Can I increase my sum insured during the policy year?

Many insurers allow a mid-term increase in coverage subject to underwriting approval and payment of a pro-rata premium for the remaining policy period. This may be considered when the risk profile or scope of practice changes.

Are tele-consultations covered under professional indemnity insurance?

Many modern professional indemnity policies provide coverage for tele-consultations or offer it as an extension. Practitioners should ensure that telemedicine services comply with applicable professional and regulatory guidelines to remain eligible for coverage.

What happens if a patient files a claim two years after the treatment?

For claims-made policies, coverage depends on maintaining a valid retroactive date and continuous renewal without a break. If the policy was active when the treatment occurred and when the claim is reported, coverage may apply subject to policy conditions.

How to get the best doctor PI policy from the insurer?

Q: What is the difference between AOA and AOY?

AOA (Any One Accident) refers to the maximum amount the insurer will pay for a single claim, while AOY (Any One Year) represents the total limit available for all claims during the policy year. A one-to-one ratio means the full annual limit can be used for a single claim if required.

Q: Does the policy cover me if I am practicing at multiple hospitals?

An individual professional indemnity policy typically follows the practitioner rather than a specific location. Coverage usually applies across multiple hospitals or clinics within the permitted territorial limits and declared specialty, subject to policy terms.

Doctors Professional Indemnity

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You should be careful when buying a doctor’s PI policy from an insurance company. Here are some factors which would allow you to buy the best DPI policy.

Doctors need a professional indemnity policy to cover them against financial liabilities in case of a lawsuit. Since these lawsuits lead to heavy legal costs and major financial settlements, they can put doctors as well as hospitals under financial strain. Most find it difficult to get the right professional indemnity (PI) policy for doctors.

Key Takeaways

Specialization Dictates Limit: High-risk specialties (like Orthopedics, Neuro, or OB-GYN) should never compromise on the sum insured. In 2026, court awards in metro cities often cross the ₹1 Crore mark.
The Power of 1:1: Many doctors overlook the AOA:AOY ratio. A 1:1 ratio is the “gold standard” because it ensures that if you have a ₹50 Lakh policy, the full ₹50 Lakh is available for one single patient’s claim.
Comprehensive Extensions: A basic policy might not be enough. Opt for extensions that cover your staff’s negligence and provide for out-of-court settlements, which can be faster and less damaging to your reputation.
Vigor in Defense: An insurance company shouldn’t just be a paymaster; they should be your legal partner. Inquire about their “Defense Vigor”—how effectively their legal teams have successfully contested cases in the past.
Avoid Under-Insurance: If your sum insured is too low, you defeat the purpose of the policy. If a court awards ₹80 Lakh and your policy is for ₹50 Lakh, you must pay the remaining ₹30 Lakh from your personal savings.

Here are some pointers to choose the best cover –

Opt for a suitable sum insured

The sum insured determines the maximum liability for the insurance company. If low, the insured may have to pay additional cash and this defeats the purpose of the cover. So, opt for an optimal sum insured. We feel that doctors with surgical specialties should have a sum assured of at least Rupees 1 crore or more. Family physicians and non-surgical specialties can take less sum assured.

Ensure coverage benefits are suitable

Next, check the coverage benefits. The policy must provide coverage against all possible financial losses. Check the inbuilt coverage benefits. A PI policy allows policy extensions. Hence, it would be best if you chose those that make the coverage comprehensive. An example of a good coverage benefit is when the insurance company provides its own panel of lawyers to support you. Or, where negligence by your staff is also insured.

Set an appropriate AOA: AOY ratio

The professional indemnity insurance policy for doctors comes with the concept of AOA: AOY. AOA stands for Any One Accident or claim incident whereas AOY means Any One Year. This ratio determines the indemnity limit per incident. It shows the maximum payable claim in each instance. So, a 1:2 ratio implies that you will get 50% of the sum assured for any one accident. And, a 1:1 ratio suggests that you may claim 100% of the sum assured for any one accident. Ideally, opt for a 1:1 ratio so you are eligible to claim 100% of the sum assured at any time.

Ask for evidence of claim settlement

Do ask your insurer or intermediary to give you examples of claims that they have settled. Also, check the approach they took while defending other doctors. This will demonstrate the vigour they put into claims.

Summary: Tips for Choosing a Doctor’s PI Policy

Feature	Recommendation	Why it Matters
Sum Insured	₹1 Crore+ (Surgical); Lower for non-surgical.	Prevents out-of-pocket payments for high-value court settlements.
AOA:AOY Ratio	1:1 (Ideal)	Allows you to use 100% of your sum insured for a single large claim.
Staff Coverage	Include Vicarious Liability	Protects the doctor from mistakes made by nurses or assistants.
Legal Support	Access to Panel of Lawyers	Saves time and effort in finding specialized medico-legal defense.
Claim Record	Verify Claim Settlement Vigor	Shows how aggressively the insurer will defend your reputation.

Buy the doctor’s PI policy through SecureNow

SecureNow is an online platform that allows you to buy the best professional indemnity policy for doctors. We have already negotiated with insurers to get you special deals. Additionally, we have deep relationships with many medical associations and have products tailored to your medical practice. You can visit www.securenow.in or call 96966 83999 and find a policy suitable for your coverage needs. Just leave behind your coverage details and SecureNow will get in touch with you and help pick the right plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between AOA and AOY?

A) AOA (Any One Accident) is the maximum amount the insurer will pay for a single claim. AOY (Any One Year) is the total limit available for all claims within a policy year. A 1:1 ratio means the AOA is equal to the AOY, providing the maximum possible protection per incident.

Q2: Does the policy cover me if I am practicing at multiple hospitals?

A) Yes, an individual Professional Indemnity policy typically follows the doctor, not the building. As long as you are practicing within the geographical limits (usually India) and the specialty mentioned in your policy, you are generally covered across multiple locations.

Q3: Can I increase my Sum Insured in the middle of the policy year?

A) Yes, most insurers allow you to increase your coverage mid-term by paying a pro-rata premium. This is advisable if you start performing more complex procedures or move your practice to a city with higher litigation risks.

Q4: Are “Tele-consultations” covered under this policy?

A) In 2026, most modern PI policies include or offer an add-on for telemedicine. However, you must ensure that your consultation follows the official Telemedicine Practice Guidelines to remain eligible for a claim.

Q5: What happens if a patient sues me 2 years after the treatment was given?

A) This is where the “Retroactive Date” is vital. If you have been renewing your policy without a break, the insurer will cover claims for past treatments, provided the policy was active at both the time of treatment and the time the claim was filed.

About The Author

Saloni Mishra

MBA Insurance Management

With an illustrious career in the insurance sector, Saloni is a distinguished writer specializing in articles concerning doctor professional indemnity policies for SecureNow. Leveraging 12 years of hands-on experience, she understands the intricate nuances of professional indemnity insurance tailored specifically for medical professionals. Her articles offer invaluable insights into the significance of doctor professional indemnity coverage, addressing the unique risks and challenges healthcare practitioners face. Renowned for their expertise and attention to detail, Saloni is committed to providing readers with informative and actionable content that empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their insurance needs.

Tagged: Doctor’s Professional Indemnity