Medical Malpractice Insurance
Specialist protection for healthcare professionals against claims of negligence, error or omission
Medical malpractice insurance is a specialist form of professional liability insurance designed to protect healthcare professionals and medical organisations against claims arising from alleged negligence, errors, omissions, or breaches of professional duty subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of indemnity.
What does Medical Malpractice Insurance cover?
If a patient claims that the care or treatment they received resulted in injury, illness, or financial loss, your policy can provide essential financial and legal protection.
Legal defence costs
Representation and defence costs if a claim is brought against you.
Court fees
Court fees and associated legal expenses arising from a claim.
Compensation payments
Settlements or damages awarded, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Investigation costs
Investigation and representation costs during the claims process.
Without appropriate cover, even unfounded claims can lead to significant legal costs, disruption to your practice, and potential reputational impact.
Who needs Medical Malpractice Insurance?
Relevant for a wide range of healthcare professionals and organisations. Even where cover is provided by an employer, it may not extend to all activities, such as private work, independent cover can fill that gap.
- Doctors and surgeons
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- Dentists and dental hygienists
- Physiotherapists
- Private clinics and healthcare practices
- Allied healthcare professionals
What types of claims are covered?
Cover varies between insurers, but typically protects against claims relating to:
- Professional negligence
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Errors in treatment or medication
- Alleged failures in obtaining informed consent
- Professional advice resulting in patient harm
- Breaches of confidentiality arising from professional services
Why Medical Malpractice Insurance matters
Even the most experienced healthcare professionals may face complaints or legal action. Claims can arise from genuine mistakes, misunderstandings, communication issues, or patient dissatisfaction. Medical malpractice insurance ensures that, in the event of a claim, you have access to expert legal support and financial protection when you need it most, helping you focus on delivering care with confidence.
Claims-made cover, explained
Our Medical Malpractice policy operates on a claims-made basis, subject to its retroactive date and policy terms. Cover is triggered when a claim is first made against you and notified during the policy period, not when the incident giving rise to the claim actually occurred. Maintaining continuous cover and timely notification is essential to help avoid gaps in protection.
Automatic run-off
A 60-day automatic extended reporting period at no additional premium following expiry, allowing notification of claims that would otherwise have been covered.
Extended run-off
The option to purchase a longer extended reporting period if the policy is cancelled or not renewed, subject to insurer terms and additional premium.
Retroactive cover
Claims first made after expiry can be covered where they relate to acts or omissions before cover ceased, subject to policy conditions.
What happens when I make a claim?
When you file a claim, it's handled fairly and promptly, with regular updates provided via email, letter, or phone. Depending on the specifics and value of your claim, we may send you a form to complete, request additional information, appoint an independent loss adjuster, or arrange a meeting with a member of our claims team.
I already have cover through my employer, do I still need my own policy?
Employer cover may not extend to all of your activities, such as private work, locum sessions, or work outside your main role. An independent policy can provide additional protection and cover activities that wouldn't otherwise be insured.
What's the difference between claims-made and claims-occurring cover?
Claims-made cover is triggered when a claim is first made and notified during the policy period, regardless of when the incident occurred. Claims-occurring cover is triggered by when the incident happened. Our Medical Malpractice policy operates on a claims-made basis, which is why continuous cover and prompt notification matter.
Insuring Your Practice
GP Insurance
Running a GP practice comes with challenges unlike any other. Rising patient demand and limited resources can leave little time to think about insurance, that’s where we step in.
Dentist Insurance
We understand that every dental practice is unique. Whether you’re running a private practice or working within the NHS with a UDA commitment, your insurance requirements will differ.
Vet Insurance
Running a veterinary practice brings unique challenges, with the responsibility of caring for animals and their owners. We know insurance isn’t always top of your to-do list, that’s where we step in.
Allied Healthcare
With evolving demands on social healthcare, many practices diversify by offering private healthcare. At the same time, more individuals set up their own practices or specialist businesses.
Talk to us about offering Practice Cover financial protection packages to your healthcare clients. For more information, please call 020 3982 0420 or email enquiries@practicecover.co.uk