OASW Insurance Program, exclusively through PROLINK

Welcome to the OASW Insurance Program from PROLINK

Welcome to the Ontario Association of Social Workers program from PROLINK—Canada’s Insurance Connection.

PROLINK offers comprehensive and cost-effective insurance coverage to address the unique personal and professional insurance needs of Social Workers. Members of OASW can benefit from superior protection at unparalleled rates.

An added benefit? PROLINK and the OASW have made it easier than ever to apply for, or renew, your professional insurance! Our online application can be completed on your mobile phone, computer, or tablet. Pay by credit card and receive your documents within minutes!

Protection for my business and professional life

Protection for me and my personal life

Contact a Representative

At PROLINK, we can help you feel confident that you have the right protection.

We believe in personal relationships.

We value knowing you, and taking the time to understand your unique situations, so that we can provide you with genuine advice and follow-through. Our named, dedicated advisors will take a holistic view of your lives and explain all of your coverages and potential exposures, so that you can make educated decisions.

We have over 30 years of experience.

As a result, we’ve seen insurance from every perspective. Wherever you’re coming from, and whatever you need, we’re your one-stop-insurance-shop. You can depend on us for the protection you require.

We represent a network of insurers.

We know their strengths, their weaknesses, how they’ll assess you as a risk, and how they’ll treat you in the event of a claim. Plus, as one of Canada’s largest national brokerages, we have the buying power and influence required to advocate for you and your needs with the various insurers.

We work for you, not the insurer.

As an independent insurance brokerage, we are not obligated to sell you on a particular insurer. Instead, we’ll evaluate the available offerings and the discounts you are eligible for, to bring you solutions to best fit your life.

What OASW members are saying...

Protection for My Business and Professional Life

Important note for members seeking Professional Insurance Solutions:

Online services are covered under the OASW plan, as long as it is with clients who are residents of Canada. For example, if you or your client are on vacation and the services are offered via Skype, it is still covered under your policy—as long as any claim made against you is brought forward in Canada.
Psychotherapy services provided within the context of social work services are covered by our OASW member policy.
You must have an active OASW membership in-force at all times in order to obtain coverage through the PROLINK Professional Insurance program.

OASW Plan: Professional & Commercial General Liability
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.

Like Social Workers, PROLINK—Canada’s Insurance Connection believes in building strong, positive relationships with all our clients to resolve any and all conflict. That’s why we’ve partnered with the OASW to address the specific risks you face as a Social Worker with our bundled Professional Insurance coverage. We’ll take care of you so you can take care of your clients.

Our Professional Liability program will protect you from any allegations of negligence, error, or misrepresentation, even if the claims made against you are groundless, while our Commercial General Liability policy will take care of any third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage.

Highlights of our program include:
Property Insurance
If you have your own Social Work practice, chances are you also own, rent, or lease office space. Whether it’s a major corporation, an up-and-coming firm with a few staff, or a home-based office, every business has valuable assets. And whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a break-in, every business is vulnerable to damage.

The cost of repairs and replacements can affect your business for years to come—for smaller firms, that impact might be financially devastating. Even if you can cover the expenses out-of-pocket, there’s the added blow of losing any income you would’ve earned before having to relocate or close down temporarily to fix the damages. Plus if your new location is out of the way, it might inconvenience your existing clients and keep any new ones away.

And if your office is home-based? Keep in mind that your business and contents might not be covered under your Home & Auto policy, especially for any equipment taken on the road.

That’s where we come in. With over 35 years of experience, PROLINK has seen it all. We’ll take the time to carefully audit your office contents and ensure that your business property, equipment, and furnishings are protected for their full value. We’ll also make adjustments to your coverage as your business continues to grow so you’re secure no matter what.

Contact PROLINK to apply online today!
- FAQ
  - 1. Is my home office covered under my home insurance policy?
    
    Not necessarily. You need to check your policy or request PROLINK's assistance to determine if adequate coverage is available.
  - 2. My business doesn’t house a lot of furniture do I really need property insurance?
    
