Dental Indemnity Insurance Explained
When you think of your dental indemnity cover, you probably think of the three main Medical/Dental Defence Organisations (MDO's). This has been the way for many years with little option but to go with what is offered each year. At DIA we have been working with insurers over the years to ensure products are created that address the concerns of Dental Professional's and provide outstanding cover. Below are few questions we are asked about Dental Indemnity / Malpractice insurance regularly and comments we have heard, so we thought we would write them down for you.
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I have insurance with my MDO, so what's special about your cover?
The starting point here is that you DO NOT have an insurance policy with your MDO, you are member of the mutual organisation that may provide assistance to you when requested. This assistance is not guaranteed based upon what has occurred, but is down to the 'discretion' of the given MDO whether or not it is provided. We provide an insurance policy that gives contractual cover and limits, regulated by an external body, the Financial Conduct Authority. With an insurance policy you have a right of recourse if necessary, whereas with MDO membership you do not.
What's the difference between 'occurrence' and 'claims made' cover?
There are two types of cover in the medical indemnity market, 'occurrence' and 'claims made' based cover. The membership cover provided by the MDO's is currently on an occurrence basis, which means the cover is in force for the period you held it or were a member. Claims made cover is how most insurance policies operate and provide cover for claims made during an active policy period. If you move to a new insurer on this basis then if even a claim is notified during the new period of cover for something that happen during cover with the previous insurer, the new insurer will cover it. This works by operating on a retroactive date, which should be the first date you started a claims made policy, and doesn't change.
Does your policy have an advice line?
Yes, most of the policies we arrange have fully qualified legal advisers available 24/7 to answer your queries. They also act as the claims handler and notification poiint for claims, making the process seamless.
Will your policy assist me at GDC hearings or disciplinary proceedings?
Yes it will. The Legal defence cover provided with your policy will assist you for GDC complaints or disciplinary hearings from the NHS and private work, inquests, criminal proceedings, contract disputes to name a few.
How secure are the policies you provide?
We only use insurers with B+ or higher financial ratings for medical malpractice cover to ensure they are a strong and reliable company. We also ensure that the insurer and or underwriters for the policy have an in depth knowledge of the dental/medical indemnity market and are focused on the long term view for sustainable coverage.
Need a quote?
Please click the 'Request Quote' button or alternatively contact us using the details below:
Dental Insurance Agency
Park House
45 The Park
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 1DF
T: 0345 034 1432
E: [email protected]