"I have indemnity. That should cover me if anything happens."
We hear this all the time. While it sounds reassuring, it isn’t always true. While indemnity insurance for doctors is undeniably important, it’s crucial to understand its real scope and limitations. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, many doctors in India still fall prey to misconceptions regarding indemnity coverage.
In this blog, we’ll unpack the 3 most common misunderstandings about professional indemnity insurance and what doctors need to stay protected in today’s complex medico-legal climate.
"Indemnity Means I Won't Get Into Legal Trouble" - Not Quite
Many doctors believe that indemnity insurance is a blanket shield from all legal troubles. While having professional indemnity insurance is undoubtedly crucial, it does not guarantee that you will avoid legal proceedings such as FIRs or medico-legal harassment.
What it covers: Indemnity insurance is limited to providing compensation in a medical negligence case. You will have to make great efforts to get even a genuine claim.
What it doesn’t cover: It doesn’t shield you from many actions, such as an FIR, medical complaints, criminal charges, or protecting your reputation. Indemnity insurance does not automatically prevent investigations or lawsuits. It is, after all, a financial safety net, not a “get out of jail free card.”
The risks for doctors are rising in India, with cases of patient complaints, media trials, and public scrutiny becoming more common. In such cases, crisis support is essential. You need more than just financial coverage; you need active assistance in responding to complaints, managing notices, and navigating investigations.
This is where a partner with expertise in the Indian healthcare system becomes indispensable.
"My Insurance Will Handle Everything if I Get Sued" - Actually, It Won’t
Another common misunderstanding is that once you have indemnity insurance, it will manage the entire process if you get sued, from responding to the legal notice to attending court hearings.
What insurance covers: Most indemnity plans can only cover the compensation payouts required if you lose the case.
What it doesn’t cover: Here’s where things get tricky. Many policies don’t include active medico-legal assistance. For example, your insurance may not cover the cost of replying to legal notices or communicating with the police. Moreover, it might not support you through ongoing court hearings or represent you during an investigation.
Doctors need more than just financial protection; they need an experienced team to assist in navigating the legal landscape. Having an insurance provider who can guide you step-by-step through these complexities is as crucial as having the policy itself.
"Buying Any Indemnity Plan Online is Enough" - Be Careful What You Choose
In today’s digital world, many doctors opt for online indemnity policies that seem simple and affordable. However, these plans can sometimes be misleading or insufficient.
What online policies offer: A quick and easy way to secure coverage. Some online plans promise cheap rates and fast issuance, making them appealing for busy doctors. However, most of these plans often come with low premiums, which means NO comprehensive coverage.
What you should be cautious of: These plans may offer poor claim support or leave you stranded when you need help most. Additionally, many don’t offer 24×7 medico-legal support, which is critical in cases where immediate advice and guidance are needed, especially in high-stress situations like an FIR or an ongoing court case.
While choosing an indemnity provider, it’s crucial to find a partner who understands the unique risks and challenges doctors face in India. A trustworthy partner will provide continuous support, offer personalized assistance, and not just be there when filing claims.
What Doctors Need
It’s clear: indemnity insurance is a necessary protection, but it’s not the end-all solution. Indian doctors today require a holistic medico-legal protection approach.
Here’s what you need to stay fully protected:
- Immediate access to expert advice whenever you need it.
- A strong team to guide you through procedures, from handling complaints to representing you in court.
- Fast action to help mitigate the impact of any threats on your medical practice.
- Help with gathering evidence, drafting responses, and making sure you’re adequately represented in all proceedings.
Conclusion:
I hope we have been able to make you aware that professional indemnity insurance for doctors is focused on having the right coverage and support in place. As the healthcare landscape evolves, so must your approach to indemnity. Protect yourself, but also make sure you have a partner who can help you every step of the way.
Make sure you are well-supported, well-covered, and always prepared. See you when you’re scrolling through our next blog!