    You may not think your business has anything of value. But when was the last time you properly assessed your office contents? You may be surprised at how quickly things add up.
    
    And Property insurance offers protection for more than just traditional furniture. Computers, software, project files and resources, as well as any equipment you take on the road are also covered with this policy.
    
    Plus, you can claim business interruption costs that result from the disruption of your physical space while you work to recover from an incident.
Data Security and Privacy Breach Insurance
In this day and age, all companies are data companies. When you rely on computer networks for the bulk of your work, hackers, malware, and ransomware pose a real threat. Whether it’s a stolen laptop, a breach in your cloud provider, or a snooping employee, being on a network exposes you to cyber risk. And you may not realize the value of your digital assets—and the implications of a breach—until it’s too late.

As a Social Worker, you might even be more attractive to some cybercriminals for your third-party connections. Given the value of private health information, it’s no coincidence that healthcare providers are among the most targeted professionals when it comes to security breaches. And size doesn’t matter; smaller practices with fewer security provisions are just as likely to be hacked as any major organization.

You might think that your property or liability insurance policy will restore your files for a small add-on fee. But there's no fast fix for a cyber attack. Data Security and Privacy Breach Insurance with PROLINK can protect you against these losses, help you get your electronic assets back in order, and your business back online.

Highlights of our policy include:
Contact PROLINK to apply online today!
- FAQ
  - 1. Why is Cyber/Privacy Liability insurance important?
    
    Every business runs the risk of experiencing a cyber/privacy breach at least once in their lifetime. Recently, sophisticated fraudsters have proven that even the most secure organizations are at risk, too. The prevalence of cyber-attacks is only expected to increase and businesses report massive financial losses as a result of managing the fall-out. While a good defence strategy can certainly help, it’s not a question of IF your company will experience a breach but when.
    
    In Canada, privacy laws are ever-changing. And the process of navigating a breach is confusing and expensive. Damages are being awarded for not only sensitive information exposed, but for the resulting emotional injury as well. Finally, is every single one of your employees tech-savvy? Can they recognize a phish and stop scammers at the gate? The reality is that many breaches are caused by employee errors or mal-intent. And you need to be protected. Cyber/Privacy Liability insurance can help with that.
  - 2. What does PROLINK’s Cyber/Privacy Liability offer?
    
    Our Cyber/Privacy Liability policy will provide you with funding for Public Relations services to manage the reputational impact of the breach, as well as, provisions for credit monitoring and client notification fees if sensitive client information is exposed.
    
    Additionally, you will be able to cover the legal defence fees in the case of a civil suit made against you, along with funds for court-awarded damages. You can even cover some of your business interruption costs while you get your business back online.
    
    Finally, you will have access to a breach coach who will guide you through the entire process.
  - 3. What is a breach coach?
    
    A breach coach is a lawyer who specializes in guiding firms through a Cyber/Privacy breach. They are there to provide you with the advice you’ll need to make the process as simple as possible.

Protection for Me and My Personal Life

Your life is complicated. But selecting your insurance doesn’t have to be. Read on to see how PROLINK can help make the road to your insurance solutions simple.

Home & Auto Insurance
As a Social Worker, your job often requires you to be mobile, so you probably spend a lot of time in your car. If you’re an independent practitioner, chances are, you work from home. That means your car and your home aren’t just your most valuable assets or your prized possessions; they’re also key to your livelihood.

Accidents can happen for any number of reasons—theft, loss, natural disasters. No matter the cause, one thing’s certain: you’ll be out thousands of dollars in damages. A financial setback no doubt, but it’ll sting even more if you’ve added a major renovation to your home or bought a brand-new car.

At PROLINK, it’s our job to worry about your coverage and your risks so that you don’t have to.

With over 30 years of experience and access to a network of insurers, we’ve seen it all. With PROLINK, you’ll have your pick of insurance solutions and added benefits at just the right price point for you. Plus, as a member of OASW, you can receive up to 20% off your Home & Auto Insurance!

Contact PROLINK for your no-obligation quote today!
- FAQ
  - 1. Do you have to buy home insurance?
    
    You only have to buy home insurance if you are applying for a mortgage. But if you are purchasing a home without a mortgage and decide not to purchase Home insurance be warned: your home is your most valuable asset and unexpected situations like floods, theft, and crime happen. You should still make an effort to protect yourself by purchasing Home insurance, even though it’s not mandated by the government or the bank.
  - 2. What is a disappearing deductible?
    
    Some insurers offer a reduction in your deductible for every consecutive year where you don’t make a claim until eventually you don’t have a deductible at all. However, if you ultimately need to make a claim again, the deductible will be restored to its original amount.
  - 3. How are home premiums calculated?
    
    Each insurer calculates your premium differently. Some common consideration factors include:
    
    Location;
    
    Condition/age of home;
    
    Number of years in home;
    
    Heating method;
    
    Fire-fighting support for location;
    
    Requested limit;
    
    Number of claims;
    
    And more.
  - 4. When do I need to update my policy?
    
    You should always review your policy on an annual basis. Beyond that, you should also notify your broker in the event of the following scenarios:
    
    Address change;
    
    Renovation;
    
    Addition of a home-based business;
    
    Purchase of high-value assets.
  - 5. I just renovated my home, how will that impact my insurance policy?
    
    Certain renovations –such as replacing your roof—could mean that you’re eligible for a discount. Renovations could also mean that the value of your home has increased and that you need to make sure that you are still adequately covered by your policy. Always consult your broker if you are planning on making any renovations to ensure that you are still getting the best coverage at the best possible price.
  - 6. What’s the benefit of having Home and Auto insured together?
    
    Bundling your Home and Auto insurance will help you save money on both policies. As an added benefit, if you need to make a claim on both your house and car, you will only need to pay one deductible.
  - 7. Why do I need Auto insurance?
    
    In Canada, you must have Auto insurance before you are allowed to drive a car. By law, you must have the following basic coverage:
    
    Accident benefits (if you or a passenger are hurt in an accident);
    
    Unknown/uninsured motorist (in the case of a hit and run);
    
    Liability (if someone sues you);
    
    Direct compensation for property damage (for damages to your vehicle from an accident which isn’t entirely your fault or where you are not at fault).
  - 8. What other policy features are available beyond the basic Auto package?
    
    Options will vary by province and need; however here are some commonly purchased coverages:
    
    Specified Perils: covers the cost to replace/repair your vehicle if it’s damaged by theft, fire, or other rare incidents;
    
    Comprehensive Insurance: provides protection for specified perils and other scenarios such as vandalism, falling objects, and more;
    
    Collision or Upset: covers the cost to replace/repair your vehicle if it’s in a crash or if it tips over;
    
    All Perils: Combines all of the above and more.
  - 9. Are other drivers allowed to drive my car?
    
    If they are licensed and have received your permission, they are allowed. However, all licensed drivers in your home must also be listed on your policy.
  - 10. How much auto insurance is enough?
    
    It varies by provincial requirements.
  - 11. What does "at fault/not at fault" mean?
    
    It is a percentage of responsibility that is assigned to every driver that is involved in an accident but is calculated differently by various insurers. You could be considered not at fault (0%), partially at fault (1-99%) or at fault (100%).
  - 12. How are auto premiums calculated?
    
    Each insurer assigns a different rate based on how they assess the following factors:
    
    Limit and deductible required;
    
    Make, model and year of your vehicle;
    
    Vehicle usage (errands, commuting, commercial, etc.);
    
    Distance travelled annually;
    
    Address;
    
    Driving experience;
    
    Claims history;
    
    And more.
  - 13. When do I need to update my policy?
    
    While you should review your policy at least once a year, make sure to contact your broker if: you move, buy a new vehicle, add a new licensed driver to your policy, or begin using your vehicle for business purposes.
  - 14. I have a classic car. Will my regular Auto policy cover me?
    
