- Social Work Malpractice Insurance
- Overview
- Social Work Professional Liability Insurance
- Student/School Social Work Liability Insurance
- Agency Liability Insurance
- Group Life & Disability Insurance
- Overview
- Term Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disablity Insurance
- Hospital Daily Cash Benefit Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
Professional Liability FAQs- Who is eligible?
- Do I need to be licensed to get the insurance?
- Who provides the insurance coverage?
- Where do I get an application?
- What is Claims-Made coverage?
- What is an extended reporting rider or a "tail"?
- Why are my premium rates increasing every year?
- How much insurance do I need?
- Do you offer a reduced premium rate if I work part time?
- What happens if I need to change my policy before the renewal date?
- Where do I mail my application and/or check?
- Who can I call if I have additional questions?
Who is eligible?
All members of NASW who have a Social Work degree from an accredited U.S. college or university are eligible for coverage. Members on retired status with NASW are still considered members for insurance purposes. An applicant whose highest degree is a BSW and who is in direct clinical/therapeutic or independent social work is eligible as long as he/she has supervision by a professional with at least a Masters degree in a mental health field. Please contact the program administrator, the American Professional Agency, at 1-800-421-6694 or 631-691-6400 for more information.
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Do I need to be licensed to get the insurance?
In most situations, yes. However, not all social workers need a license in their home state to practice in a specific field. Please contact the American Professional Agency, at 1-800-421-6694 or 631-691-6400 for more information if you are unlicensed.
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Who provides the insurance coverage?
The NASW Insurance Trust's program is underwritten by the American International Group (AIG). AIG is one of the strongest, largest, and well-respected insurance companies in the world. It is the 15th largest insurer in the world and has over $58 billion in assets.
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Where do I get an application?
Click here to go to our on-line application. You will need to print it and MAIL it to the American Professional Agency. The agency does not accept faxed or on-line applications. If you prefer, the NASW Insurance Trust can mail you an application. Please contact us a 1-800-742-4089 ext. 387 for assistance.
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A Claims-Made policy will cover you for incidents that happen between the enrollment date and expiration of your policy, but claims must be reported while the policy is in force. An Extended Reporting Endorsement, or "tail", is necessary to protect against claims presented after the policy expires.
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What is an Extended Reporting Rider or a "tail?"
An extended reporting rider or "tail" allows you to stop your policy, but still have coverage for future claims that are made based on events that occurred during the time period your policy was inforce. A "tail" protects you for practice activities during the time that your policy was in force. If you retire, or if you become disabled or die, the "tail" is offered to you at no cost.
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Why are my premium rates increasing every year?
Claims-made liability insurance has small stepped increases during the early years for each individual insured in the program. Your rates increase for 6 years and then level off or mature. You should not expect additional rate increases on a mature claims-made policy unless the risk posed by NASW members necessitates an across the board increase.
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You may want to consult your attorney to determine the limits you should purchase. You might find that most managed-care entities, hospitals, and facilities require you to carry at least $1 million per incident and a $3 million aggregate The NASW Insurance Trust offers up to $2,000,000 per claim/$4 million aggregate coverage.
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Do you offer a reduced premium rate if I work part time?
No. A reduction in hours does not necessarily mean that the insured has a decreased risk of being sued. Therefore the insurance carrier, which bases rates on risk, will not offer a part time premium rate. The rates for our high quality coverage are among the lowest rates available for social workers.
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What happens if I need to change my policy before the renewal date?
Please contact the American Professional Agency at 1-800-421-6694 or 631-691-6400 for assistance.
Where do I mail my application and/or check?
Applications, payments and correspondence to the program administrator should be directed to:
The American Professional Agency
95 Broadway
Amityville, NY 11701
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Who can I call if I have additional questions?
If you have questions, please call our program administrator, the American Professional Agency, at 1-800-421-6694 or 631-691-6400 and ask to speak to the social work department. They will be happy to answer all your questions.
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