Question 1

Do you offer a reduced premium rate if I work part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a reduced premium rate is available if you work part-time, which is  defined as working 20 hours or fewer per week.

Question 2

Does the marriage and family therapist professional liability insurance policy have a deductible?

Accepted Answer

No, our policies do not carry deductibles, ensuring that covered losses are paid from the first dollar incurred.

Question 3

Are online and teletherapy sessions covered under my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, online and teletherapy sessions are covered under your insurance policy, providing the same protection as in-person counseling sessions as long as you abide by the state licensure requirements based on your client’s physical location at the time of treatment and are utilizing a HIPAA compliant platform to deliver the telehealth services.

Question 4

Does my professional liability insurance protect me from client disputes over confidentiality breaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your policy provides coverage for legal defense costs and settlements in cases of client disputes over confidentiality breaches, ensuring you are protected against claims that could damage your professional reputation.

Question 5

Does my policy cover claims related to emotional distress caused by counseling sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your policy protects you by covering legal defense costs, settlements and judgments in the event a patient pursues a claim for  emotional distress that may arise from counseling sessions, helping to protect you from legal disputes and ensuring your practice is safeguarded.

Question 6

Are there other benefits within the policy that would be of interest to me?

Accepted Answer

Statistically, you are more likely to receive a licensing Board Complaint or a Subpoena for records or testimony than you are to receive a claim or lawsuit. Understanding this, we include, at no extra charge, coverage for such Proceedings starting at $5,000 per Proceeding with the possibility  of increasing those limits up to $150,000. Unlike some of our competition, there is no annual aggregate or “cap” on the number of Proceedings that can be covered in a single policy year.

Question 7

Who provides the insurance coverage?

Accepted Answer

The coverage is provided by American Professional Agency, Inc., underwritten by Allied World Insurance Company, and its member companies.

Question 8

Why do my premium rates increase over the first 5 years?

Accepted Answer

All Professional Liability Claims Made insurance policies, issued by all insuring companies, have step rates which gradually increase over time until they mature. While each company sets the number of step rate increases based upon actuarial analysis, our policies mature after year 5 meaning no additional rate increases would apply unless changes to the coverage provided are requested by the policyholder.

Question 9

How soon may I obtain proof of coverage?

Accepted Answer

Proof of coverage may be issued on the same day your application is approved, and payment is received. Your certificate of insurance will be emailed to you (usually by the next business day after approval and payment). A Declarations page will be sent to you via USPS shortly thereafter.