Drug and alcohol treatment centers help improve the lives and overall well-being of those with substance use disorders (SUDs) and other mental health disorders. They also provide support for their families, fostering better outcomes for everyone involved. Unfortunately, liability concerns and other risks can affect a facility's ability to provide life-changing services. If you run a drug or alcohol treatment center, business insurance can safeguard against liabilities, ensuring uninterrupted high-quality service delivery to patients and their families.
Customized Business Insurance for Your Treatment Center
There are several different types of business insurance available from a variety of companies. With many plans and policies available, business insurance isn't a "one-size-fits-all” solution. You wouldn't want it to be. Each industry has its own risks, and your treatment center has unique needs that may differ from others.
Any business is at risk of being held liable for accidental or purposeful property damage. There is also the risk of being sued if a customer, vendor, or another individual is accidentally injured on your property. While treatment centers also have those risks, they have other vulnerabilities as well. Some of these unique risks that can make your center vulnerable to lawsuits include:
- Working with people struggling with SUDs
- Caring for people who may become physically violent, who are emotionally and mentally compromised, or who may lash out during treatment
- Treating people going through the withdrawal process, safely managing their symptoms, and managing treatment complications
- Working with people who may become suicidal during treatment
- Handling patients' medications for mental health or other physical conditions
- Having volunteers who engage with patients and their families
- Driving patients to off-site appointments
- Having employees who perform home visits
The most significant risk you face is a patient, family member, or volunteer claiming one of your staff members was negligent during a patient's treatment. A customized business insurance policy will help protect your center and staff if someone files a negligence or malpractice claim.
Different Business Insurance Options
There are a variety of business insurance options available. Your treatment center might benefit from several different policies.
Professional Liability
Insurance professionals often refer to this type of insurance as "errors and omissions" insurance. Errors and omissions insurance protects your employees from significant financial loss if a patient files a malpractice or negligence suit against your facility or an employee.
Business Auto
While not every drug or alcohol treatment center will benefit from this type of insurance, some might. Business auto insurance may provide additional protection if your facility owns a fleet of vehicles, asks employees to perform in-home visits, or transports patients to off-site appointments.
Property Insurance
Anyone who runs a business knows damage can occur. Fire, water, vandalism, and theft can affect your treatment center. Property insurance can cover the costs of making expensive repairs or replacing stolen property.
General Liability
General liability insurance provides coverage for you, your employees, and your business for common liability claims. Suppose a third party, such as a patient, family member, or volunteer, injures themselves at your center. In that case, general liability insurance may cover the cost of their medical bills and other legal expenses.
Business Umbrella
Not every drug or alcohol treatment center may need an umbrella policy. However, you may find it beneficial if you want to make sure you're fully protected. Umbrella insurance provides extra coverage and covers the gaps in your other business policies.
Finding the Right Insurance for Your Treatment Center
Your drug or alcohol treatment center may not need all the policies outlined above. In addition, there may be other types of insurance your center may need to ensure you and your employees are fully protected.
Selecting the right coverage plan for your treatment center can be stressful and difficult. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone – you can work with an insurance broker to make the process easier. At Leavitt Coastal Valley Insurance Services, we’ll complete a risk assessment of your business to identify your vulnerabilities. After identifying your risk areas, we’ll work with you to find a business insurance plan that provides the right protection for your business.
We can compare policies from different carriers, creating a customized insurance plan that mitigates your risks. Our goal is to create a lasting relationship with you. We will work hard to thoroughly understand your treatment center's needs so we can represent you well to insurance companies.
Choosing an Insurance Advisor Who Understands Your Needs
Your treatment center has unique risks. Partnering with an insurance advisor who understands your business can help ensure you find a comprehensive insurance plan that provides optimal protection.
Amber Harper, a knowledgeable member of our insurance team, focuses on the treatment industry and thoroughly understands its nuances. She's worked in treatment and now works hard to make sure treatment centers are protected. She'll work with you to understand your unique needs and find the right coverage plan to leave you and your employees protected.