    No. You need to purchase Classic car insurance which will provide you with special coverage tailored for vintage and classic cars.
  - 15. Why do I need to insure my child who’s away at school as a driver?
    
    Your child is only away at school part time in a secondary residence. Their primary residence is still considered to be your home. The Canadian government mandates that you insure every licensed driver who resides in your home.
Health & Dental Insurance
If you’re an independent Social Worker, you probably don’t have access to traditional employee benefits like Health, Dental, and Drug coverage.

But expensive treatments, prescriptions, and dental work always seem to pop up when you’re least expecting them. And if you end up with a serious illness, injury, or chronic condition that requires ongoing care, the costs can add up pretty quickly.

We can help. PROLINK’s comprehensive program covers Health, Vision, Dental, and Drugs, and can get you access to Paramedical services such as Massage, Chiropractic Adjustment, Physiotherapy, and more. Taking advantage of your plan and being proactive about your health now will help you prevent long-term conditions in the future.

Plus, by purchasing your insurance through PROLINK, you become part of a member pool across all of the associations that we represent in addition to OASW. And that means access to lower rates.

To learn more, contact PROLINK today!
- FAQ
  - 1. Do I have to buy BOTH Health and Dental?
    
    No, you can opt out of Dental if you feel that you already have sufficient coverage through another plan.
  - 2. Which services are encompassed in Health and Dental insurance?
    
    With your Health and Dental plan you can access:
    
    Extended healthcare coverage that includes:
    
    Annual reimbursement for prescription drugs;
    
    80% reimbursement with dispensing fee deductible;
    
    15 paramedical services such as massage, chiropractic, homeopath, etc.
    
    $5 million Emergency Medical Travel coverage for trips within province;
    
    Vision coverage: $50 for examinations (every 24 months), $250 for hardware.
    
    Dental coverage for preventative and basic restorative procedures;
    
    Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage;
    
    A weekly income benefit should you become disabled;
    
    A long-term disability benefit that activates after 26 weeks of continuous disability;
    
    An assistance plan for counselling and advisory services.
  - 3. How does the Weekly Disability Benefit function?
    
    If you become totally disabled, this benefit pays $250 weekly. Benefits will begin on the first day of an accident or hospitalization and on the 15th day of sickness, continuing for a period of 26 weeks if necessary.
  - 4. When does Long Term Disability begin to apply and for how long will I receive benefits after becoming completely disabled?
    
    After 26 weeks of continuous total disability, up to $3,000 monthly benefit is paid out tax free. Benefits will be paid out until age 65.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is the coverage you avoid thinking about—until there’s a major emergency or health scare that forces you to reconsider.

If something were to happen to you, who would provide for your family? Who would take on your debts? Who would cover your funeral expenses and the estate taxes from getting your affairs in order?

Your loved ones might never truly heal from the pain of losing you, but you can help them recover from the financial strain of an untimely death. Plus if you insure early on, you can avoid paying a higher premium as you get older.

Don’t wait. Pass the pain over to us. At PROLINK, we’ll take the time to understand you, your needs, and your family. We’ll provide you with affordable, long-term protection so you can provide for your loved ones if the unexpected happens to you.

Contact PROLINK to evaluate your options today!
- FAQ
  - 1. Why do I need Life insurance?
    
    If you have a family or dependents, your Life insurance can ensure that they won’t suffer financially following your death.
  - 2. Does my age affect my life insurance premiums?
    
    Yes. Typically, the older you are the higher the risk and by association, the premium. That’s why experts recommend purchasing a Life insurance policy when you are younger. However, other factors like gender, medical history, smoking, can also impact your premiums.
  - 3. Are there any restrictions as to who I can name as a beneficiary?
    
    There is no restriction to who you can name as a beneficiary. That being said, if a beneficiary is a minor then a Trustee must be appointed for the duration of time until the beneficiary reaches the age of majority.
  - 4. Is the payment my beneficiary receives tax-free?
    
