Student Accident Insurance
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic Districts School Board is committed to providing a safe learning environment for students, however accidents can and do happen. Slip and fall accidents are the most common cause of injuries. Slip and fall accidents involving children sometimes result in dental injuries.
Under the Education Act, an Ontario school board may “provide, by contract with an insurer under the Insurance Act, accident and life insurance for pupils, the cost of which is to be paid on a voluntary basis by the parents or guardians. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2, s. 176, par. 4.”
Some families have private or workplace accident insurance which is able to respond to costs arising from injuries that are not covered by OHIP or alternative medical insurance plans. Many families do not have employment benefits that would respond medical treatments such as physiotherapy or emergency dental surgery.
Each year, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board reviews student accident insurance policies, to make available to Parents and Guardians in September, student accident insurance brochures that summarize the most comprehensive and cost effective student accident insurance options. For the 2011/2012 school year, Reliable Life brochures are being distributed. The Reliable Life website is now available in French.
Five plans are available. The Limited Plan (school day only) is available for as little as $3.50 and includes a ten-year dental benefit. The Bronze Plan (24 hour/all year) costs $12.00. There are three more additional options from which to choose. Family rates are available. Plans can be purchased for post-secondary and mature students and in some cases visitor or immigrant students.
Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year. The best value exists in purchasing students accident insurance at the beginning of the school year. Coverage becomes effective on the date the application and premium are received by Reliable Life Insurance. Injuries sustained prior to the purchase date are not eligible for compensation.
Under the Insurance Act, school boards cannot insure students. It is important for parents to understand that school boards do not provide insurance for students against the risk of any accidental death, disability, dismemberment or any medical expenses that may occur as a result of an accent during school activities, including sports events and field trips.
IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE AN INSURANCE BROCHURE, please either contact your child’s school or contact the Board Office (905-890-0708 X-24360).
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, require any assistance, or prefer to enroll online or by phone, please contact the Client Service Department of Reliable Life Insurance through one of the following options:
Telephone: 1-800-463-5437 (toll free), or 905-523-6525
E-mail: insuremykids@reliablelifeinsurance.com
Web: www.insuremykids.com
Address: P.O. Box 557, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K9
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET)