When it comes to managing your career, you have a lot on your plate, but devoting hours to learning the ins-and-outs of malpractice insurance doesn’t have to be one of them. Malpractice insurance may seem confusing, intimidating. That’s why we’re here to help you understand some common misconceptions surrounding this important topic. Read on to learn more about the five most common myths we come across on a daily basis.
Myth #1:
I’m covered under my employer’s professional liability insurance; therefore, I don’t need my own plan.
FALSE: While your employer-based plan may provide some coverage, it also may result in significant coverage gaps, thus leaving you vulnerable to the devastating effects of a malpractice lawsuit or licensing board complaints. Your employer’s policy focuses primarily on the coverage for its business. However, you need an insurance policy that puts your interests first and provides additional benefits to help protect you. Furthermore, your employer-based policy probably provides coverage solely at your place of work, and does not extend to volunteer work, moonlighting or freelance work you may undertake.
BOTTOM LINE: In order to truly help provide coverage and safeguard your career, you need your own individual professional liability policy.
Myth #2:
A professional liability policy from HPSO only provides coverage in the event of a lawsuit.
FALSE: While it's true that policies issued through HPSO do provide coverage in the event of an actual malpractice lawsuit, the policy makes coverage available for more than that one scenario. HPSO’s policies also respond in the event of covered depositions, subpoena requests, complaints against your license and more. A malpractice lawsuit may potentially damage your career and your finances. However, we’re here to offer insurance products and services that provide other benefits as well.
BOTTOM LINE: HPSO’s policies are wide-ranging. Our approach considers various aspects of your career, such as finances, reputation and the ability to help you to continue to work toward your professional goals.
Myth #3:
Malpractice insurance is cost prohibitive. I’d rather take my chances than have to spend so much money up front.
FALSE: The average lawsuit can devastate a career. For example, the average total cost of a malpractice lawsuit for Counselors exceeds $110,000, while the average total cost for a Physical Therapist is $130,000 and the average total cost for Pharmacists is $136,000. You’ve spent time and money investing in your education and working hard to build your career. However, as a healthcare provider, you may be open to the risk of a malpractice incident or lawsuit simply by virtue of the nature of your job. Going without a professional liability policy is a risk. HPSO is here to help. We offer important coverage at an affordable premium cost.
BOTTOM LINE: Don’t think of the premium as an up-front cost. Rather, it should be thought of as an investment in your career.
Myth #4:
I’m a student and I’m covered by my institution. I don’t need a policy of my own.
FALSE: Even though you’re still learning the skills you’ll need to perform in your chosen field, you may be named as a defendant in a malpractice lawsuit. Even with the coverage provided under your institution’s policy, you’re exposed to potential risk. HPSO’s professional liability policy for students were created with you in mind. They help It helps provide coverage at an affordable price. And, as a bonus, even after graduation, your coverage can be extended to a professional policy until 6 months after graduation, or at your renewal, whichever is first -- at no additional charge!
BOTTOM LINE: Safeguarding your future career is about more than test prep, practicums and pop quizzes. A professional liability insurance policy has the potential to start your professional journey on the right track.
Myth #5:
A patient can only allege malpractice during the course of treatment. Once I’m no longer seeing them, I can’t be named in a lawsuit.
FALSE: Malpractice can be alleged months, if not years after treatment with the patient, by an injured party (your patient), parent/guardian or an estate. Keeping an occurrence- based individual professional liability policy current and active throughout the course of your career can help assure that you are protected and covered in the event of a lawsuit (subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy). Under an occurrence policy, coverage is available for a claim that occurred during the policy period regardless of when the claim was reported. For information on a claims made policy, click here.
BOTTOM LINE: As a healthcare professional, you are vulnerable to more risk than you may think. A policy through HPSO can help provide the coverage you need so that you can continue to practice with peace of mind.