Income Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Medical Professional Coverage Costs Under Scrutiny

Medical Professional Coverage Costs Under Scrutiny

Medical Professional Coverage Costs Under Scrutiny?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Amid rising concerns, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has flagged the escalating expenses associated with indemnity insurance premiums as a serious issue that demands attention.

Following a heated discussion at a recent national conference held on the Gold Coast, the AMA and its New South Wales branch convened with a number of medical defence organisations to tackle this pressing matter.

During these meetings, participants delved into changes in healthcare delivery and the evolving scopes of medical practice-factors contributing significantly to the rising costs within the medical indemnity sector.

According to a statement published on the AMA’s website, the Medical Defence Organisations (MDOs), which largely operate as member-based mutual entities, acknowledged the industry's growing unease. They shared global insurance market trends and emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and collaborative efforts with the AMA to address systemic policy issues. Despite the need for cooperation, the constraints of competition law were noted as a limiting factor.

The organizations represented at the meeting included key industry players such as Avant, MDA National, Medical Indemnity Protection Society, MIGA, and Tego.

In its latest report, Avant informed Insurance News that their average rate increments have managed to remain below inflation for several renewal periods. Nevertheless, certain specialized fields have experienced sharp double-digit rate hikes due to specific claim frequencies and severities, affecting less than 1% of their membership.

Published:Wednesday, 4th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Navigating Rising Premiums: Challenges for Australian Insurers
Navigating Rising Premiums: Challenges for Australian Insurers
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance sector is currently confronting significant challenges, with premium affordability emerging as a primary concern. This issue has ascended to the forefront, surpassing other pressing matters such as cyber risks and workforce shortages. The escalation in premiums is largely attributed to a combination of rising inflation, increased climate-related losses, and stringent regulatory pressures. - read more
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC Insurance
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC Insurance
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently intervened to block Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance. This decision underscores the regulator's commitment to maintaining competitive dynamics within the Australian insurance market. - read more
Australian Insurers Respond to Cost Increases Amid Middle East Conflict
Australian Insurers Respond to Cost Increases Amid Middle East Conflict
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has had far-reaching economic repercussions, including significant impacts on the Australian insurance industry. Insurers are now grappling with rising costs due to disrupted supply chains, increased fuel prices, and heightened material expenses. In response, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has initiated measures to support customers during this challenging period. - read more
Hostplus and MetLife Australia Strengthen Ties with Extended Partnership
Hostplus and MetLife Australia Strengthen Ties with Extended Partnership
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Hostplus, a prominent Australian superannuation fund, has announced the extension of its group insurance partnership with MetLife Australia until June 2028. This collaboration, which began in 2013, aims to provide comprehensive insurance coverage to Hostplus members, including Death, Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD), and Income Protection insurance. - read more
APRA and ASIC Publish December 2025 Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Data
APRA and ASIC Publish December 2025 Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Data
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have jointly released the Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Statistics publication, covering the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. This comprehensive report offers valuable insights into the performance of the Australian life insurance industry over the past year. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Separating Fact from Fiction: The Myths of Income Insurance Revealed
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Myths of Income Insurance Revealed
Have you ever thought about how you would manage financially if you couldn't work due to an illness or injury? Income protection insurance is designed to replace a significant portion of your income if you find yourself unable to earn for an extended period. It's an essential safety net, providing peace of mind and financial stability during times of uncertainty. - read more
Income Safety Net: How to Choose the Right Income Protection for Your Lifestyle
Income Safety Net: How to Choose the Right Income Protection for Your Lifestyle
In the face of life's unpredictable twists and turns, few things are as disconcerting as the possibility of suddenly losing your ability to earn an income due to illness. Such events are often unexpected and can have significant financial repercussions that interrupt not only your flow of daily life but also compromise your future plans. - read more
Income Protection vs. Total Permanent Disability: Which Is Right for You?
Income Protection vs. Total Permanent Disability: Which Is Right for You?
Financial security is crucial in today's unpredictable world, where unexpected events can disrupt the stability and comfort of our daily lives. For Australians, protecting one's income and lifestyle from unforeseen circumstances is a key component of personal finance. - read more
How to Compare Income Protection Insurance for Self-Employed Australians
How to Compare Income Protection Insurance for Self-Employed Australians
For self-employed Australians, the financial stability provided by consistent income is the backbone of both personal and business success. Unlike traditional employees, who might have access to sick leave or employer-sponsored disability benefits, self-employed individuals are solely responsible for their financial security in the event of illness or injury. This is where income protection insurance steps in as a crucial safeguard. - read more
5 Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for Income Protection in Australia
5 Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for Income Protection in Australia
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on securing your financial future in Australia. In a world of uncertainties, income protection insurance plays a critical role in maintaining your financial security and peace of mind. - read more

Knowledgebase
Insurance broker:
An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.