When it comes to protecting our members, CUPE doesn’t cut corners. While other unions offer plans through their union, they don’t tell you that their plans act as top-ups for the employer plans. If you are found at fault, the employer plan will drop you, and likely your unions plan will, too. That could leave you exposed to full legal and financial liability without a place to turn.
CUPE has experience supporting workers who need professional liability insurance in healthcare, social services, and other fields. We know that when it comes to protecting yourself, having options is important. While other unions force their members to buy into their plans which don’t cover everything, CUPE would rather you find the right coverage that works for you. CUPE members have the choice and flexibility to find the right coverage for them, that isn’t tied to membership. This allows nurses to decide what coverage best fits their practice and to purchase portable insurance independently, including through group-discount options available to CUPE members.
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and registered therapists are not covered by other unions’ plans. With CUPE, you have the flexibility to find coverage that works with you and goes where you go.
Here is a comparison of CUPE’s recommended plans and group rates for you to consider:
| OCHU member Insurance
Currently open to RPNs with discussions underway to extend the program to RNs |
Includes coverage for volunteer activities and services provided as an independent contractor, legal defence cost coverage for complaints made against you at the CNO, legal defence against allegations of criminal acts, sexual abuse counselling, unlimited legal and HR counsel through the provider, $50,000 maximum for suspected or known privacy or security breach, complimentary breach remediation services, crisis management, counselling | $1m, with option to purchase higher / $25k max for legal expenses with extension; $25k for privacy breach insurance; $50k for legal defence in criminal trials (if found not guilty); $10k for sexual abuse counselling; free telephone legal and HR advice | $100 /year with option for higher limits with additional premium
No deductible for liability insurance, No deductible for legal expenses extension |
| Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Professional Liability Protection (RNAO)
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Includes coverage for services while on the job as well as emergency first aid and nursing advice provided outside the workplace; covers communicable diseases; coverage extends to your estate; coverage extends to your role as an educator; coverage is portable and nationwide | Up to $10m for civil litigation (no deductible); reimbursement up to $1m for criminal charges (if found not guilty), up to $1m reimbursement for costs related to human rights, regulatory, privacy violations; reimbursement up to $1m for public inquiries or inquests conducted by coroner/medical examiner where you provide testimony; reimbursement up to $1m if you are required to attend a criminal or civil proceeding; $1m for non-party proceedings; cyber liability protections ($25k)
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Included as part of licensing fee paid to Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) (cost is $256.36/yr or $221.49 with CUPE discount). Legal assistance Program is $64.57/yr
Coverage is portable anywhere in Canada.
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| RPNAO – Registered Practical Nurses of Ontario | Reimbursement available for legal fees related to criminal/abuse charges when found not guilty | $1m per member loss (loss being one or more claims resulting from the same or related error or omission, or negligent act in the rendering insured services), and $3m per member per policy period
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Liability and legal assistance are both included in the weRPN membership fee – $138.97/6 months
Contains Exclusions This coverage is recommended as supplemental even if your employer has coverage for you |
CUPE believes that our members should always have a choice. That’s why we work to support members to choose the professional liability insurance that works best for them.
Why choose coverage that leaves you unprotected when you need it the most? Choose the coverage that will keep you protected. Choose CUPE.