Personal Financial Tips

Article by Heather Pulse

Mental health counselors have a need for very comprehensive insurance that will protect them in the event they are sued by a client. If you have completed years of training and schooling to become a mental health professional you must protect your career and your future goals by investing in both general liability and professional liability insurance. Most medical professionals understand the importance of maintaining general liability insurance. What some fail to recognize is the difference between general liability and professional insurance. Understand what each type of insurance covers and seek a mental health professional online quote immediately if you have not already.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is necessary for all business owners in every industry. This type of insurance is designed to provide coverage for a business if a third-party claims the business is negligent for damages or injuries to their property or their person. For example: If you left a ladder in front of the door of your office on the ladder fell on someone in the building they could file a negligence claim against your general liability insurance. You insurer will investigate the claim and will pay for settlements, defense, and judgments to the claimant.

Professional Liability Insurance

For medical professionals, a professional liability insurance plan is generally called medical malpractice insurance. Malpractice insurance covers scenarios that are specifically excluded under general liability. If you make an error in diagnosis or you prescribe treatment that does more harm than good to your client, your client has the right to sue you. As a medical professional, you are held to a higher standard in your profession because you have gone through intense training for your title. Without medical malpractice insurance, you could be left paying for legal defense and judgments out of your own pocket. Covering defense costs is reason enough to obtain a mental health professional online quote.

Where to Get Professional Liability Insurance

If you have reviewed your insurance portfolio and you have discovered you do not have malpractice insurance it is time to start researching insurers. When you request quotes online, consider more than just price. Most insurers who specialize in malpractice insurance offer special endorsements to cover exposures you come into contact with on a daily basis. Choose financially stable insurers with good consumer ratings and start comparing the quotes through reliable resources.

Choosing to run your mental health practice without medical malpractice insurance is a gamble you should not be willing to take. If you do not have insurance, you should request a mental health professional online quote right away. If you do not have your own practice, ask your employer for a copy of their insurance. When you bind your professional liability policy, you will have peace of mind in knowing you are protected.

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