In the face of the evolving impact of COVID-19 and concerns rising over the financial impact of this crisis, ICMIF member MDA National (Australia) has announced a premium relief support package for its members and extended medical indemnity coverage for student and retired practitioners that assist with the pandemic.

During these extraordinary times, MDA National says its immediate priority is to provide timely, practical and clear medico-legal support and advice so that their medical practitioner members can continue to work tirelessly to provide outstanding patient care and practise with confidence in response to COVID-19.

As a doctor owned membership organisation, MDA National is aware of the emotional and financial impacts that COVID-19 is having on the healthcare workforce. Despite the upward pressure on insurance premiums, as a result of increasing medical indemnity claim costs, MDA National are introducing a freeze on premium increases for 99% of members for the coming financial year. They are also offering a premium reduction to eligible members if the nature of their medical practice and/or the level of activity of their practice has materially changed due to the pandemic.

In a joint message to their members, Rod Moore, President, Steve Scudamore, Chair, MDA National Insurance, and Ian Anderson, CEO, said: “As a doctor owned membership organisation, we recognise your loyalty and the challenges you are facing during this difficult period. We remain committed to be by your side, here for you in the short term, and providing you with the support and protection you need over the longer term”

MDA National is a medical defence organisation that provides medico-legal advice, member support services, and extensive professional indemnity insurance to over 54,000 medical practitioners, medical students and insureds. As a member-owned mutual, it exists solely to support and protect members and promote good medical practice in Australia.

MDA National also announced that they will extend professional indemnity insurance cover for student members who are engaged to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide an additional layer of support and protection. Specifically, they will extend indemnity under the policy to cover the costs of defending student members against hospital or professional body investigations or inquiries as well as employment issues in accordance with the Policy terms and conditions.

MDA National will also provide cover free of charge for retired practitioners wanting to assist and elect to join the surge workforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.