If you run or manage a home health care agency, insurance is a non-negotiable part of doing business. But with multiple policy types available, one of the most common questions agency owners ask is:
“Workers Comp for Home Health Care”
Although both policies are critical, they serve very different purposes. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Workers’ Comp and General Liability insurance for home health care agencies — so you can protect your business and your caregivers the right way.
What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ Compensation Insurance (often just called “workers’ comp”) covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their job.
What it covers:
- On-the-job injuries (e.g., back strain from lifting a patient)
- Repetitive stress injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel from paperwork or tech use)
- Work-related illnesses (e.g., exposure to illness in a client’s home)
- Lost wages while recovering
- Disability or death benefits, if applicable
Required by law in most states
If you have employees, nearly every state mandates that you carry workers’ comp. Not having it can result in fines, lawsuits, or business shutdown.
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability Insurance protects your business from third-party claims related to bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury that occur as a result of your business operations.
What it covers:
- A client trips over your caregiver’s bag and breaks a bone
- Property damage (e.g., a caregiver accidentally knocks over and breaks a valuable lamp)
- Libel, slander, or false advertising claims
- Legal fees, settlements, or court judgments
Final Thoughts Both Workers’ Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance are foundational to a safe and successful home health care business. They cover different risks — but together, they create a strong shield of protection for your agency, your employees, and your clients.