The AAO understands members are concerned about the current pandemic and how it affects their practice and lives. We, too, are concerned about a safe and speedy recovery for anyone affected by the coronavirus—COVID-19. 

We offer our members coverages that are underwritten by multiple carriers. For your convenience, we have listed their contact numbers—along with some basic coverage information—below.    

Please remember that every policy and claim is unique, so it’s important you contact the claims departments with any questions. 

For life and health plans underwritten by New York Life and administered by Pearl Insurance, call 800.622.0344. 

These plans include: 

  • Critical illness
  • Group disability income
  • Level term life
  • Professional overhead expense 
  • Term life

New York Life currently recommends brokers give an additional 30-day grace period to anyone affected by COVID-19. This grace period is applied to insurance premiums and policy renewals. This grace period will help ensure insurance policies are not cancelled for nonpayment of premium during this challenging time beyond the insured’s control. This applies to all lines of coverage and all insureds across the country. If there are additional updates or directives, we will let you know. 

For AAOIC Malpractice Insurance, call 800.240.2650.  

We know AAO members with an AAOIC malpractice policy will have questions about their coverage as it pertains to allegations regarding transmission of COVID-19 in their orthodontic offices. There may be coverage depending on the facts and circumstances of any claim. There also may be coverage under your general liability policy. In the event of a claim, be sure to report it promptly to both AAOIC and your general liability carrier. Generally, it will be difficult for an individual to prove where the virus was acquired, now that there is community transmission of the disease. However, AAOIC recommends limiting your practice, for as long as practical, to emergency care only, while using enhanced recommended precautions. You should also be available to patients by telephone and electronic media to help resolve problems remotely whenever possible. 

General Coverage Info regarding BOP and GL policies:  

It is unlikely there will be any coverage on most policies. Most business owner’s policies (BOP) have an exclusion for loss due to virus or bacteria. Most general liability (GL) policies protect against liability claims for bodily injury and property damage arising out of premise operations. That’s why it is critical to review your individual policy; every policy and every claim is unique. Carriers will assess claims in accordance with the coverages the insured has in place and the facts presented. It is not possible to answer hypothetical questions or claim scenarios regarding COVID-19. If you believe you have a claim, please report it to the carrier as you normally would. Carriers are ready to follow their standard processes and protocols and will engage you as needed. 

The Hartford Claims Department can be reached at 800.243.5860. The Hartford is a carrier for a variety of AAO coverages, including:                               

  • BOP
  • Commercial auto
  • Cyber liability
  • Employment practices liability (EPLI)
  • General liability
  • Property
  • Workers’ compensation

The Travelers Insurance Claims Department can be reached at 800.238.6225. Travelers Insurance is a carrier for these AAO coverages:  

  • Bond
  • BOP      
  • Commercial auto
  • EPLI
  • Property
  • Workers’ compensation

The CNA Claims Department can be reached at 877.262.2727. CNA is a carrier for a variety of AAO coverages, including:                               

  • BOP
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Umbrella policies

For additional information on COVID-19, please check the AAO COVID-19 Resource Center: https://www2.aaoinfo.org/covid-19/.