ACA Insurance Trust, Inc. (ACAIT) has always arranged to have insurance coverage available for students. There are several reasons for having a student program. The most obvious is that the school requires its students to carry professional liability insurance. ACAIT feels that students need to carry similar Professional Liability Insurance to that which will be needed when begin to counsel. Additionally, it is believed that providing this coverage is the responsibility of a professional association toward its student members.
Professional liability coverage is available for students enrolled and engaged in an eligible counseling curriculum. Counseling students who have not previously received a provider designation (license) and are not concurrently providing professional services while enrolled are eligible for student rates. The intent in providing discounted student rates is to recognize the corresponding reduction in underwriting exposure. There is a recognition of the fact that students are closely supervised and not expected to take on the more serious clinical matters.
To be insured as a student, the following conditions apply. The applicant does not hold a valid license or certification, or has not yet been accredited by the regulatory agency responsible for maintaining the high standards of his/her profession in the state in which he/she is engaged in practicum, or counseling activity required by the student curriculum. The applicant is still in school pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree, or the applicant has graduated school, but is currently completing his/her clinicals, practicum or internship. While completing his/her clinicals, practicum or internship, the insured or applicant must be actively supervised.
However, the exception to the rule is a student who is actively practicing under a provider designation. That is, he/she holds a valid license or certification, or has been accredited. Then the insurance company would consider that person to be a professional and not eligible for the student rate.
