Why do I need Locum Insurance?

Using locums can be a heavy, unplanned expense for GPs or their practices. As a scarce resource, they can command generous fees and studies would suggest that this cost is rising. If you are not properly insured, a six month illness can cost your practice dearly.

What exactly does Practice Protector cover me for?

Accident cover – you are covered if you have an accident anywhere in the world.

Sickness (including stress) – you are covered if you fall ill in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. Other areas may be included upon request.

Sports injury – you are covered if you suffer an injury as a result of engaging in any of the following sports:

Skiing injuries are also covered, although the benefit will be reduced by a third. Full cover can be provided for an extra premium.

If an insured person is unable to perform their usual occupation due to jury service, this policy will provide benefit at the same amount payable for locum costs as specified, provided that:

• The insured person has no outstanding requests to undertake jury service in the last 12 months
• No benefit shall be payable in respect of any period of jury service which commences or is due to commence within 28 days of this extension of cover becoming effective
• The maximum benefit payable under this extension of cover will be reduced by the total of all costs recoverable from the Court of Law by the insured person
• The maximum period for which benefit for jury service is payable is 10 days in respect of any one insured person during the period of insurance

No excess period applies to this extension of cover.

Additional Personal Accident cover - All doctors receive £10,000 Accidental Death and Permanent Total Disablement cover due to assault, at no extra cost. For a small additional premium, this cover can be extended to cover Accidental Death or Permanent Total Disablement on either an occupational and commuting basis or 24 hour cover. The sum insured can be increased up to £50,000. We are also able to offer Personal Accident benefits for employees on the basis described above.

What is the ‘excess period’?

The excess period is the initial period at the start of your inability to carry out practice duties due to illness or bodily injury, which is not covered by the policy. During this period, you could ask your partners to cover for you, or pay the bill for the locum yourself. The longer the excess period, the lower the cost of your Locum Insurance.

What is the ‘benefit period’?

The benefit period is the maximum number of weeks that the policy will pay out for. If you resume your practice duties before the end of your benefit period, the payments will cease.

You can choose from the following excess and benefit periods and the total period of cover:

What is the age limit?

You can apply for Practice Protector up to the age of 60. Cover may be available up to age 70 upon request – contact us and we will consider your application.

Can I increase the level of cover?

You don’t have to wait until your renewal date to increase the amount to pay for a locum. You can change the amount of the benefit at any time during the period of insurance. However, please note that the policy will not cover any increase in weekly benefit payable if you are absent from work due to sickness/illness within the first three weeks after the amendment has been made.

You will receive the benefit amount payable prior to making the amendment.

What happens if I become ill and need to make a claim?

In the unfortunate event that you become ill or injured, your claim will be handled by our dedicated Practice Protector Claims Team.

If you need to make a claim, you will be asked for locum or other expense receipts. Practice Protector will cover the amount of the receipts, provided that the total is within your selected benefit level and benefit period. We make every effort to settle all claims promptly and fairly.

What does it cost?

The premiums are calculated on the level of benefit you select after any allowance from your Health Authority has been paid. In addition to competitive premiums, further discounts are available for:

You can insure non-medical practice staff at a lower rate. The benefit for non-medical staff should not exceed 50% of their earnings.

You may be entitled to a tax saving available on either the premium you pay or the benefit you receive under the policy. You should consult your tax adviser who can advise you on the most tax-efficient method of utilising the policy.