Protection while you practise

Providing care for your patients is rewarding, but it doesn’t come without risk. Making important healthcare decisions leaves you vulnerable to claims of negligence. That’s where medical malpractice insurance can help.

Designed for healthcare professionals, it's there to protect you as you go about your daily duties. Whether you take out a policy for yourself or your practice, you'll be covered for the cost of legal defence, settlements and damages if you're taken to court.

Key features

  • 24/7 Medico-legal helpline and claims reporting 
  • Clinical negligence cover - from misdiagnosis to surgical errors 
  • Covers inquests, General Medical Council (GMC) and disciplinary investigations 
  • Covers misuse of confidential or restricted information 
  • Protects against libel or slander of your services 

Tailored medical malpractice cover

We understand how much your role can vary. One day you’re diagnosing patients and assessing lab results, the next you could be organising medical records and handling sensitive patient data.

That’s why you need a policy that covers the risks you actually face in your role. At Wesleyan Financial Services, we take the time to assess your needs before reaching out to our selected panel of insurers.

When you work with us, you can be assured that we meet all the legal and contractual requirements of the General Medical Council (GMC) and other official bodies.

What does medical malpractice insurance cover?

  • Indemnity limit up to £10m 
    Choose your indemnity limit from £100,000 to £10 million 
  • Public liability cover 
    For injury or damage occurring on any premises that you’ve hired, loaned or otherwise used when working in private practice 
  • Civil liability claims 
    For claims arising from clinical negligence, errors and omissions 
  • Legal representation 
    Pays for defence costs during disciplinary proceedings 
  • Court attendance costs 
    Provides a daily allowance if you need to attend court 
  • 25-year run-off cover 
    Provides continuous cover for up to 25 years after your policy ends, covering you for any future claims made against your past work 
  • Defamation cover 
    Covers you for any liability arising out of any medico legal report written by you 
  • Worldwide Good Samaritans Act cover  
    This covers you if you need to provide medical care in an emergency situation 
  • Important documents 
    Protects you if you lose or damage important documents, such as medical records

What’s not covered? 

  • Any claims or complaints made against you before you took out a policy 
  • If you lose, damage or destroy any tangible property other than documents 
  • Any injuries (bodily or mental) or death that wasn’t caused by your malpractice 
  • Any specific contractual terms that make you responsible for losses you wouldn’t otherwise be responsible for 

Why choose us

Trusted by medics

Over 3000 healthcare professionals trust us for practice and indemnity insurance

Value for money

Get competitive pricing for comprehensive cover

Tailormade policies

We match your risk exposure to your cover level

Dedicated account manager

For claims assistance, policy reviews and more

20% discount for members

If you’re a Wesleyan member, you can get 20% off your medical malpractice policy. 
 
See our terms and conditions and check your eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need medical malpractice insurance?
    If you provide healthcare services that could harm or injure another person, you’re legally required to have appropriate malpractice (or indemnity) cover. 

    Depending on your role, you may have some cover if you work with NHS patients. You can check this with your NHS employer or refer to the GMC for further guidance. 

    You can also get in touch with our team, and we’ll be able to assess your needs and find a policy on your behalf.
  • Who do you find cover for?

     
    If you’re in the healthcare industry, we can help you find cover. Some of the professions we support include: 

    • Hospital Doctors 
    • Private GPs  
    • Surgeons 
    • Healthcare Consultants 
    • Online Doctors and eHealth Services 
    • Physiotherapists  
    • Psychiatrists 
    • Ophthalmologists 
    • Occupational Health Therapists 

    We can also provide cover for private businesses, including GP practices, healthcare clinics and hospitals. 

    The insurers we work with provide policies for UK residents. However, if you do some work outside of the UK, we may still be able to find cover for you from one of our specialist insurers. 

  • Should I get cover for myself or my business? 
    If you’re a self-employed healthcare professional or you’re required to have personal cover under any contracts, you should get cover for yourself. 

    If you own a business, employ both clinical and non-clinical staff and personally provide healthcare treatment, you may prefer to get business indemnity cover. For example, GP surgery insurance. 

    These dual policies offer protection for yourself, your employees and your surgery. Your policy can include liability cover, legal expenses, accidental damage and more. 
  • How much does medical malpractice insurance cost? 

    With no two policies the same, how much you can expect to pay will depend on a few factors: 

    • Your specialism 
    • Your turnover (if you own a medical business) 
    • Your claims history 
    • Your professional experience 
    • Your risk exposure 
    • Your level of cover 

    When you get in touch for a quote, we’ll ask you to complete a short questionnaire to gather this information. We’ll then reach out to our panel of insurers to find you a quote. 

  • Can I adjust my cover? 
    Whether your day-to-day duties change, or you take on a new role, you can adjust your cover as and when you need. You can get in touch with us and we’ll change your policy.
  • I have cover from a Medical Defence Organisation. Do I still need insurance? 

    Defence organisations offer protection against claims and complaints, but they typically can’t compete with the level of protection offered by malpractice insurance policies. For example, they often don’t cover claims of discrimination, defamation cover or loss of earnings.

    It’s worth noting that MDOs aren’t FCA approved, meaning their policies aren’t subject to the same level of scrutiny as insurers.

    Whether you choose to take out a malpractice insurance policy is ultimately up to you and your needs. If you’d like advice, you can speak to a member of our team. 

  • Is medical malpractice insurance the same as professional indemnity? 
    While they’re both forms of liability insurance, there are some key differences between medical malpractice and professional indemnity insurance. 

    For example, professional indemnity insurance is available to all professions. It offers general cover for professional negligence, breach of trust and more.  

    Medical malpractice insurance on the other hand is designed specifically for healthcare professionals. That means it protects you while you provide treatment to patients.  

    Policy features are more closely related to your line of work, including cover for surgical mistakes and medical errors. 
  • What is a medical malpractice claim? 

    You might be sued by a patient or their family if your actions caused harm, injury or death.  

    For example: 

    • You misdiagnosed a patient leading to incorrect care or treatment options 
    • You made a mistake during surgery that caused further harm 
    • Your care or treatment of a patient is perceived as negligent 

    If you’re found to be at fault, medical malpractice insurance will cover any payouts you’re obligated to make. 

  • Can you provide medical malpractice insurance for medical students? 
    Unfortunately we can’t arrange cover for medical students. It’s likely that you’ll have cover provided by your medical school. 

    If you’re planning an elective, you might be interested in taking out medical elective travel insurance. 

Important information 

Please note that limits, exclusions and charges do apply. Full terms and conditions of the policy and cover, including benefits and exclusions, will be provided when you get a quote. Risk must be acceptable to underwriters at normal terms.

Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd is a broker and our insurance products are provided by a number of insurers. Premium finance is provided by Premium Credit Ltd.

Before you apply for medical malpractice insurance, you should read the following documents:

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