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OCHU-Ontario Council of Hospital Unions Insurance Program

Welcome to the OCHU RN/RPN Insurance Program from PROLINK

We’ve partnered with the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions to develop a comprehensive set of insurance programs to protect you from the unique risks you face as a Registered Nurse/Registered Practical Nurse.

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE FOR OCHU/CUPE MEMBERS

Access comprehensive protection that we designed to address the risks faced by Ontario’s Registered Practical Nurses/Registered Nurses.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (E&O)

What is it?
Professional Liability Insurance (E&O) protects you (and your business) from any allegations of errors, omissions, or negligence committed within the scope of your professional activities. It’ll cover your damages—legal expenses, administrative costs, and court settlements—EVEN if the claims made against you are groundless.

Why do we recommend it?

As a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), you expect the unexpected. But sometimes the unexpected happens to you. Even the best of clinicians make mistakes, especially in situations where speed and efficiency mean the difference in saving someone’s life. Working in such a stressful environment means that you could be susceptible to a potential lawsuit, whether you’re at fault or not. Even volunteering medical advice or assisting someone off duty can lead to allegations of malpractice. And your employer may not always cover you in their policy—they might even sue you to recover the money spent on legal defenses.

We can help. PROLINK—Canada’s Insurance Connection has partnered with OCHU/CUPE to provide Professional Liability insurance exclusively for registered RNs and RPNs. Our customized insurance program is built to address the specific risks you face as a healthcare practitioner on the front lines of medicine and protect you in the event of claim. 

Policy highlights include:

  • FREE telephone legal advice by calling the Trisura Legal Assistance Hotline at 1-866-945-5207. You can access this service from 8 AM until midnight, seven days a week. Have your policy number on hand when you call;
  • Professional Liability exceeds the requirements of Bill 179 and College of Nurses of Ontario;
  • Complete online solutions. Apply, pay and obtain your certificate of insurance online;
  • Coverage for RPN services rendered outside of your employment agreement with a hospital or long-term care facility;
  • Members do not have to pay fees to a separate Nursing Association in order to access competitive group insurance rates;
  • And more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE

What does Professional Liability Insurance cover?

In general, Professional Liability Insurance covers you against allegations brought by a third party (i.e., a client) seeking damages resulting from a negligent or wrongful act, error, or omission arising from your profession and within your scope of practice. 

Professional Liability Insurance is a “claims-made” policy. What does "claims-made" mean?

“Claims-made” policies require you to have a policy in effect when a claim is reported (made) in order for coverage to apply. Any claims are covered under the policy that is in force at the time and NOT the policy in force when the occurrence took place.

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

Once you are aware of an actual or potential claim, report it to PROLINK immediately. Please refrain from making written or oral statements, and do not offer to compensate or admit liability. Taking such actions could interfere in the insurer’s ability to manage the claim.

Click here to see how you can file an insurance claim in 5 steps or less.

I have not received the information package from CUPE and want to apply for the coverage. Who can I contact?

Please contact PROLINK.

What are the requirements to qualify for this program?

You must be a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, and be a CUPE Union Member.

I am solely an employee. Would my employer’s insurance policy not protect me?

The limit of insurance on your employer’s policy will be shared by you, your employer, or anyone else named in a suit. If the judgment against you is higher than your employer’s limit of insurance, you could be responsible for your share of the excess amount

When you have your own policy, during a lawsuit, you will be assigned your own legal counsel and defence. You will not have to share legal resources with your employer’s lawyer.

You are most likely not aware if your employer is keeping their insurance up to date. If their policy is cancelled or lapsed you will not have coverage for yourself.

If your employer decided that you acted outside the scope of your agreement, their policy may not protect you.

Your employer’s policy will not defend you when a member of the public makes a complaint to your regulatory body or if you are charge criminally. Anyone can make a complaint about you to your regulatory body at no cost to themselves. This insurance policy will pay up to $25,000 in legal fees in the event of a complaint to your regulatory body.

What happens if I change jobs, work for more than one employer, volunteer elsewhere or work for my own private practice?

As long as you are a member of CUPE, this coverage will cover you in all of these situations for services rendered as a RPN or RN.

Is there a deductible?

No, this program does not have a deductible.

Am I covered if a patient accuses me of abuse?

Criminal acts such as molestation, harassment, corporal punishment, assault or battery, or any form of sexual or physical abuse are not covered under this Professional Liability Protection policy. If however, you are successfully acquitted, received a “not guilty” verdict or the charges are withdrawn, this policy will reimburse you up to $50,000 for legal expenses incurred to defend you.

Is there a common expiry date for the insurance program?

Yes. All members must renew each year by March 31. 

Who should I contact if I have a question on coverages or want to make a claim?

Please contact us at OCHU@prolink.insure for any changes or in the event of a claim/incident.

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE

With PROLINK, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Plus, you can access:

Even Better Coverage:

PROLINK represents a wide network of over 30 insurers, so we can offer you a range of solutions and price points. We’ll look at all of the available options and leverage our existing partnerships to demand the best-fit coverage for your needs.

Even Better Advice:

Our team will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, explain your coverage options, and offer genuine, personalized advice to help you manage your exposures.

