A doctor’s professional indemnity insurance covers third-party liabilities faced by medical practitioners. Even a small mistake during the treatment can cost a patient’s life. It can also result in disability or severe physical and mental trauma. In such cases, the patient or the family can file an indemnity claim against the doctor or the medical establishment. These lawsuits can cause major financial stress. This makes the doctor’s professional indemnity insurance policy crucial.
Key Takeaways
-
Instant Risk Cover: The biggest advantage of the online mode in 2026 is the Instant Risk Cover Note. In a profession where a single day without insurance can reset your “Retroactive Date” (losing coverage for past years), digital issuance is a vital safety feature.
-
Simplified Documentation: You typically only need your medical registration certificate, educational qualifications, and basic KYC (Aadhaar/PAN). Digital platforms often use e-KYC to pull these details automatically, reducing manual errors.
-
Comparison Power: Online platforms allow you to see how a premium changes if you add extensions like Telemedicine or Vicarious Liability (covering your staff), helping you build a customized policy that fits your specific clinic size.
-
Payment Flexibility: While offline modes still accept cheques, digital payments (UPI/Credit Cards) ensure that the premium is “realized” instantly. This is crucial because, under Section 64VB of the Insurance Act, coverage only starts once the insurer receives the funds.
-
Claim Support Availability: Many digital intermediaries now offer a “Claim Desk” with specialized medico-legal advocates. This means buying online doesn’t just mean a digital policy; it means digital access to a legal defense team.
Additional Read: How professional indemnity insurance can protect doctors?
There are two ways to buy Doctor’s professional indemnity policy:
Offline – via an agent, broker, or at the insurance company’s office
The traditional model involves physically meeting an insurance agent, or broker or visiting an insurer’s office. You will then need to fill up a proposal form with details of your practice. Finally, once the premium is paid the insurer will get the policy underwritten. You will then be eligible for the coverage.
Online – via SecureNow’s website
Buying the policy online is the more convenient option. Insurance intermediaries, such as SecureNow, have digitized the process. Therefore, one just needs to visit the intermediaries website, provide contact details, and select the coverage requirements and the preferred premium.
All steps from choosing the insurer and the policy, to filling up the proposal form and paying the premium can be done online. The company then issues the policy or the risk cover letter.
What are the modes to pay the premium?
The premium can be paid by cash, cheque, or a demand draft. However, if you want to do it online the payment can be done via mobile or net banking (NEFT or RTGS).
Other digital modes of payment include mobile wallets, UPI, and debit or credit cards.
Documents required for buying the Doctor’s professional indemnity policy:
The documents needed to buy a DPI policy include the proposal form, filled and signed by the proposer, and the KYC documents of the doctor or the medical establishment. Details of the doctor’s educational qualification too may be required. In some cases, the insurer may seek additional documents such as the nursing home or hospital certification.
Additional Read: How an insurance broker can help in buying the best DPI policy?
Summary: Buying Doctor’s Professional Indemnity (DPI)
Buying DPI through SecureNow
SecureNow allows you to compare doctors’ professional indemnity policies as per the coverage benefits. Our portal also offers tips from experts. Moreover, SecureNow helps you with claim settlements. We have a panel of experienced advocates who can represent your case. Besides, SecureNow has tie-ups with leading insurance companies to ensure that you find the best policy. We also assist in buying it online. SecureNow’s experts can help you resolve other queries too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is an online insurance policy as legally valid as one bought through an agent?
Absolutely. Digital policies are issued directly by the insurance companies and carry the same legal weight as a physical paper document. In 2026, most Indian insurers have moved to “e-policies” as the primary format for all professional covers.
Q2: Can I buy a DPI policy online if I have a history of previous claims?
Yes, but you must disclose your claim history in the digital proposal form. While some simple online systems might flag a previous claim for manual review, many platforms can still process the application by applying a “claim loading” to the premium.
Q3: What should I do if my qualification (like a new super-specialty) is not listed in the online dropdown?
If your specific specialty is missing, it is best to contact the platform’s support team. They can manually map your risk to the correct group to ensure your premium is accurate and your future claims aren’t rejected due to “misrepresentation of specialty.”
Q4: Will I get a discount for buying the policy online?
Often, yes. Digital platforms have lower operational costs compared to physical branches. Furthermore, you can easily spot and apply No-Claim Discounts (NCD) or Association Discounts that might be overlooked in an offline transaction.
Q5: Can I switch from an offline policy to an online one during my next renewal?
Yes. You can easily port your policy. Ensure you provide your previous policy details and the original Retroactive Date to the new online portal so that your continuity of coverage for past years remains intact.
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.
