Workers Compensation Insurance
The WCB provides no-fault workplace injury insurance coverage for your business and employees.
The WCB provides no-fault workplace injury insurance coverage for businesses and workers across Prince Edward Island. More than 6,800 employers are protected under the workers' compensation system, which is funded entirely by PEI employers based on the principle of collective liability – where the total cost of the compensation system is shared by all employers.
The premiums Island employers pay are pooled into an accident fund that is used to pay benefits to injured workers and support the WCB's prevention, educational and administrative activities.
For the Island's compensation system to run efficiently, it is important that you, as an employer:
- Establish your coverage as legislated by the Workers Compensation Act.
- Maintain your yearly registration.
- Make timely payments based on your assessment rate.
To help you manage your account with ease, the WCB offers Online services for employers. These web-based services are easy to use and are accessible at any time
Excluded workers and industries
On PEI, most industries are required by law to have coverage under the provincial compensation system.
The following occupations and industries are excluded from coverage under the Workers Compensation Act, except when the worker is employed by an industry that is required to carry workers compensation coverage:
- Artists, entertainers or performers
- Circus operations, travelling shows and trade shows
- Clergy
- Demonstrating and exhibiting
- Employment by a person in respect of a function in the private residence of that person
- Carriers employed in delivering newspapers or other publications
- Salespersons who are not restricted to selling goods for one manufacturer or supplier
- Selling or similar canvassing on streets
- Sports professionals, players
- Volunteer workers
- Outworkers, being persons to whom articles or materials are given out to be made up, cleaned, washed, altered, ornamented, finished, repaired or adapted for sale in their own home or on other premises not under the control and management of the person who gave out the articles or materials
- Transportation by taxi
- Fishing
Although sports coaches and instructors, peddlers, and door-to-door salespersons are generally excluded from the Workers Compensation Act, the WCB Board of Directors has issued an order extending coverage to these workers. Under Section 2(3) of the Workers Compensation Act, the Board has the authority to include employers or workers who would otherwise be excluded from the Act.
If you are an employer from any of the industries mentioned above, you may choose to apply for Optional Coverage. Additionally, proprietors and partners of a non-incorporated business, owners and directors of a corporation and independent operators can apply for Personal Coverage.
Optional Coverage
If you are an employer from an excluded industry, you may choose to apply for Optional Coverage.
Optional Coverage offers protection for your workers: health care benefits, wage loss replacement and other programs and services following a work-related injury or illness.
To apply for optional coverage, register with the WCB using our Online Services, or submit an Employer Registration Form.
If you would like more information about Optional Coverage, please contact us.
Personal Coverage
Personal Coverage is voluntary workers compensation coverage that provides the same benefits and protection as workers have under the Workers Compensation Act.
Personal coverage is for:
- Proprietors and partners of non-incorporated businesses
- Independent operators*
- Owners and directors of a corporation
*Unsure if you’re an independent operator? See our Independent Operator Checklist.
Personal Coverage provides benefits and services to assist you during recovery and to reduce the impact of a work-related injury or illness. The benefits you may be entitled to will depend on the nature of your work-related injury or illness, and your ability to work.
The cost of Personal Coverage depends on the amount of coverage you select, when you purchase it, and the rates associated with your business and industry.
You can apply for personal coverage by completing the application form.
For more information on Personal Coverage, reach out to the WCB’s Employer Services at 902-368-5680 or toll-free in Atlantic Canada at 1-800-237-5049. You can also email safetymatters@wcb.pe.ca.
Clearances for Contractors and Subcontractors
If you work with contractors or subcontractors with hired workers, you should request a clearance letter from the WCB. Clearance makes sure that you are protected, and that all employers carry their fair share of the cost of the compensation system.
Learn more about why requesting clearance when working with contractors or subcontractors is important.