Read the cover against your actual work
Professional indemnity should be considered with a clear description of the services you provide. A policy name or a low premium cannot, by itself, establish whether a particular claim will be covered.
Insurer information illustrates an important distinction: some professional indemnity arrangements operate on a claims-made basis, with conditions concerning when the event occurred, the retroactive period and when the written claim was first made. [1,2] The actual policy wording controls the cover.
Ask about the activities being insured
Give the insurer an accurate description of your practice. Ask specifically about your procedures, specialist work, locations, teaching or consultation roles and work performed through a clinic entity. Obtain the response in writing where it affects the proposed cover.
Do not assume that cover for an individual dentist automatically answers every question about staff, associates, visiting specialists or the organisation itself.
Compare more than the headline limit
My suggested discussion checklist includes the limit for one claim or event, the overall period limit, deductibles, defence costs and relevant exclusions. Ask whether defence costs sit within or outside the stated limit and what consent is required before appointing advisers or agreeing to a settlement.
These questions identify terms to clarify; they are not a statement that every insurer uses the same structure.
Understand continuity and notification
Ask how the retroactive date is treated at renewal or when changing insurer. Clarify what happens after retirement or stopping a particular service and whether any extended reporting arrangement is available.
Read the notification conditions. If a complaint or circumstance arises, check the policy and seek insurer guidance promptly rather than making assumptions about reporting requirements.
Keep the paperwork usable
Store the schedule, wording, proposal disclosures, endorsements and renewal records together. Review the arrangement when the scope of work changes.
Indemnity is one part of professional risk management. It should accompany sound care, communication and documentation. For a specific purchase or claim, obtain advice based on the complete policy and your circumstances.
References
[1] New India Assurance. Professional Indemnity Insurance, product information. Read source
[2] Oriental Insurance. Professional Indemnity Policy for Doctors and Medical Practitioners, product information. Read source
General educational checklist. Cover varies by insurer and contract; no policy or insurer is endorsed here.