A job spent in other people's homes
Community OTs assess kitchens, bathrooms and stairs, carry equipment from the car and show people how to get in and out of the bath safely. Ward-based OTs help patients stand, dress and transfer. There is more physical effort than many people expect, and back strain is a familiar complaint.
Driving between visits brings road risk, and lone working in unfamiliar homes has its own challenges. Insurers sort jobs into risk classes, and that affects both the premium and whether claims are judged against your own job.
Sick pay by employer
NHS and council OTs usually have a period of full pay followed by half pay, with the length growing with service. Private sector employers, such as rehabilitation firms or care providers, set their own terms. Independent OTs doing expert witness reports, case management or home adaptations are paid only for work they deliver.
Choose your deferred period based on when your own income would actually fall. If you mix an employed post with private reports, consider protecting both.
- NHS and council OTs: longer deferred period can fit
- Independent OTs: short deferred period protects cash flow
- Mixed income: cover the private earnings separately
Life insurance for OTs
NHS staff in the NHS Pension Scheme, and council staff in the Local Government Pension Scheme, have death benefits while they are members. Both stop when you leave. Independent OTs need to arrange their own. A personal policy keeps your mortgage covered and your family supported through any career change.
Critical illness cover, which pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a listed serious illness, can sit alongside income protection and give you breathing space for adaptations or treatment.
Mental health, schools and specialist settings
OTs work in a wide range of settings. In mental health and forensic services, there can be a risk of aggression from patients. In paediatrics and schools, there is plenty of floor work, kneeling and lifting small children. Hand therapy and splinting bring repetitive fine work.
Tell the insurer what your day actually involves, because your duties help decide how they rate the role. If you move into management or a desk-based post later, that can make a difference to future cover too.
How Hi Tomorrow helps occupational therapists
We review your contract, any private work and the support you would get if you were off. We compare the insurers on our panel for occupational therapy, including own occupation terms where available, and help you answer the medical questions accurately.