Income Insurance Australia :: 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

HESTA Announces 12% Reduction in Insurance Fees to Benefit Members
HESTA Announces 12% Reduction in Insurance Fees to Benefit Members
18 May 2026: Paige Estritori
HESTA, a leading Australian superannuation fund, has unveiled a significant reduction in insurance fees, aiming to make coverage more accessible and affordable for its members. Effective from 1 July 2026, the fund will implement an average 12% decrease across all insurance cover types, including death, total and permanent disablement (TPD), and income protection. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Drive Surge in Income Support Demand
Rising Mental Health Claims Drive Surge in Income Support Demand
18 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data reveals a significant increase in the number of Australians accessing income support, with over 8 million individuals receiving assistance in the past year. This surge is largely attributed to a rise in mental health-related claims, highlighting a pressing issue within the workforce. - read more
AFCA Supports Insurer in Income Protection Offset Dispute
AFCA Supports Insurer in Income Protection Offset Dispute
18 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of Nippon Life Insurance in a dispute concerning income protection (IP) offsets, confirming an overpayment of nearly $18,000 and supporting the insurer's decision to suspend benefits during the reconciliation of compulsory third party (CTP) income. - read more
HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections
HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
HESTA, a prominent Australian superannuation fund, has unveiled a series of changes aimed at providing more accessible and affordable insurance coverage for its members. Effective from 1 July 2026, these adjustments include an average 12% reduction in insurance fees across all cover types, encompassing death, total and permanent disablement (TPD), and income protection cover. - read more
APRA Implements Reforms to Strengthen Longevity Product Market
APRA Implements Reforms to Strengthen Longevity Product Market
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has finalised amendments to its prudential standards concerning the capital treatment of longevity products, including annuities. These reforms, set to take effect on 1 July 2026, are designed to bolster the market for retirement income products by supporting innovation and reducing unnecessary regulatory constraints, all while maintaining robust prudential safeguards. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan
The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan
An income insurance policy, often referred to as income protection insurance, is a financial safety net designed to provide you with a steady income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that you can still support yourself and your family, even when unforeseen medical conditions prevent you from earning a salary. This policy typically covers a percentage of your pre-tax income, helping to alleviate the financial burden during recovery periods. - read more
Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For
Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For
Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net for countless Australians, offering a replacement income when unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury impede their ability to earn. For the self-employed and entrepreneurs who may not have the safety nets offered by corporate employment, such protection is particularly important. - read more
Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia
Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia
Financial security is pivotal for anyone striving to meet their life goals, be it owning a home, educating children, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. In Australia, where uncertainties can disrupt our best laid-out financial plans, having a safety net in place is essential. Income insurance offers just that—protection against the unforeseen events that could impact your income earning abilities. - read more
Understanding Income Protection Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide for Australians
Understanding Income Protection Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide for Australians
Income protection insurance is an essential component of financial security for Australians, designed to provide a safety net by replacing a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Despite its critical role in safeguarding livelihoods, it's often overlooked in personal financial planning. - read more
Understanding the Process: A Beginner's Guide to Income Insurance Claims
Understanding the Process: A Beginner's Guide to Income Insurance Claims
Income insurance, an often-overlooked component of financial security, is gaining traction among Australia's burgeoning self-employed population. In an economy where traditional employment is no longer the sole path to success, this form of insurance has become a cornerstone for proactive financial planning. Touted as a safety net, it ensures that personal livelihoods and business operations remain secure in the face of adversity. - read more


Start Here !
disability protection
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.