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OASW-Ontario Association of Social Workers Insurance Program

Welcome to the OASW Insurance Program from PROLINK

In partnership with the OASW, PROLINK offers comprehensive and cost-effective insurance coverage to address the unique personal and professional insurance needs of Ontario’s Social Workers. With over 12 years of industry experience, we can provide superior protection, an exceptional partnership approach, and personalized client service just for you—all at an exclusive OASW rate.

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE FOR OASW MEMBERS

Access comprehensive protection that we designed through our partnerships with both insurers and OASW to address the risks faced by Ontario’s Social Workers.

THE OASW PLAN: PROFESSIONAL (E&O) & COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY (CGL) INSURANCE

What is it?
Professional Liability Insurance (E&O) protects you (and your business) from any allegations of errors, omissions, or negligence committed within the scope of your professional activities. It’ll cover your damages—legal expenses, administrative costs, and court settlements—EVEN if the claims made against you are groundless.

Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL) protects your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and reputational harm caused by your professional activities or company operations.

Why do we recommend it?
As a Social Worker, you help people and families solve complex problems in their everyday lives. It’s a rewarding career—but it’s also unpredictable. Social work is all about communication and sometimes what you communicate isn’t always what’s understood. In the heat of the moment when clients are at their most vulnerable, you may be just as vulnerable to risk. Despite your best intentions, your advice or actions might be misinterpreted and you could face a lawsuit.

That’s why PROLINK and OASW have partnered to develop a Professional Insurance program, tailored to your unique needs. Our program fully complies with and exceeds the requirements of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and will help defend you from claims made against you as they relate to professional negligence, omission of information, or other errors within your scope of practice as a Social Worker.

Coverage highlights include:

  • $1,000,000 limit for Abuse Coverage;
  • $200,000 limit for Disciplinary Defense Costs;
  • $100,000 limit for Criminal Proceedings;
  • FREE legal advice with unlimited calls to the Trisura Legal Assistance Hotline at 1-866-945-5207 (8AM to midnight, 7 days a week)
  • FREE annual listing on FindASocialWorker.ca , sponsored by PROLINK ($100 value);
  • FREE 6-month subscription with and listing on the Psychology Today directory ($180 value);
  • Coverage for false advertising, slander, and defamation;
  • And more!

To apply, you must be a member of OASW in good standing.

PROPERTY INSURANCE

What is it?
Property Contents Insurance protects your commercial property from damage or loss and will cover the costs of repairs or replacement for contents, equipment, and furnishings.

Why do we recommend it?
Property Insurance is critical if you have your own business, regardless of the location. Whether you work from home or out of a commercial office, your general liability or homeowner’s policies won’t reimburse you for any damage to your business assets following a break-in, fire, or other disaster.

DATA SECURITY & PRIVACY BREACH INSURANCE

What is it?
Data Security & Privacy Breach Insurance protects your business and offsets your losses in the event of a breach, such as when your company’s information is stolen or exposed by a hacker, or accidentally released by an employee.

Our valuable policy features include:

  • Legal coaching on how to handle the breach;
  • Legal fees in the case of a civil suit;
  • Funds for court-awarded damages;
  • PR services for managing reputational impact;
  • Provisions for credit monitoring and client notification fees.

Why do we recommend it?

As a healthcare professional, you bear the responsibility of safeguarding private personal health information. Unfortunately, the heightened value of health data makes professionals in the healthcare industry more susceptible to cyber threats than those in other fields. Plus, there’s always the risk of employee snooping, which is a lot more common than you might think.

Unfortunately, as part of a regulatory college, you’re subject to much stricter privacy regulations and fines. So, if you or one of your employees were to lose a laptop, experience a network failure, or suffer from a hack that reveals client information—you could suddenly find yourself liable for thousands of dollars in damage. On average, a privacy breach costs $429 for EACH lost health care record. If you have even 100 clients affected by a breach, that could easily amount to a minimum of $42,900 for privacy breach expenses.

THE OASW LEGAL DOCUMENTS PORTAL

What is it?
The OASW Legal Documents Portal is an exclusive repository of customizable legal documents drafted by experienced third party lawyers. 

In addition to 100s of customizable templates, the OASW Legal Documents Portal also includes:

    • 24/7 Legal Helpline: Real legal assistance and information whenever you need it. Call in for personal or professional issues as-needed.
    • Legal Document Review:  Professional reviews of simple contracts, up to 8 single-sided pages in length.
    • Simple Legal Letter Drafting: A team of legal professionals can help you write demand letters, warning letters to employees, and more.

Learn more

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE

What does Professional Liability Insurance cover?

