Why is Medical Indemnity Insurance Needed?

All About Medical Indemnity Insurance

What is Medical Indemnity Insurance?

Medical indemnity insurance is a safety shield for healthcare professionals that safeguards them from medical malpractice claims. It provides coverage for obtaining legal defence and extends to providing settlement payouts and other associated expenses regarding medical malpractice lawsuits.  

Thus, a majority of medical professionals and healthcare firms opt for medical indemnity insurance to gain coverage against such unforeseen situations.

Keep reading to learn how medical indemnity insurance works, who can get coverage, what it covers, and more.  

How Does Medical Indemnity Insurance Work?

Medical indemnity insurance is a helpful safety net for professionals who offer healthcare services.

Here’s a simple breakdown to know how medical indemnity insurance works:

• It mainly covers financial losses or damages usually caused by mistakes or missed responsibilities.
• This insurance policy is also known as professional liability insurance, as it’s different from general business insurance, which usually covers things like injuries or property damage.
• In some legal cases, it can also protect you from being personally liable.
• This policy is specially designed for professionals like doctors and medical personnel who offer consultations or services.
• You pay a regular premium, and the insurance company agrees to cover specific risks in return.
• Such plans even help cover legal fees and any compensation the court may require you to pay.
   

Why is Medical Indemnity Insurance A Smart Choice?

If you are looking for wide coverage without draining your savings, medical indemnity insurance can help. Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Legal Protection: This insurance cover offers legal protection to the insured from the client's litigation while providing them legal guidance and an attorney, if required.
• Financial Protection: Medical indemnity insurance even safeguards professionals or businesses from financial losses that are usually caused by professional delays, errors, or omissions in service to clients.
• Settlement: The insurance company will help by paying the agreed sum to cover the loss, so the insured person or business doesn’t have to pay from their own pocket. For example, if a patient files a lawsuit against a doctor for medical malpractice, the insurance provider will pay for that loss after checking the documents.
   

Who Can Get Covered by Medical Indemnity Insurance?

Medical indemnity insurance is an excellent cover relevant to all the healthcare providers, including:

• Medical practitioners like surgeons, cardiologists, pathologists, physicians, and more
• Professionals performing obstetric scanning
• Mental health clinics
• Individual practitioners
• Aesthetic cosmetic practitioners
• Medical staff suppliers
   

What Does Medical Indemnity Insurance Cover?

Here are some inclusions that are generally present under medical indemnity insurance coverage:

• Claims raised due to mistakes, errors, delays, or omissions in professional services.
• Claims that generally arise due to professional negligence.
• Claims made due to a breach of fiduciary responsibilities or professional duty.
• Judgment against the insured or indemnification for settlements
• Defense costs mainly include legal fees such as lawyers’ fees.
   

What Does Medical Indemnity Insurance Not Cover?

It is essential to read the policy document before purchasing medical indemnity insurance coverage. Such plans generally exclude the following types of claims:

• Claims that are related to illegal activities or criminal acts.
• Made from fraudulent or intentional acts.
• Losses that are already covered by other insurance policies.
• Arise from property damage or bodily injury.
   

How do you process claims for medical indemnity insurance?

Here’s a simple step-by-step process to follow when making a claim for medical indemnity insurance:

• Tell Your Insurer: First things first, you should quickly share all the details with your insurance company.
• Submit Documents: You must send all case-related papers, including any legal notice or summons, to your insurance company.
• Claim Settlement: Your insurance company will review the case carefully and arrange legal help if needed.

Medical indemnity insurance is a smart way for healthcare firms and professionals to stay protected. If a client isn’t happy with your service and takes legal action, such plans help cover your legal fees and any settlement costs.

It’s especially useful for doctors, medical practitioners, and hospitals who want protection from mistakes or claims of negligence.

Also Read:

→ What is the Karnataka Free Medical Scheme

→ Which Hospital is Under the West Bengal Health Scheme