    Yes.
Critical Illness Insurance
Living with a critical illness isn’t just physically and mentally exhausting—it’s also financially draining. Most medications and treatments aren’t covered by a traditional drug plan. The latest healthcare breakthroughs are rarely available outside the U.S. On top of that, there are also travel expenses, childcare, and all the added indirect costs that come with a major health condition.

Even if you’re financially stable, medical bills will take a toll on your hard-earned savings. Especially if your family relies on your income.

Critical Illness Insurance can help with that by providing you with a lump sum that can be leveraged in whatever way best suits your needs. Once it’s been paid, how you spend it is completely up to you, whether that’s hiring a nurse, making your home accessible, or even paying off part of your mortgage.

You can’t predict when you’ll get sick, but you can plan for it. With PROLINK, you can access top-quality care through a customized and cost-effective Critical Illness policy for the long-term financial flexibility you need.

Contact PROLINK to learn more today.
- FAQ
  - 1. Is Critical Illness insurance paid out to my family after I pass away?
    
    No. Critical Illness insurance is a living benefit and is usually paid out to you as a lump-sum following a survival period of 30 days after diagnosis of one of the listed illnesses.
  - 2. What is a survival period and how long does it last?
    
    A survival period refers to the waiting time between receiving a diagnosis and when your benefit is paid out. For most Critical Illness policies, it is 30 days.
  - 3. How is the lump sum determined?
    
    Typically, you need to purchase coverage for up to two years of income. However, we can offer you access to limits of up to $1 million. There is also no associated deductible.
  - 4. Are there any restrictions as to how I can use the money from my Critical Illness Insurance?
    
    No. You can use your Critical Illness insurance for anything from medical treatment to a luxurious vacation. How you want to spend your money is completely up to you.
Travel Medical Insurance
You work hard and you deserve a worry-free vacation. Even so, no matter how much you plan, accidents can happen. Getting injured or sick overseas be anything from a minor inconvenience to a massive financial blow.

Think of travel insurance as a small investment with high value. It seems like an unnecessary expense and it’s definitely not the most exciting part of trip planning. But your peace of mind is priceless. Taking the time to set up protection in advance can save you the nightmare of unexpectedly forking out thousands of dollars abroad.

With access to over 30 insurers, PROLINK can offer you a comprehensive insurance plan that suits your travel needs. Beyond emergency medical costs, we can also help you with lost baggage and trip cancellations fees with a few enhancements to your policy, even if it’s just for a weekend trip across the border.

With PROLINK you’ll be prepared for whatever happens, wherever it happens. We want you to travel with ease, comfort, and the confidence of knowing we’ve got you covered.

Contact PROLINK to learn more today!
- FAQ
  - 1. Is Travel Medical Insurance purchased per trip or on a yearly basis?
    
    It’s up to you. Both types of policies are available. However, purchasing on a yearly basis means you will be covered for all trips you take during that year. Purchasing per trip is more limited.
  - 2. Can I add any additional travel protection to this policy?
    
    Yes. We can add Lost Baggage and Trip Cancellation extensions to your coverage.
  - 3. What is covered under Lost Baggage?
    
    This provides protection for the replacement value of items in baggage that is lost during travel.
  - 4. What is covered under Trip Cancellation?
    
    This coverage provides reimbursement for travel expenses (airfare and accommodation) when the trip must be cancelled prior to or after departure for some unforeseen reason.
Pet Insurance
If you’re like most pet owners, your pet is your constant companion. So when your beloved companion inevitably falls ill, it can be stressful. It’s hard to see your once-lively pet refuse to eat or struggle up the stairs.

While the veterinarian might be able to remedy whatever’s ailing your pet, that cure usually comes at a high cost, especially when you want your pet to receive the best care possible. Depending on the treatment, you might have to save up first—during which time your pet could get sicker—or put yourself in debt to afford all those unexpected fees.

Purchasing PetSecure insurance through PROLINK can help take away the financial burden of getting your pet the care they need. For a small monthly rate, you can receive up to thousands of dollars in coverage for your pet’s accidents, illnesses, and dental care.

Contact PROLINK to learn more today!
- FAQ
  - 1. What's included in my pet insurance policy?
    
