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:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why Digital Incident Reporting Matters for Truck Fleets
Why Digital Incident Reporting Matters for Truck Fleets
22 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent Fleet Auto News report has put a timely spotlight on one of the least glamorous but most important parts of fleet management: incident reporting. Many transport businesses still rely on paper forms, email trails and spreadsheets to record vehicle damage, accidents and minor incidents. Those methods may feel familiar, but they can leave operators with delayed reports, incomplete details and data that is difficult to use when a claim, audit or premium review arrives. - read more
General Insurance Code Review Could Change the Claims Experience for Tradies
General Insurance Code Review Could Change the Claims Experience for Tradies
22 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s general insurance sector is edging closer to a major update to the rules that shape how insurers deal with customers, including small business owners and self-employed tradespeople. Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino has signalled he wants meaningful progress on the review of the General Insurance Code of Practice, with the industry preparing a redrafted version for consultation. - read more
AI Risk Is Creating New Questions for Professional Cover
AI Risk Is Creating New Questions for Professional Cover
22 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh warning from Australian medical indemnity underwriter Tego has highlighted a risk that many businesses are only beginning to confront: artificial intelligence may not fit neatly inside existing insurance categories. As AI tools become embedded in diagnosis, administration, client advice, document drafting, fraud detection and customer service, the question is no longer simply whether a mistake occurred. It is also who made the decision, who controlled the system and which policy should respond. - read more
Victoria’s Strata Commission Debate Puts Transparency Back in Focus
Victoria’s Strata Commission Debate Puts Transparency Back in Focus
22 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Victoria’s owners corporation reform process has put strata insurance commissions back under the microscope, after the state government opted to further examine an expert panel recommendation to ban certain financial benefits paid to owners corporation managers and related entities. - read more
New Insurance Code Push Could Lift Standards for SMEs
New Insurance Code Push Could Lift Standards for SMEs
22 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia?s general insurance sector appears to be moving closer to a major reset of its customer standards, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino indicating he wants meaningful progress on the long-running review of the General Insurance Code of Practice. The industry review began in November 2023, produced more than 100 recommendations, and is expected to lead to a redrafted code that is both ASIC-approved and contractually enforceable. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

From Illness to Injury: Understanding the Scope of Income Protection Insurance
From Illness to Injury: Understanding the Scope of Income Protection Insurance
In the uncertain times we face today, where both health and economic climates are unpredictable, safeguarding your financial stability becomes paramount. This is where income protection insurance steps in as an essential safety net. For many Australian families, it's the buffer that ensures life's financial commitments are met, even when ability to work is compromised. - read more
Finding Accidental Coverage When Comprehensive Income Protection Isn't an Option
Finding Accidental Coverage When Comprehensive Income Protection Isn't an Option
Income protection is an integral part of maintaining your financial security, especially in the event that unforeseen illnesses or injuries prevent you from working. Enabling you to receive a percentage of your regular income, this type of insurance provides a safety net, ensuring that you can continue to cover your living expenses and financial obligations whilst recovering. - read more
Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology
Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology
Welcome to the world of insurance – a domain where words like 'deductible' and 'premium' can significantly impact your financial protection and peace of mind. As a beginner, grasping the basics of insurance terminology is the first step towards making informed decisions about the policies that safeguard your assets and future. In this guide, we will embark on a journey through the language of insurance, which can often seem as complex as the policies themselves. - read more
How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History
How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History
In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more
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

Knowledgebase
Rider:
An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.