Group Health Benefits

The Canadian Freelance Guild has partnered with The Writers’ Coalition and the not-for-profit insurance company AFBS to provide members with affordable health plans. 

The AFBS Writers’ Coalition Program is a national health insurance plan that’s affordable, easy to join, and your acceptance is guaranteed. No medical information is required. There’s a convenient monthly payment option, your premiums may be tax deductible, and you can choose between a standard or comprehensive program. Coverage is also available for families.

Coverage benefits include:

  • Dental care

  • Prescription drug coverage

  • Extended health care (including vision care, registered massage therapy, semi-private hospital rooms, medical equipment, and more)

  • Travel emergency medical coverage

  • Life insurance

  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

  • The Member and Family Assistance Program (MFAP)

To get a free, no-obligation quote, visit: quote.writerscoalition.ca

To learn more about the programs, go to: writerscoalition.ca/guest

To contact the Writers’ Coalition via email or phone: admin@writerscoalition.ca 1.800.387.8897 ext.238 or local at 416-967-6600 ext. 238

 

General Commercial Liability Insurance and Errors & Omissions Insurance

Companies and publications increasingly demand that the freelancers they work with carry liability insurance or errors & omissions insurance. Providing proof of coverage is often a condition for granting a commission or assignment. This marks a departure from past contracts and represents a ‘downloading’ of liability and costs for defending a potential lawsuit onto the freelancer. We suggest you discuss these clauses in the contract with the employer and find out why they consider them necessary and whether they are open to changing some of the language. 

If you must carry insurance, you can purchase Commercial General Liability and Errors & Omissions insurance from Hub International. Click the link to download the Hub Beazley Writers E&O Brochure.

 

Additional Insurance Benefits to Members

Members of the Canadian Freelance Guild enjoy financial savings, competitive rates, and expert advice on insurance, mortgages, and more via unionsavings.ca. When asked to register, choose CWA-Communication Workers of America as your union.