FOLLOW US Follow us on social media
Income Protection 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

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Life Code Findings Put Income Protection Claims Back Under the Microscope
Life Code Findings Put Income Protection Claims Back Under the Microscope
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest industry attention on Life Insurance Code compliance is another reminder that income protection insurance is not just about having a policy in place. For working Australians, the real test comes when illness or injury interrupts earnings and a claim needs to move from paperwork to practical financial support. - read more
Claims Handling Scrutiny Offers Income Protection Lessons
Claims Handling Scrutiny Offers Income Protection Lessons
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent industry attention on insurance claims handling has put a practical issue back in front of Australian households: a policy is only as valuable as the support it provides when a claim is made. For income protection insurance, that moment often arrives during illness, injury, stress and reduced cash flow, so clear communication and timely assessment matter enormously. - read more
New APRA Data Reinforces the Need to Review Income Protection Cover
New APRA Data Reinforces the Need to Review Income Protection Cover
29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
APRA’s latest life insurance performance data has put income protection back under the spotlight, with disability income products continuing to be one of the more closely watched areas of the sector. While the broader life insurance industry has been showing signs of improved stability, the update reinforces that policies designed to replace income after illness or injury remain sensitive to claims experience, pricing, and changing work and health trends. - read more
AFCA Decision Highlights Limits on Recovering Income Protection Payments
AFCA Decision Highlights Limits on Recovering Income Protection Payments
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A new Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has offered an important reminder for anyone relying on income protection insurance through work or super: once benefits have been paid, an insurer generally needs a strong and clearly evidenced basis before asking for that money back. - read more
Why Commission Earners Should Check Their Income Protection Wording
Why Commission Earners Should Check Their Income Protection Wording
15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has put an important issue in focus for sales staff, recruiters, account managers and other workers whose income depends partly on commission. The dispute involved a policyholder covered under an employer’s group income protection arrangement with MetLife. After a work-related mental health injury, he claimed on the policy, but his commission earnings were left out when his pre-disability income was calculated. - read more
What the Life Code Review Could Mean for Mental Health Claims
What the Life Code Review Could Mean for Mental Health Claims
08 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest review of the Life Insurance Code of Practice has put mental health cover at the centre of the national conversation about life insurance, disability insurance and income protection. Independent reviewer Peter Kell has completed his final report, outlining 85 recommendations aimed at improving customer protections, claims handling, communication, vulnerability support and the enforceability of the Code. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Life Insurance Articles

Making Sense of Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Read Comparison for Australians
Making Sense of Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Read Comparison for Australians
When life throws unexpected challenges our way, the assurance of financial stability can be a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. For many Australians, income protection insurance is that beacon, safeguarding their livelihood and providing a crucial safety net when they need it most. It's more than just a policy; it's a strategic step towards longer-term peace of mind. - read more
Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value
Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value
In Australia, income protection insurance stands as a vital safeguard for professionals, ensuring security during times of unexpected illness or injury. It acts as a financial buffer, providing a percentage of your regular income, so you can maintain your lifestyle without the stress of lost earnings. - read more
What Income Protection Insurance Covers and When Benefits Are Paid
What Income Protection Insurance Covers and When Benefits Are Paid
Income protection insurance can help replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working, but benefits are only paid when the policy's definitions, waiting period, evidence requirements and exclusions are satisfied. - read more
Income Protection Insurance Inside Superannuation Versus Outside Superannuation
Income Protection Insurance Inside Superannuation Versus Outside Superannuation
Income protection insurance can be held through superannuation or personally outside super. The right structure depends on funding, tax, policy features, claim access, portability and your personal circumstances. - read more
Understanding Your Policy: Key Terms That Impact Your Insurance Claim Outcome
Understanding Your Policy: Key Terms That Impact Your Insurance Claim Outcome
Welcome to the beginning of your journey through the maze of insurance policy terms and conditions. For many Australians, navigating through an insurance policy can be as daunting as trying to understand a legal document. That's because, in a way, it is one. This section is designed to set the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the key terms that impact your insurance claim outcomes. - read more
Income Protection Insurance for Australian Freelancers
Income Protection Insurance for Australian Freelancers
Freelancing can offer flexibility and independence, but it can also mean taking responsibility for your own financial safety net. For Australian freelancers, income protection or disability insurance may help replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. - read more


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

Start Here:

Cover Type:
Postcode:

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

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Insurance broker:
An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.