    Accidents, illnesses, dental exams, exam fees, alternative therapies, surgery, medication, preventative care and more are covered in your pet insurance policy.
  - 2. What is co-insurance?
    
    Co-insurance is the percentage you pay of the total cost of the claim. For example, if insurance covers 80% of the claim, you pay the 20% out-of-pocket.
  - 3. I have more than one pet. Do you offer a volume discount?
    
    Yes. You’ll receive 10% off for enrolling three or more pets, and 15% off for enrolling six or more pets.
  - 4. Are pre-existing conditions covered?
    
    No. Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions that showed symptoms before the policy was enacted or during the waiting periods are not covered.

Caring Claims

Sometimes, stuff happens. In the event that you need to make a claim and the situation is urgent or an emergency, help is a phone call away!

Monday to Friday (8AM to 5PM)
Contact PROLINK directly at 1 800 663 6828. We will take your claim, confirm your policy and report it to your insurer.

After Hours
Access our after-hours claims service, Kernaghan Insurance Adjusters at 1 800 387 5677, or call your insurer directly and they will loop us in.

Please reach out to PROLINK if you ever feel unsure. We’re here for you.

Speak to a Representative Today

To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price contact us below.

Welcome to the OASW Insurance Program from PROLINK

What OASW members are saying...

Protection for My Business and Professional Life

Important note for members seeking Professional Insurance Solutions:

FAQ

1. What does Professional Liability insurance cover?

2. Will the Professional Liability policy protect me if a complaint is filed against me with my Regulatory Body?

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

4. How will I know if someone is claiming against me?

5. What do I do if I receive a statement of claim?

6. Is there a common expiry date for the OASW professional insurance program?

7. Why is Commercial General Liability important?

FAQ

1. Is my home office covered under my home insurance policy?

2. My business doesn’t house a lot of furniture do I really need property insurance?

FAQ

1. Why is Cyber/Privacy Liability insurance important?

2. What does PROLINK’s Cyber/Privacy Liability offer?

3. What is a breach coach?

Protection for Me and My Personal Life

Your life is complicated. But selecting your insurance doesn’t have to be. Read on to see how PROLINK can help make the road to your insurance solutions simple.

FAQ

1. Do you have to buy home insurance?

2. What is a disappearing deductible?

3. How are home premiums calculated?

4. When do I need to update my policy?

5. I just renovated my home, how will that impact my insurance policy?

6. What’s the benefit of having Home and Auto insured together?

7. Why do I need Auto insurance?

8. What other policy features are available beyond the basic Auto package?

9. Are other drivers allowed to drive my car?

10. How much auto insurance is enough?

11. What does "at fault/not at fault" mean?

12. How are auto premiums calculated?

13. When do I need to update my policy?

14. I have a classic car. Will my regular Auto policy cover me?

15. Why do I need to insure my child who’s away at school as a driver?

FAQ

1. Do I have to buy BOTH Health and Dental?

2. Which services are encompassed in Health and Dental insurance?

3. How does the Weekly Disability Benefit function?

4. When does Long Term Disability begin to apply and for how long will I receive benefits after becoming completely disabled?

FAQ

1. Why do I need Life insurance?

2. Does my age affect my life insurance premiums?

3. Are there any restrictions as to who I can name as a beneficiary?

4. Is the payment my beneficiary receives tax-free?

FAQ

1. Is Critical Illness insurance paid out to my family after I pass away?

2. What is a survival period and how long does it last?

3. How is the lump sum determined?

4. Are there any restrictions as to how I can use the money from my Critical Illness Insurance?

FAQ

1. Is Travel Medical Insurance purchased per trip or on a yearly basis?

2. Can I add any additional travel protection to this policy?

3. What is covered under Lost Baggage?

4. What is covered under Trip Cancellation?

FAQ

1. What's included in my pet insurance policy?

2. What is co-insurance?

3. I have more than one pet. Do you offer a volume discount?

4. Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Caring Claims

Speak to a Representative Today

1-800-663-6828