Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Matters for Locum Doctors

Being a locum doctor gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work. But with that independence comes responsibility — especially when it comes to protecting yourself against medical negligence claims. Without the backing of an employer’s scheme, you need your own professional indemnity insurance to safeguard your finances, reputation, and peace of mind.

Why Locums Need Indemnity Insurance

As a locum, you move between practices, hospitals, and specialties. This increases the chance of facing a complaint or claim, sometimes long after you’ve moved on from a role. Professional indemnity insurance ensures you’re protected against legal costs, compensation claims, and regulatory investigations — so you can focus on your patients without fear of financial or professional ruin.

Understanding the Two Types of Cover

There are two main ways indemnity insurance can work:

• Occurrence-based cover: Protects you for any incident that happens while you’re insured, even if the claim arises years later. While comprehensive, this type of policy is usually more expensive because insurers must anticipate long-term risks and inflation.
• Claims-made cover: Protects you for claims made and reported during your policy term, extending back to your retroactive date. This structure is typically more affordable, and when combined with features like retroactive clauses and extended reporting periods, it ensures there are no gaps in your protection.

Protection That Goes Further

The right indemnity policy doesn’t just cover patient claims — it extends to many aspects of your professional life, including:

• Defence against medical negligence allegations
• Public liability and legal costs
• Representation at Medical Council hearings and coroner’s inquests
• Defence against claims such as sexual misconduct or discrimination
• Loss of earnings and reputation protection
• Optional cover for cyber liability

This breadth of protection means you’re supported through challenges that could otherwise have a devastating impact on your career.

Long-Term Security for Your Career

Good indemnity cover also looks after you beyond your active practice. With features like extended reporting periods (sometimes up to 25 years at no extra cost after retirement), you remain protected against claims that might emerge long after you’ve stopped working. Protection is also extended free of charge in the event of permanent disability or death, giving additional reassurance for you and your family.

Why We’ve Partnered with Medical Plus

We’ve partnered with Medical Plus, a provider backed by Lloyd’s of London insurers, to offer doctors affordable, effective, and comprehensive professional indemnity insurance. Their approach ensures continuous cover without gaps, while delivering long-term cost savings and peace of mind throughout your career and retirement.

👉 Take the next step in protecting yourself and your practice.
Sign up today with Medical Plus: Click here to register