Employer Indemnified Doctors
At MDA National, we recognise that a claim or complaint is more than a medico-legal matter; it's about your livelihood.We have long supported Australia’s hospital-employed doctors with competitive professional indemnity premiums, education and Live Well Work Well activities in hospitals.
With the increase in complaints and investigations that your hospital indemnity may not cover, there has never been a more important time to have a strong, reputable medical defence organisation by your side.
Complaints can affect not only your career, but also your reputation, financial position and own wellbeing. So, when you’re working long hours and caring for patients, you want assurance that you are fully protected and supported if something happens. Our Employer Indemnified Policy gives you the essential ‘top-up’ protection that is not included in state government, public hospital or employer insurance.
For over 95 years, MDA National has protected thousands of medical professionals employed by hospitals. Today, we’re here to provide you with that same peace of mind – so you can keep on practising with confidence.
- Expert medico-legal advice
- Individualised support
- Unwavering Member care
- Comprehensive protection
- Owned by Members, run for Members
- By your side today, and into the future.
What am I covered for?
Your extensive MDA National Professional Indemnity covers you for civil claims, employment disputes, representation at a coronial inquiry and a wide range of medico-legal matters.
The following table is a brief summary of covers and limits. The summary wording should not be relied on as a full description of cover. Please refer to the Policy Wording† for full details of terms and conditions:
We will...
| Aggregate Limit of Cover for all Claims | |
|
$20 million |
| We will... | Aggregate Sub-limits* |
|
$2 million |
|
$100,000 but for claims by you for unpaid remuneration we will not pay more than the amount reasonably sought by you |
|
$100,000 (with Excess of $20,000) |
|
$100,000 |
|
$250,000 |
|
$100,000 for Medical Practitioner |
|
$20,000 (with a maximum of $2,000 per day for up to 10 days) |
|
$100,000 |
*Provided that the Maximum Limit of Indemnity is not exceeded.
†A copy of the Policy Wording is available at mdanational.com.au/Downloads.
For more information please read our Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy Combined Financial Services Guide (FSG), Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording and Supplementary FSG and PDS including Amendments to the Policy Wording from our Download Center.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) |
Have a question or need assistance? Contact your local Business Development representative or our Member Services team on 1800 011 255 from 8:30am to 8pm AEST Monday to Friday.
Why You Need Your Own Cover
Medico-legal matters can take years to resolve, and can expose you to significant financial risks and personal stress. As a hospital employed doctor, there are several situations the state may not cover you for:
- hospital disciplinary proceedings and investigations
- Medical Board investigations into your conduct or performance
- Royal Commissions
- investigations or proceedings by other professional bodies
- employment disputes
Having your own cover gives you access to independent and expert medico-legal advice and provides peace of mind.
More Than Professional Indemnity
- 24-hour medico-legal advice– expertise and support when you need it most.
- Member Online Services– access your insurance documents at your convenience, update your details, access Member-only resources and online education.
- Practice Indemnity Policy– recommended in addition to your own professional indemnity policy, to protect your practice entity and practice staff.
- Accredited education– gain CPD (continuing professional development) points from our extensive suite of education, which we believe is unrivalled in Australian medical indemnity today.
- Support in Practice– personalised services to assist you in managing your professional risk.
- Part of your profession– doctors are an integral part of MDA National with key roles on our Mutual Board, our group and management committees, and on staff. Please contact us if you are interested in contributing to MDA National.
- Experienced medico-legal advisers and case managers – with broad medico-legal experience, and healthcare and legal qualifications.
- Industry events– in addition to hosting our own events, we participate in industry events across the country via sponsorship, and by providing education to the medical profession.
- Doctors for Doctors Program– confidential peer support during medico-legal matters, exempt from mandatory reporting.
- Professional Support Service– complimentary and confidential professional support from an independent psychiatrist, should you need it during a medico-legal matter.
- Defence Update– periodical publication and blog to keep you up-to-date with relevant practical medico-legal advice and case studies.
- Specialty Updates– supplements for key specialties to inform you of emerging risks and specialty specific medico-legal matters.
- Financial stability– responsible stewardship of Members’ funds. We manage all elements of a strong insurance business and invest in Member value by delivering quality support services.
- Up to 20% off medical publications, reference and text books.
- Corporate Social Responsibility– giving back to our community, including a Charity of Choice association with Beyondblue to help support doctors’ mental health.
- Local presence, national support with offices in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
Read a case study on what you can expect when a patient makes a claim against you or a hospital, alleging they received negligent treatment.
To read more medico-legal articles and case studies, download Defence Update - MDA National’s Member publication.
Reasons why employer indemnified doctors called us for medico-legal advice
|
40%Advice/Ethical Dilemma |
14%Employment Issues |
11%Clinical Incident |
|
7%Subpoena/Appearance in Court |
5%Death Issues |
|
Data from 2020
Starting in Private Practice
When commencing in private practice as a specialist for the first time, you’ll be eligible to receive our Getting Started in Private Practice discounts for your first 4 years, providing you with a discounted premium whilst you focus on building up your private practice and patient base.
Getting Started in Private Practice Discounts
Our discounts commence at 80% in your first year. If you commence private practice as a specialist between January and 30 June, you’ll receive the 80% discount for that period, and again for the following full financial year. Subsequent discounts are 60% in your second full year, 40% in your third and finally 20% in your fourth year, before reaching a mature premium.
When you reach your fifth year in private practice the standard premium value for your specialty billings and category of practice will apply. These reductions are subject to our pricing and underwriting rules.
