Insurance and tax relief
RCOT insurance for our members
Insurance benefits include Medical, Healthcare and Treatment Indemnity, Professional Indemnity and Public and Products’ Liability insurance up to a combined annual aggregate limit of indemnity of £10 million, inclusive (where applicable) of legal costs and expenses.
This covers you for claims brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man or, if you are domiciled in Ireland, for claims brought in Ireland.
The Medical, Healthcare and Treatment Indemnity insurance protects you as an occupational therapist against a claim by a service user alleging that you were negligent in providing treatment, and caused harm.
The Professional Indemnity insurance protects you against a claim by a service user alleging that you were negligent in providing your professional services.
Your RCOT membership
Your insurance covers you as an individual member, whether you’re ‘employed’ or ‘self-employed’ or a combination of both, it doesn’t provide cover for any type of entity, you set up whether that’s a company or a partnership. If cover is required for any such entity, a separate policy will need to be arranged in the name of that entity.
The policy is provided on a 'claims occurring' basis, which means that as long as you were a member when the claim occurred, you'll be covered by the policy.
If you cancel your membership, your insurance cover will automatically stop.
It’s essential to notify the insurers directly of any potential claim or circumstances that might give rise to a claim as soon as you’re aware of them. If you’re not sure if an incident should be reported, ring the Aon helpline and discuss it with an insurance expert.
The RCOT policy
Renewed for the membership year 2025
As previously, the underwriters require some conditions and exclusions to the policy that you should be aware of. These are detailed in the policy and briefing downloads below.
Aon UK contact details
Alex Reuszel (alex.reuszel@aon.co.uk) 0116 280 7094
Bob Litchfield bob.litchfield@aon.co.uk (0116 280 7041).
Downloadable content
Professional Indemnity Insurance briefing 2024-2025 (PDF, 188KB)
Working overseas
Working outside of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man the Channel Islands or Ireland.
Whilst the policy covers members engaged in occupational therapy work worldwide (excluding the USA and its protectorates and Canada), members working in other territories should check whether there is a legal requirement to arrange local cover.
It should also be borne in mind that the policy covers you only for claims brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man or, if you are domiciled in Ireland, for claims brought in Ireland.
Tax relief
Reclaiming tax on your RCOT membership fees
Did you know you can reclaim some of your RCOT membership fee through HMRC?
If you pay your own subscription and it’s relevant to your work, you’re entitled to claim tax relief on a portion of your fee.
Who can claim?
You can claim if:
- you pay your own RCOT membership fee
- the fee is not reimbursed by your employer
- RCOT is on HMRC’s approved list of professional bodies (it is).
For more details and to start your claim, visit the HMRC tax relief for professional fees page.
How much can you reclaim?
- You can claim tax relief on up to 75% of your membership fee.
- For example, if your annual professional membership fee is £297.19, you can claim tax relief on £222.89 (which is 75% of £297.19).
- The actual amount you save depends on your income tax rate:
- basic rate taxpayers (20%) – save about £44 per year
- Higher rate taxpayers (40%) – save about £88 per year.
- The actual amount you save depends on your income tax rate:
- You can claim for the current tax year and the previous four tax years.
How does it work?
To claim your tax relief, you’ll need to provide evidence of payment (such as receipts).
PAYE employees
- Complete HMRC’s online P87 form.
Self-employed
- When you completeTex your Self Assessment tax return – claim on the employment page of your return.
How does it work?
To claim your tax relief, you’ll need to provide evidence of payment (such as receipts).
PAYE employees
- Complete HMRC’s online P87 form.
Self-employed
- When you completeTex your Self Assessment tax return – claim on the employment page of your return.
If you need support, contact us at hello@rcot.co.uk.