Insurance Coverage for School Volunteers Expanded

Nova Scotians who volunteer at schools for community-based learning and other school activities are now insured for accidental injuries while on duty.

The School Insurance Program board of directors unanimously approved the launch of the new policy to address the changing profile of the school volunteer. The coverage began on April 1.

"More and more Nova Scotians are volunteering for a variety of school activities," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "Schools are centres in our communities, and it's the efforts of volunteers that help make programs so effective.

"Expanding the insurance coverage to include accidental injuries makes sense, especially when many of the school activities involve sports and physical education."

The new coverage is for registered volunteers and covers accidents while they are on duty at the school. A registered volunteer must be approved by the school principal and have police and child abuse registry checks. The School Insurance Program pays the premiums for the no-fault policy. It does not cover health issues.

"The School Insurance Program is very pleased to provide accident coverage for volunteers who play such an important and significant role in our education system," said Ron Marks, chair of the School Insurance Program board of directors. "It was a privilege to work with Minister Jennex and her staff to make this possible."

The Nova Scotia School Insurance Exchange, more commonly known as the School Insurance Program, is a not-for-profit insurance group that provides insurance coverage and risk management services for Nova Scotia school boards and the Nova Scotia Community College. They have been providing accident insurance to public school students, for school hours and activities, at no cost to parents or students since 1998.

For more information visit www.sip.ca .