Even Better Rates:

Our dedicated team of advisors will regularly monitor your account so you don’t have to. If we see your premium going up over time, we’ll proactively search for a better fit to get you the coverage you need and the savings you deserve.

Even Better Service:

Count on PROLINK for any policy changes, proof of insurance requirements, and guidance through the claims process. We will advocate for your needs and answer any questions you have so that you can feel confident in your coverage.

See how much you can save on your Home & Auto Insurance!

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE

With PROLINK, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Plus, you can access:

Even Better Coverage:

PROLINK represents a wide network of over 30 insurers, so we can offer you a range of solutions and price points. We’ll look at all of the available options and leverage our existing partnerships to demand the best-fit coverage for your needs.

Even Better Advice:

Our team will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, explain your coverage options, and offer genuine, personalized advice to help you manage your exposures.

Even Better Rates:

Our dedicated team of advisors will regularly monitor your account so you don’t have to. If we see your premium going up over time, we’ll proactively search for a better fit to get you the coverage you need and the savings you deserve.

Even Better Service:

Count on PROLINK for any policy changes, proof of insurance requirements, and guidance through the claims process. We will advocate for your needs and answer any questions you have so that you can feel confident in your coverage.

See how much you can save on your Home & Auto Insurance!

Get Your Free Insurance Quote:

LIFE & HEALTH

PROLINK will take the time to listen, understand your lifestyle, and guide you to the best protection possible.

Health & Dental Insurance

Supplement your primary healthcare and access the care you need, when you need it with coverage for: extended health, dental, vision, medication, massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, travel insurance, and more.

Disability Insurance

Protect your income if you’re unable to work because of a physical injury or ailment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a temporary or permanent disability; insurance will replace anywhere from 60-85% of your monthly earnings up to a specified time.

Critical Illness Insurance

Prepare for an unexpected illness or injury with a one-time, tax-free, lump sum. Once it’s paid, how you spend it is completely up to you, whether that’s on medicine, home accessibility, or even paying off part of your mortgage.

Life Insurance

Secure a simple, straightforward solution that will help you plan ahead while still guaranteeing protection for your loved ones. If there’s anyone relying on you for income—your children, spouse, ageing parents, or even a business partner—life insurance is worth it.

LIFE & HEALTH

PROLINK will take the time to listen, understand your lifestyle, and guide you to the best protection possible.

Health & Dental Insurance

Supplement your primary healthcare and access the care you need, when you need it with coverage for: extended health, dental, vision, medication, massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, travel insurance, and more.

Disability Insurance

Protect your income if you’re unable to work because of a physical injury or ailment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a temporary or permanent disability; insurance will replace anywhere from 60-85% of your monthly earnings up to a specified time.

Critical Illness Insurance

Prepare for an unexpected illness or injury with a one-time, tax-free, lump sum. Once it’s paid, how you spend it is completely up to you, whether that’s on medicine, home accessibility, or even paying off part of your mortgage.

Life Insurance

Secure a simple, straightforward solution that will help you plan ahead while still guaranteeing protection for your loved ones. If there’s anyone relying on you for income—your children, spouse, ageing parents, or even a business partner—life insurance is worth it.

CARING CLAIMS

If you’re lucky, you might never have to make a claim against your insurance. But in the event that you do, PROLINK will respond with urgency, empathy, and compassion. Hover over the images below to see contact options.

MON-FRI, 8AM to 5PM

Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM

If you have a potential claim, and would like to speak to PROLINK, please contact us directly at 1 800 663 6828. No matter the time of day, be sure to have your policy number and key details of the incident on-hand, including dates, events, and all persons and entities involved.

AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS

After Hours, Weekends, Holidays

Connect with our after-hours claims service, Kernaghan Insurance Adjusters at 1 800 387 5677, or contact your insurer directly and they’ll loop us in. To find your insurer’s claims department, simply open your policy wording.

If your claim is related to Professional Insurance, we strongly recommend that you wait to notify your PROLINK Account Manager during regular office hours.

MON-FRI, 8AM to 5PM

Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM

If you have a potential claim, and would like to speak to PROLINK, please contact us directly at 1 800 663 6828. No matter the time of day, be sure to have your policy number and key details of the incident on-hand, including dates, events, and all persons and entities involved.

AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS

After Hours, Weekends, Holidays

Connect with our after-hours claims service, Kernaghan Insurance Adjusters at 1 800 387 5677, or contact your insurer directly and they’ll loop us in. To find your insurer’s claims department, simply open your policy wording.

If your claim is related to Professional Insurance, we strongly recommend that you wait to notify your PROLINK Account Manager during regular office hours.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

RISK MANAGEMENT ADVICE

For more information, check out our blog where we share our insights on insurance trends, current events, and practical tips and tricks to make the best of your coverage.

RISK MANAGEMENT ADVICE

For more information, check out our blog where we share our insights on insurance trends, current events, and practical tips and tricks to make the best of your coverage.

GET IN TOUCH

To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price call us at:

1-800-663-6828

or send us an email below:

GET IN TOUCH

To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price call us at:

1-800-663-6828

or send us an email below:


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      Personal InsuranceCommercial EnterpriseAssociations & Affinity GroupsLife & Benefits

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