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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Seafood Business Wins Insurance Dispute Over Storm-Induced Power Outage
Seafood Business Wins Insurance Dispute Over Storm-Induced Power Outage
15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for businesses seeking insurance compensation for losses due to power outages caused by natural disasters. In this case, a seafood distribution company experienced substantial stock losses when a storm-induced power outage left its refrigeration systems inoperable for a week. The insurer initially denied the claim, citing a flood exclusion clause. - read more
Insurance Council Advocates for Liability Law Overhaul to Curb Rising Premiums
Insurance Council Advocates for Liability Law Overhaul to Curb Rising Premiums
15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent reforms to civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide. In a recently released white paper, the ICA highlights the need to review state-based civil liability laws that have remained unchanged for nearly 25 years. The report identifies key areas requiring attention, including psychological injuries, worker-to-worker claims, and leisure and recreational risks. - read more
Australian Insurers See Profit Surge in Q3 2025
Australian Insurers See Profit Surge in Q3 2025
14 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In the third quarter of 2025, Australian general insurers reported a significant after-tax profit of nearly AUD 2.3 billion, marking an increase from approximately AUD 2.1 billion in the same period of 2024. This uptick reflects a combination of rising premium revenues and a reduction in claims, contributing to the industry's robust financial performance. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained
Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained
Financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly when life is known for its unpredictability. This introductory section sheds light on the vital nature of income protection insurance and its role in safeguarding Australians' financial well-being. Ensuring continual financial inflow during times of illness or injury not only offers stability but also protects one's standard of living. - read more
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
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
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
Navigating Pre-existing Conditions in Income Protection Insurance
Navigating Pre-existing Conditions in Income Protection Insurance
Income protection insurance is a safeguard that provides individuals with financial stability in the event they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance typically replaces a significant percentage of the insured's income, ensuring that their financial commitments can still be met during periods when they cannot earn an income through employment. - read more


Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Depreciation:
The reduction in the value of an asset over time, used in insurance to calculate the actual cash value of property.