FAQs

• Who is BMS Group and what is their role?

  BMS is the official and exclusive broker for the CPA/CPAP program. Their team of industry experts provide unparalleled risk management and brokerage services while offering a range of insurance products and resources to various Canadian healthcare associations. Protecting one of the largest pools of psychological practitioners under a for member, by member program model, BMS provides cost effective and comprehensive protection available to members anywhere in Canada.

• What pro bono legal advice and what legal services are provided in the event of a claim?

  Participating members in the program are provided with pro bono legal advice, as it relates to practice risk and liability, through Gowling WLG (Canada ) LLP (Gowlings). As one of Canada’s largest and the most recognized medical defence firms in the country, members are assured that in the event of a claim they are afforded with best-in-class legal protection. The Gowlings advantage for defence is available to all members in the event of a legal allegation or complaint to a college regulator.

Insurance Related

• Do I have coverage for incidents arising from services provided before I became insured under the CPA program?

  Yes, all options include full prior acts coverage. This means that your current policy insures you for any and all incidents that took place in the past. When purchasing coverage for the first time (versus renewing an existing policy) coverage will not apply for a potential claim of which you are already aware.

• What additional insurance do I need if I own my practice and/or have employed professionals working for my corporation?

  There are a range of additional coverages available to business owners. Learn more here or contact a BMS broker to discuss your specific practice needs.

• What advantages does this group plan have for members?

  The group plan allows members to pool their collective risk and negotiate better rates with insurers. With more members paying premiums to a given insurer, the insurance company is able to lower their premiums as the risk is spread amongst more members. Learn more here.

• I have joined the program for the first time, why is my policy not 12 months?

  The policy period is from June 1 to June 1 annually. If you were to renew in September, for example, you would only have coverage until June 1, but the amount you pay would be prorated accordingly.

• What do I do if my practice has changed mid way through the policy year?

  Please contact a program representative broker at BMS who can assist you and make any necessary changes to policy.

• If I have a claim, will my information be shared with anyone?

  Specific details such as your name and personal information will not be shared with any of the regulators or associations. Aggregate claims data will be used to develop risk management resources for the program.