Field Directors

Hi all, 

I'm hoping to get some insight about how other programs approach liability insurance for your practicum students. In the past, our program has required students to purchase their own liability insurance. I give them a list of affordable options and then let them choose what will work best for them. However, the people who oversee the insurance-related concerns at my university have recently informed me that we have "Allied Health" insurance coverage that covers social work students and that students do not need to purchase additional insurance. I am hesitant, as I feel it is best practice for students to have individual coverage and I worry that the university's policy won't cover the students when push comes to shove. On the other hand, I don't want students to pay any additional costs (even relatively minor ones), if they are not necessary. 

Is any one else in a similar situation? How do you handle this with your programs?

Thanks in advance for your insight! 

Hi Chloe,

We also require students to carry their own policy - I have sited that have liability coverage for students, but I've always felt and understood that best practice as a professional is to always carry your own policy because It follows you easily then, and it protects your practice.

Hi all, 

I'm hoping to get some insight about how other programs approach liability insurance for your practicum students. In the past, our program has required students to purchase their own liability insurance. I give them a list of affordable options and then let them choose what will work best for them. However, the people who oversee the insurance-related concerns at my university have recently informed me that we have "Allied Health" insurance coverage that covers social work students and that students do not need to purchase additional insurance. I am hesitant, as I feel it is best practice for students to have individual coverage and I worry that the university's policy won't cover the students when push comes to shove. On the other hand, I don't want students to pay any additional costs (even relatively minor ones), if they are not necessary. 

Is any one else in a similar situation? How do you handle this with your programs?

Thanks in advance for your insight! 

Hi Chloe,

We also require students to carry their own policy - I have sited that have liability coverage for students, but I've always felt and understood that best practice as a professional is to always carry your own policy because It follows you easily then, and it protects your practice.

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Allison Mason LCSW BAS
Director of MSW Field Education
Northeastern State University
mann@nsuok.edu

Original Message:
Sent: Jan 30, 2026 14:44
From: Chloe Forehand
Subject: Student Liability Insurance vs University-Provided Insurance

Hi all, 

I'm hoping to get some insight about how other programs approach liability insurance for your practicum students. In the past, our program has required students to purchase their own liability insurance. I give them a list of affordable options and then let them choose what will work best for them. However, the people who oversee the insurance-related concerns at my university have recently informed me that we have "Allied Health" insurance coverage that covers social work students and that students do not need to purchase additional insurance. I am hesitant, as I feel it is best practice for students to have individual coverage and I worry that the university's policy won't cover the students when push comes to shove. On the other hand, I don't want students to pay any additional costs (even relatively minor ones), if they are not necessary. 

Is any one else in a similar situation? How do you handle this with your programs?

Thanks in advance for your insight! 

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Chloe Forehand
Field Director
University of Texas at Tyler
903-565-6433
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