Minimum coverage increasing in 2015
Are you a proprietor or partner in an unincorporated construction company?
WorkSafeBC Personal Optional Protection is an optional insurance plan for individuals who are not automatically covered by the Workers Compensation Act. If injured at work, customers who have Personal Optional Protection coverage are protected against income loss and the cost of health care, rehabilitation, and vocational services.
On January 1, 2015, WorkSafeBC will be increasing the minimum monthly coverage of Personal Optional Protection from $1,500 to $1,800 to align with B.C.’s current minimum wage. Raising the minimum amount of coverage helps ensure that customers will not be underinsured, which could result in them being compensated for less than the minimum wage in the event of a work-related injury.
When customers apply for Personal Optional Protection, WorkSafeBC encourages them to select enough coverage to reflect their monthly earnings. While an injury can be devastating, it can take an even heavier toll if there isn’t enough insurance to cover basic living expenses.
Personal Optional Protection customers will automatically be transitioned to the new $1,800 monthly minimum starting next year. The new application form with updated coverage amounts will be available online on January 1, 2015.
For more information, please contact the Employer Service Centre at 604.244.6181 (toll-free 1.888.922.2768), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit worksafebc.com.