In general, Professional Liability Insurance covers you against allegations brought by a third party (e.g. a client) seeking damages resulting from a negligent or wrongful act, error, or omission arising from your profession and within your scope of practice. The policy will pay for your legal defence costs (e.g. lawyer fees, court costs, etc.) and any damages or settlements payable to a suing party. 

Will the Professional Liability Insurance policy protect me if a complaint is filed against me with my College?

The chance of having someone file a formal complaint against you is greater than the chance of being sued. There are different regulatory bodies in each province; however, this policy will provide access to lawyers who specialize in defending professionals being investigated by a regulatory body or authority due to a complaint.

What coverages are available through the OASW Insurance Plan?

The standard OASW Plan includes:

1. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY (E&O) – $5,000,000 per claim / $5,000,000 aggregate: This coverage will respond to college complaints and lawsuits alleging that you provided inadequate or negligent professional services to a third party. It includes the following:

  • Coverage for virtual care/e-services;
  • Regulatory Legal Expenses ($200,000 per claim /  $200,000 aggregate);
  • Criminal Defence Reimbursement ($150,000 per claim / $150,000 aggregate);
  • Coroner’s Inquest Coverage ($25,000 per claim / $25,000 aggregate);
  • Abuse Therapy Fund/Limited Abuse Liability ($20,000 per eligible person / $1,000,000 each policy period)

2. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY (CGL) – $5,000,000 each occurrence / $5,000,000 aggregate: This coverage will respond if you are sued alleging responsibility for bodily injury and/or property damage (i.e. a slip and fall). This coverage will also respond to any false advertising/libel claims that you may encounter.

3. DATA SECURITY & PRIVACY BREACH – $50,000 Liability only:
This coverage will respond to a lawsuit alleging damages caused by someone accessing sensitive information without permission (e.g. a data breach such as when your client’s confidential information is exposed or stolen by a hacker, or accidentally released by you).

This standard package will pay for your legal costs and applicable damages or a settlement payable to the suing party, and fully satisfy your requirements with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

If needed, you will also be able to obtain optional coverage for business-related office contents, additional privacy breach protection, supervised students, and coverage for your incorporated business entity.

You will also be able to purchase the OASW Legal Documents Portal (learn more) and Insurance For Accidents and Injuries (AD&D) through our application process.

Will the OASW Professional Liability Insurance policy protect me if I am charged with a criminal offence?

The policy will reimburse you for the legal defence costs incurred in a criminal action related to their services if the criminal charges are dropped or if you are found not guilty for the offence.

The Professional Liability Insurance policy is a “claims-made” policy. What does "claims-made" mean?

“Claims-made” policies require you to have a policy in effect when a claim is reported (made) in order for coverage to apply. Any claims are covered under the policy that is in force at the time and NOT the policy in force when the occurrence took place.

Are online/virtual care services included under the OASW Plan?

The OASW Insurance Plan (i.e., Professional Liability and Commercial General Liability Insurance) provides coverage for online/virtual professional services (i.e., phone, text, video, email), provided they are within the scope of your practice as a social worker. However, please ensure that you observe and follow any protocols or recommendations set out by your regulatory college regarding the provision of online/virtual care and client confidentiality at all times.

The policy provides coverage Canada-wide but please ensure you are in compliance with, and members of, other provincial regulatory bodies if required. We would advise you to contact your College/ Regulatory Body regarding your eligibility/licensing requirements to practice within another jurisdiction/province.

Are psychotherapy services covered by the OASW policy?

Psychotherapy services provided within the context of social work services are covered by our OASW member policy.

Do I have to be a member of OASW to purchase a policy with PROLINK?

Yes. Please ensure you have an active membership with the OASW prior to purchasing your policy through PROLINK. If you are not yet a member, you can become one via the OASW website (www.oasw.org) or by calling the OASW at 416-923-4848. You will need your membership number in order to complete your application. Additionally, you must ensure that you maintain your member status at all times in order for your coverage to remain valid.

Are there any additional benefits I can access as a new OASW Plan Subscriber through PROLINK?

Yes! As a participant in the OASW/PROLINK insurance program, you are entitled to a complimentary 6-month listing on the therapist directory of “Psychology Today” (a $180 value). Exposure in this popular publication can be very beneficial to your growing practice. Upon purchasing your policy through us, you will receive details on how you can sign up.

Is there a common expiry date for the OASW Professional Liability Program?

Yes, all policies under PROLINK’s OASW program will expire on May 1. If you sign up mid-year, you will pay a pro-rated premium and your policy will expire with the rest of the group on May 1 at 12 AM.

Why is Commercial General Liability Insurance important?

Unfortunately, you can be sued for any injuries or property damages that occur while working with clients—even if you’re not at fault. This situation is so common that most venues, government parties, and corporations require that you have this type of coverage in place before you engage in any contract.

Additionally, if you run your business from home, you could be at risk. For example, if a delivery man slips and falls delivering a work-related package, your typical home owner’s policy may not cover it. Commercial General Liability Insurance will.

If you only provide virtual services, Commercial General Liability Insurance will protect you from claims arising from reputational damage, libel and slander, and false advertising.

What if I need to make a change to my policy between renewals?

For any mid-term policy requests, such as updates, address changes, limit increases, additional insured certificates, and more, please contact OASW@prolink.insure.

Will the OASW Plan cover me for services rendered throughout Canada?

The policy provides coverage throughout Canada. However, please contact OASW or the provincial regulating body or your respective college to confirm if your OASW membership allows you to provide virtual services in Provinces outside of Ontario. We also advise you to check if Provinces outside of Ontario mandates separate insurance in those provinces.

I supervise Social Worker Students. Can I cover them through the OASW Plan?

If you supervise any Students who are enrolled in a Social Work program, you may purchase an extension of coverage under your Professional Liability Insurance for an additional premium. The program and the Institution must be accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

I am on maternity/parental leave. Do I still need to purchase Professional Insurance?

Yes. Your Professional Liability Insurance Policy is a “claims-made” policy, which means that you must have coverage in place both when the incident occurs and is reported. Discounted Premiums are available for members going on Maternity for more than 6 months of the policy period.

Which services can I access coverage for through the policy?

The policy only provides coverage for services that fall within your scope of practice as a Social Worker including “Psychotherapy”, “Hypnotherapy”, and “Designated Capacity Assessment” services.

There is also an opportunity to secure coverage for the following additional services. However, please note that additional eligibility terms and fees may apply in some cases.

  • Equine Assisted Therapy (Please note that providing Equine-Assisted Therapy to anyone under the age of 12 is NOT INCLUDED under this coverage.)
  • Yoga-related Therapy
  • Walk and Talk Therapy (in daylight only and on an easy, flat, existing, well-lit and marked walking trail in a public Park, e.g., an urban/municipal park)
  • Mediation Services (policy will provide coverage for mediation services if you DO NOT HOLD separate designation/certificate such as Lawyer, Paralegal, or Arbitration.)
  • Canine-assisted Therapy
  • Teaching workshops/courses to clients/patients or the public 

The below services are excluded under the policy:

1. Any accounting, bookkeeping and/or tax-preparation services;

2. Doula and/or life coaching services associated with Doula services;

3. Driver instruction and/or driving training services;

4. Personal shopping services.

Can I purchase only Professional Liability Insurance?

The OASW Plan includes both Professional Liability and Commercial General Liability Insurance for more comprehensive coverage. It is not possible to remove either coverage from the OASW Plan bundle.

How do I report a claim?

Once you are aware of an actual or potential claim, report it to PROLINK immediately. Please refrain from making written or oral statements, and do not offer to compensate or admit liability. Taking such actions could interfere in the insurer’s ability to manage the claim.

Click here to see how you can file an insurance claim in 5 steps or less.

Why is a deductible assessed if I retain a lawyer of my own choosing for a College investigation?

Trisura has access to a panel of highly experienced professional liability lawyers from various law firms. Their team specializes in social work legal cases and will be able to handle your case more efficiently and effectively than a general counsel. When an individual chooses a lawyer outside of the Trisura panel, the legal costs to defend the College investigation can be two to three times higher (approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per claim), due to the additional time required for a non-specialized lawyer to review the case. To manage these extra costs, a $2,500 deductible is now applied by the OASW Professional program when a lawyer outside of the Trisura panel is retained.

Will a deductible be assessed if I retain a lawyer of my own choosing for professional negligence lawsuits?

The deductible will remain at $0 if you choose to select your own lawyer to defend against professional negligence allegations made by a third-party, such as a patient or client. However, we still advise using a lawyer from Trisura’s panel of highly experienced professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE

OASW MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 20%

With PROLINK, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Plus, you can access:

Even Better Coverage:

PROLINK represents a wide network of over 30 insurers, so we can offer you a range of solutions and price points. We’ll look at all of the available options and leverage our existing partnerships to demand the best-fit coverage for your needs.

Even Better Advice:

Our team will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, explain your coverage options, and offer genuine, personalized advice to help you manage your exposures.

Even Better Rates:

Our dedicated team of advisors will regularly monitor your account so you don’t have to. If we see your premium going up over time, we’ll proactively search for a better fit to get you the coverage you need and the savings you deserve.

Even Better Service:

Count on PROLINK for any policy changes, proof of insurance requirements, and guidance through the claims process. We will advocate for your needs and answer any questions you have so that you can feel confident in your coverage.

See how much you can save on your Home & Auto Insurance!

