Trades 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

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

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

Insurance News

Claims Handling Scrutiny Puts Policy Preparation in the Spotlight
Claims Handling Scrutiny Puts Policy Preparation in the Spotlight
28 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
ASIC’s ongoing focus on general insurance claims handling is a timely reminder that the value of a policy is tested long after the premium is paid. For Australian tradies, the issue is practical rather than theoretical: when a ute is damaged, tools are stolen, a workshop is hit by stormwater or a client alleges property damage, delays and documentation gaps can quickly affect cash flow. - read more
Income Protection Claim Dispute Offers Lessons for Tradies
Income Protection Claim Dispute Offers Lessons for Tradies
21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A new Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has put income protection claims under the spotlight, with useful lessons for tradies who rely on their own capacity to work. The dispute involved a delivery driver who had received weekly income protection benefits after a serious arm-related medical condition prevented him from working. The insurer later tried to recover more than $31,000 in paid benefits, arguing it had information suggesting he could have returned to work earlier. - read more
QBE’s Trade Pack Change Puts Renewals in Focus for Tradies
QBE’s Trade Pack Change Puts Renewals in Focus for Tradies
07 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
QBE’s decision to stop offering its standalone office and trade pack products from July 2026 is a timely reminder for Australian tradies to treat every renewal as more than a simple rollover. The insurer is moving customers towards a standard business cover structure, with existing trade pack policyholders expected to be offered the replacement product at renewal from October 2026. - read more
Draft Insurance Code Could Lift Claims Standards for Tradies
Draft Insurance Code Could Lift Claims Standards for Tradies
30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia’s redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice has moved into consultation, with submissions open until 21 July 2026 and a transition period of around two years expected if the code proceeds. For trade business owners, the headline change is that key insurer commitments are intended to become contractually enforceable, rather than sitting only as industry standards. - read more
APRA's 2026 Insurance Summit: Tackling Climate Risks and Affordability
APRA's 2026 Insurance Summit: Tackling Climate Risks and Affordability
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is set to host the 2026 AFR Insurance Summit on June 16 at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. This pivotal event will bring together industry leaders to address pressing issues within Australia's insurance sector, with a particular emphasis on climate-related risks, insurance affordability, and maintaining public trust. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Trades Insurance Articles

How to Choose the Best Commercial Vehicle Insurance for Your Trade Business
How to Choose the Best Commercial Vehicle Insurance for Your Trade Business
For tradespeople, protecting your tools and equipment is crucial. These are not just tools; they are the backbone of your business. Without them, you can't complete jobs, meet client expectations, or generate income. This includes your Vehicle. - read more
Protecting Your Tools and Equipment: A Tradesperson's Insurance Checklist
Protecting Your Tools and Equipment: A Tradesperson's Insurance Checklist
As a tradesperson, your tools and equipment are your livelihood. They are essential for performing your job efficiently and effectively. - read more
5 Common Budgeting Mistakes Small Trade Businesses Should Avoid
5 Common Budgeting Mistakes Small Trade Businesses Should Avoid
Budgeting is one of the most crucial aspects of running a small trade business. Without a proper budget, it's easy to lose track of your expenses and revenues, leaving you in a financial mess. This can be especially challenging for small trade businesses where margins are often tight, and a minor miscalculation can lead to significant issues down the line. - read more
How Public Liability Insurance Protects Your Trades Business
How Public Liability Insurance Protects Your Trades Business
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by their work. This type of insurance is essential for trades professionals, as it provides financial protection against legal and compensation costs arising from incidents related to their services. - read more
How Tradespeople Can Maximize Tax Deductions Through Insurance
How Tradespeople Can Maximize Tax Deductions Through Insurance
Tradespeople work hard to earn their income, often facing unique expenses that can impact their bottom line. Understanding and maximizing tax deductions is crucial for minimizing these costs and keeping more of what they earn. By making informed decisions about expenses, tradespeople can significantly reduce their taxable income. - read more

Knowledgebase
Indemnity:
A legal principle that stipulates that insurance policies should restore the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss.

Quick Links: | Trades Insurance Australia | Public Liability Insurance For Tradies | Tools Of Trade Insurance | Workshop Contents Insurance | Commercial Motor Insurance For Tradesmen | Income Protection For Tradies | Business Insurance For Tradespeople | Contractors Insurance Australia | Self-employed Trades Insurance | Tradie Insurance Packages | Trade Business Insurance
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.