Association of Reflexologists (AoR)
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I apply for AoR insurance?
Answer: If you would like to apply for AoR insurance please call us on 01953 455 600
NB: Insurance is not available to Friend members
Question: Is my insurance valid if I do not pay for my membership?
Answer: No, your AoR insurance is invalid without current Student, Full or Conditional membership of the AoR.
Question: What happens if my insurance runs out on a different date to my membership?
Answer: You will receive separate renewal notices for your membership and your AoR insurance.
Question: I am a full member, but I do not have any insurance, what do I do?
Answer: It is a condition that all full members living in the UK must have insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can purchase the AoR Insurance by filling in the AoR insurance form and returning it with your renewal. If you do not purchase AoR insurance and do not have your own insurance the AoR will NOT be able to process your application/renewal.
Question: I need to make changes to my insurance?
Answer: If you want to change your insurance policy from Basic to Special or Teaching, please contact one of the team at Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers. Contact details are shown on the "contacts" page.
Question: Can I have a copy of the full policy document?
Answer: Yes, the full policy document is available for download from our website.
Question: Who can have Teaching insurance?
Answer: Teaching insurance is only available for accredited AoR tutors.
All accredited centres must have insurance to cover their business activities.
Centres can opt to take out the AoR's Teaching insurance or can find alternative cover.
Alternative insurance policies need to cover public liability and professional indemnity for the premises, the relevant staff and the educational service that they provide.
Only accredited centres are eligible to take out AoR Teaching Insurance.
AoR Teaching insurance covers professional indemnity in the tutor's professional educational role.
AoR Teaching insurance also incorporates the AoR's Basic and Special insurance and covers the individual named on the policy for professional practice as a therapist.
AoR Teaching insurance can only be taken out in the name of an accredited tutor who is an active Full member.
A tutor covered by AoR Teaching insurance is also covered for teaching other therapies provided they have a relevant qualification for that therapy.
Question: If I do not renew my policy, am I covered for any claims made against me?
Answer: Cover prior to 31/12/06 was on a 'Claims made' basis therefore any claims made after the expiry date are not covered. However if you have had continous insurance under the AoR scheme for a period of 3 years, and renew your policy, the new insurers RSA are providing 36 months restrospective cover so any claims made for this period will be dealt with by them.
Question: Am I covered for demonstrations, trade shows and talks?
Answer: Yes, attendance at such events is covered, but cover is not provided for the attendees or members of the audience to practice on other people (i.e. the policyholder is covered but those attending the demonstration, talk or show are not covered to practice on others attending the event.)
Question: Am I covered to practice on pregnant patients?
Answer: Yes, this is covered.
Question: Am I covered to practice on patients suffering with cancer?
Answer: Yes, this is covered.
Question: Am I covered to practice on patients with HIV or Aids?
Answer: Yes, cover is provided, but claims arising from any condition directly or indirectly caused by or associated with this condition are excluded.
Question: Am I covered for Products Liability?
Answer: The selling of products is excluded, other than, sale, supply or prescription of any preparation in connection with the treatment of a client.
Question: What is the difference between "claims made" and "losses occurring"?
Answer: A "claims made" policy is the normal type of wording for medical malpractice cover. However the limitations are that a claim must be made whilst the policy is still in force. If you did not renew your insurance and a claim was reported or initiated thereafter (eg one month later) the claim would not be covered by insurers as the policy had lapsed. Claims have to be made during the period of cover.
On a "losses occurring" basis as long as cover was in force when the incident happened then subject to the policy wording, terms and conditions the claim would be dealt with by insurers.
A retrospective period of cover for members previously insured under the AoR scheme for 36 months is in force. This means that members who have maintained their insurance via the AoR for the last 3 years will have cover for any claims reported for that period.
Question: Why do we need Worldwide Jurisdiction cover?
Answer: The policy extends cover to include non-UK courts though claims will still be subject to English Law (so called "Worldwide Jurisdiction"). This gives increased protection to AoR members temporarily practicing outside the UK.
Question: What cover is available for going abroad?
Answer: The policy automatically covers you for up to 6 months abroad whilst maintaining a UK residency and trading from the UK.
Question: What are the cover extensions now available?
Answer: There are 4 sections of cover available as an extension to the liability insurance. These covers are:
Business equipment including computers, sum insured £2,500
"All Risks" cover, any where in UK / Europe.
Theft cover in vehicles is provided subject to the equipment being kept out of sight in a locked boot / glove compartment
Annual cost £60 (including tax and a £7.50 fee, £7.00 fee from 04 January 2011)
Personal Accident Cover - benefit provides a lump sum or weekly payment following a personal accident respect of:
Death and capital benefits £10,000
Temporary Total Disablement (e.g., broken leg/ arm / loss of limbs) £100 per week - payable for 104 weeks
7 day deferred period applies to temporary total disablement
Annual cost £30 (including tax and a £9.00 fee, £8.80 fee from 04 January 2011)
Business Interruption Cover
Additional cost of working up to £10,000 (subject to Business Equipment being insured under same policy).
This section covers the additional costs incurred following an insured claim to your business equipment or place of work such as renting an alternative place of work, purchasing stock / equipment at higher costs due to immediate replacement being required, costs of notifying clients of change venue / contact details.
Annual cost £30 (including tax and a £3.75 fee, £3.50 fee from 04 January 2011)
Employers Liability Cover
It is a legal requirement to effect liability insurance for any employees (including voluntary staff / trainees)
Limit of indemnity £10,000,000
Based on wage roll of up to £20,000 per annum
Annual cost £90 (including tax and a £11.25 fee, £10.50 fee from 04 January 2011)
Please note that the costs shown are for UK based members only
Members from the Republic of Ireland should contact us for rates
A fuller description is given in the "Summary of Cover". For further information on these covers, please contact us.
Question: Will I receive new documentation?
Answer: You will not receive new documentation until renewal. However the new policy wording, summary of cover and key policy changes are available on the website if you wish to view or down load these.
Question: Why does my certificate show an AoR fee?
Answer: The fee shown is refunded directly to the AoR to help meet the running costs of the Association.
The AoR is a non profit making organisation and all income (from insurance and other activities) is used to help the AoR meet its aims, namely: "the promotion of reflexology; distribution of information; support of its members and the promotion of a valuable service to the public."