A Possible Solution to the Problem of Medical Indemnity for Expedition Medics
For several years a number of medics involved in providing medical cover in remote environments have been working to try and develop a working strategy and consensus amongst the MDOs (Medical Defence Organisations) in the UK as to the cover and the cost of cover for medics working abroad. There have been a number of meetings, and numerous conversations trying to resolve a number of issues.
These have primarily been:
1. Standardisation of a cost framework, predominantly built on the recognition that despite its appearance, medical cover in remote environments is safe.
2. Cover for the medical practitioner to look after certain nationalities (especially Americans).
Unfortunately no concensus nor clear guidelines have been forthcoming. After the apparent fiasco of a doctor having to withdraw from the medical cover of a race to the pole because the indemnity premiums were outrageous, I decided to approach Campbell Irvine, a well respected UK based insurance company. Could they provide medical indemnity at a reasonable cost and provide the cover we required, taking into account points 1 and 2 above? They have been enormously helpful and have come up with an annual cover for expedition medics which I believe ticks most of the boxes.
In essence the cover is:
· £650 for a year (hence it will not suit everyone)
· will cover all nationalities
· will not support you in a US court of law, but they will endeavour to support you to have the case held in the UK
This may not be the answer for everyone but for extended trips, medics on multiple trips and junior doctors whose normal indemnity is small, this may be the answer. Certainly it would have allowed the medic on the North Pole event to support a great trip.
If you require any further information please contact Alan at Campbell Irvine:
Alan Pattison Cert CII, M.Inst.TT. IRIB. Director
Campbell Irvine (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, 48 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London. W8 6EJ
Tel: 020 7937 6981
