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! 

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

Our University has always provided general and professional liability insurance for any student registered for a practicum course. We have never required students to purchase a separate policy. We, too, make every effort to reduce costs for students whenever possible. Based on my consultation with the University Risk Manager, there is no reason that a student should be required to pay out of pocket for an additional policy. 

However, we also include information in our Practicum Handbook regarding when liability coverage ends for students, at which point they would either need to be covered by the agency or purchase their own policy.

Julie

 

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Julie Kates, MSW, LCSW
Associate Professor of Practice
Director of Practicum Education
School of Social Work
Portland State University
503.725.9891
jkates@pdx.edu

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 30, 2026 22:42
From: Allison Mason
Subject: Student Liability Insurance vs University-Provided Insurance

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.

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

Hi all, 

Thank you for your insights! One of the factors I'm considering, like you mentioned Allison, is that the student policy will usually follow them for at least a few months post-graduation--and that's significantly cheaper than the full-price liability insurance. 

Julie, I appreciate your insight, as well. I've also been in contact with our Risk Management lead, and he has assured me that students would be covered. Many of our students also struggle with the financial ramifications of practicum, so I certainly don't want to add to that burden, if I can help it.

Thank you both, once again! 

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Chloe Forehand
Field Director
University of Texas at Tyler
903-565-6433
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 30, 2026 22:42
From: Allison Mason
Subject: Student Liability Insurance vs University-Provided Insurance

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.

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