Medical Malpractice Individuals

As a healthcare professional, it’s vital to ensure you have the correct cover in place should medical malpractice allegation occur. Medical malpractice happens when a hospital, doctor or other healthcare professionals, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient. The negligence might be the result of errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management.

Why do healthcare professionals need Medical Malpractice Insurance?

Medical Malpractice Insurance for Individuals can give healthcare professionals such as doctors, physicians, surgeons and other licenced health specialists, reassurance should an allegation happen, and can provide financial protection in the event of a claim.

As a physician, the fear of a malpractice lawsuit will always be present. But knowing you are doing all you can to prevent one from occurring can help set your mind at ease.

Here are some examples of medical negligence that might lead to a lawsuit:

  • Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
  • Misreading or ignoring laboratory results
  • Poor follow-up or aftercare
  • Unnecessary surgery
  • Failure to recognise symptoms
  • Surgical errors or wrong site surgery
  • Failure to order proper testing
  • Improper medication or dosage
  • Premature discharge
  • Disregarding or not taking the appropriate patient history

Medical Malpractice Insurance for Individuals

To be considered as medical malpractice (territories may vary), the claim must have the following characteristics:

  • A violation of the standard of care
  • The injury resulted in significant damages
  • The injury was caused by the negligence

Having the right insurance in place is essential for individuals. There are two basic types of malpractice policies, claims-occurrence or claims-made.

The majority of insurers will only write on a claims-made basis, where only the policy in effect at the time a claim is reported responds for the loss, regardless of when the negligence occurred. This period can occasionally be extended backwards with a “retroactive date” and coverage can also be extended forwards with an “extended reporting period”, however, this may affect an increase in premiums.

The other type of insurance is claims-occurrence, which will cover for any negligence that occurs within the policy period regardless of when a claim is brought against insurers.

At G&M International, we take a professional approach and work with our clients to find the right solution for their risk. For further information about our medical malpractice insurance give us a call +44 (0) 207 977 1490 or take a look at our Medical Malpractice Insurance for Individuals Brochure.