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE

OASW MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 20%

With PROLINK, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Plus, you can access:

Even Better Coverage:

PROLINK represents a wide network of over 30 insurers, so we can offer you a range of solutions and price points. We’ll look at all of the available options and leverage our existing partnerships to demand the best-fit coverage for your needs.

Even Better Advice:

Our team will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, explain your coverage options, and offer genuine, personalized advice to help you manage your exposures.

Even Better Rates:

Our dedicated team of advisors will regularly monitor your account so you don’t have to. If we see your premium going up over time, we’ll proactively search for a better fit to get you the coverage you need and the savings you deserve.

Even Better Service:

Count on PROLINK for any policy changes, proof of insurance requirements, and guidance through the claims process. We will advocate for your needs and answer any questions you have so that you can feel confident in your coverage.

See how much you can save on your Home & Auto Insurance!

Get Your Free Insurance Quote:

LIFE & HEALTH

PROLINK will take the time to listen, understand your lifestyle, and guide you to the best protection possible.

Health & Dental Insurance

Supplement your primary healthcare and access the care you need, when you need it with coverage for: extended health, dental, vision, medication, massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, travel insurance, and more.

Disability Insurance

Protect your income if you’re unable to work because of a physical injury or ailment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a temporary or permanent disability; insurance will replace anywhere from 60-85% of your monthly earnings up to a specified time.

Critical Illness Insurance

Prepare for an unexpected illness or injury with a one-time, tax-free, lump sum. Once it’s paid, how you spend it is completely up to you, whether that’s on medicine, home accessibility, or even paying off part of your mortgage.

Life Insurance

Secure a simple, straightforward solution that will help you plan ahead while still guaranteeing protection for your loved ones. If there’s anyone relying on you for income—your children, spouse, ageing parents, or even a business partner—life insurance is worth it.

LIFE & HEALTH

PROLINK will take the time to listen, understand your lifestyle, and guide you to the best protection possible.

Health & Dental Insurance

Supplement your primary healthcare and access the care you need, when you need it with coverage for: extended health, dental, vision, medication, massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, travel insurance, and more.

Disability Insurance

Protect your income if you’re unable to work because of a physical injury or ailment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a temporary or permanent disability; insurance will replace anywhere from 60-85% of your monthly earnings up to a specified time.

Critical Illness Insurance

Prepare for an unexpected illness or injury with a one-time, tax-free, lump sum. Once it’s paid, how you spend it is completely up to you, whether that’s on medicine, home accessibility, or even paying off part of your mortgage.

Life Insurance

Secure a simple, straightforward solution that will help you plan ahead while still guaranteeing protection for your loved ones. If there’s anyone relying on you for income—your children, spouse, ageing parents, or even a business partner—life insurance is worth it.

CARING CLAIMS

If you’re lucky, you might never have to make a claim against your insurance. But in the event that you do, PROLINK will respond with urgency, empathy, and compassion. Hover over the images below to see contact options.

MON-FRI, 8AM to 5PM

Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM

If you have a potential claim, and would like to speak to PROLINK, please contact your Dedicated Advisor. No matter the time of day, be sure to have your policy number and key details of the incident on-hand, including dates, events, and all persons and entities involved.

AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS

After Hours, Weekends, Holidays

Connect with our after-hours claims service,Kernaghan Insurance Adjusters at 1 800 387 5677, or contact your insurer directly and they’ll loop us in. To find your insurer’s claims department, simply open your policy wording.

If your claim is related to Professional Insurance, we strongly recommend that you wait to notify your PROLINK Account Manager during regular office hours.

MON-FRI, 8AM to 5PM

Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM

If you have a potential claim, and would like to speak to PROLINK, please contact your Dedicated Advisor. No matter the time of day, be sure to have your policy number and key details of the incident on-hand, including dates, events, and all persons and entities involved.

AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS

After Hours, Weekends, Holidays

Connect with our after-hours claims service,Kernaghan Insurance Adjusters at 1 800 387 5677, or contact your insurer directly and they’ll loop us in. To find your insurer’s claims department, simply open your policy wording.

If your claim is related to Professional Insurance, we strongly recommend that you wait to notify your PROLINK Account Manager during regular office hours.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

RISK MANAGEMENT ADVICE

For more information, check out our blog where we share our insights on insurance trends, current events, and practical tips and tricks to make the best of your coverage.

 

RISK MANAGEMENT ADVICE

For more information, check out our blog where we share our insights on insurance trends, current events, and practical tips and tricks to make the best of your coverage.

GET IN TOUCH

To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price call us at:

1 888 511 3352

or send us an email below:

GET IN TOUCH

To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price call us at:

1 888 511 3352

or send us an email below:


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