice also influence these policy prices.

Malpractice insurance for counselors has the same classifications as other medical malpractice insurance. Claims Made coverage is for incidents that happen when the policy is in force. This type of coverage is often the only kind considered by the layman and is the simplest type of insurance. It offers no protection if the counselor decides to change careers or simply lets their policy lapse. In other words, patients may come back years later and sue the counselor; in this case, the counselor would have no protection. However, this is the cheapest type of insurance.

There is coverage available that will give coverage after a Claims Made policy is not in effect any longer. Many malpractice claims are not filed for years after the actual incident occurs. This insurance is called Prior Acts or Nose Coverage, if the insurance is purchased from the company that held the Claims Made policy it is called Tail Coverage.

Occurrence Coverage policies are all encompassing. In other words, they cover all claims no matter when the claim is made. This type of malpractice insurance is a combination of Claims Made coverage and Prior Acts coverage. This insurance is of course, more expensive.

In closing, there are many variables influencing the purchase of malpractice insurance for counselors. Those individuals starting practice or in their last year of training would be wise to research all options and types of insurance they may need to purchase.




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