How to apply for Indemnity coverage?
Firstly, you must decide who to apply with. The organizations most of us tend to go for are as follows:
- Medical and Dental Defense Union of Scotland (MDDUS).
- Medical Defense Union (MDU).
- Medical Protection Society (MPS).
It’s best to obtain quotes from each, and see which company provides you with the coverage you need for the fee you’re willing to pay.
Ensure you complete the applications keeping in mind what your role in the hospital is and your title as well, so that you can get the most accurate quote.
So the steps on how to obtain indemnity coverage are as follows:
- Decide on an indemnity organization
- Contact several organizations, through their website in order to obtain a quote. Please only choose ONE to go with. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
- Provide accurate information in the application
- Make sure you give your correct role in the hospital, as well as provide the correct information for all of the questions asked.
- Apply: Select an organization that works best for you, be it on cost, or the level of coverage you hope to receive. In general, all tend to work in the same way, but personal preferences and first-hand reviews should always take precedence to cost.
- Setting up payment
- Submit your application and set up a payment system. Direct debit tends to be the easiest.
- Update as needed: Make sure to update your insurance coverage and profile information as your career progresses and your job changes.
When should I review my indemnity arrangements?
You should do this at regular intervals and whenever your scope of practice, private practice income or employment or contractual arrangements, change.
The terms of your insurance or the scope of your indemnity protection may require you to tell your provider if certain things happen, such as sanctions being imposed on your registration, or if you join the Specialist Register.
In all, you should also know how to be safe doctor in the NHS as this can be a completely new healthcare system for you.
So remember that indemnity is for your safety as well as the safety of your patients. It is something you will want to have but hopefully never use!
