In a workplace environment, any doctor, nurse, therapist or even dentist is ordinarily covered against malpractice by their employer's medical indemnity insurance - as long as they are working in a professional capacity. However, care given in a non-professional capacity, such as that given for an unrelated medical emergency occurring in the place of work, or outside of work, may not necessarily be covered. For example, if you were to give emergency first aid outside of work you may not be covered and if something went wrong, you could be sued.
The Medical Indemnity Register
For more than 30 years the Medical Indemnity Register (MIR) has enabled medical professionals and therapists from all disciplines to feel confident about helping people in need, whatever the circumstances.
Whilst medical professionals including dentists and therapists are usually covered by their employer's medical indemnity insurance in the workplace, outside of that environment they can be vulnerable to compensation claims from third parties if they provide help in a medical emergency, such as at the scene of an accident. By offering medical professional indemnity insurance (for what is known as 'Good Samaritan Acts'), we aim is to provide medical practitioners in all fields the peace of mind to allow them to help people in whatever way they can, whenever they're needed.
We offer cover to everyone in the medical profession - from paramedics to therapists, whether you work in the public sector or are employed by a private hospital. Our medical insurance covers dentists and doctors, nurses and consultants, giving you the reassurance that you're fully covered for every eventuality.
Do I need medical indemnity?
It is mandated by the Health Care and Associated Professionals Order 2014 that regulated healthcare professionals are required to be covered by medical indemnity insurance.
While it is most common for medical bodies to handle the medical indemnity of their staff, many professionals also choose to take out their own medical professional indemnity insurance. This means they are covered if they perform medical services outside their regular working hours, such as assisting an injured person on the street. It also reassures them that they are covered to the level they prefer and don't have to worry about their employer's policy lapsing and leaving them vulnerable to a financial burden.
Many workers in the medical and healthcare sector could benefit from this cover, including:
- Doctors, consultants, and surgeons
- GPs
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Paramedics, emergency care practitioners, and first-aiders
- Technicians
- Therapists
What are the benefits of medical indemnity insurance?
Medical professional liability insurance serves to protect both the patient and the medical professional. Errors made within the medical field can not only be life-changing for the patient but sometimes fatal. This means resulting claims can be extremely expensive and represent a financial burden no individual professional or medical business entity would want to shoulder personally.
Medical indemnity safeguards patients and their families by ensuring timely compensation in the event of medical malpractice. It protects medical employers and employees by dealing with legal fees and compensation costs. This provides those in the medical field with peace of mind, allowing them to focus on delivering the best possible medical care without the burden of litigation hanging over them.
What is covered?
Medical indemnity insurance covers issues related to medical negligence and malpractice and handles legal fees and compensation. You can tailor your policy to meet the levels of coverage required by your medical council or governing body, and medical entities can cover multiple employees across various health professions.
How much does it cost?
The type of medical care you offer affects your medical indemnity costs since some areas are at higher risk than others. For example, a surgeon's premium will be higher than that of a first aider. The number of years of experience, previous claims, the need for run-off cover, and whether you work in the private or public sector can also influence costs.
Whether you’re looking for personal medical indemnity cover, need to arrange insurance for your medical staff, or wish to protect your health-related business, Park Insurance can help you get this critical policy just right. We'll calculate the correct levels of cover and work in line with legal stipulations, so get in touch today and benefit from our bespoke approach to professional medical indemnity insurance.