What is the IBNR Indemnity Scheme
The scheme helps MDOs that do not have the reserves to cover IBNR claims, as of 30 June 2002.
A claim is IBNR if:
- it is against a medical professional who held incident-occurring based cover with an MDO
- the claim (and the incident the claim is about) was not reported to the MDO before 1 July 2002.
The IBNR is one of the Australian Government’s medical and midwife indemnity insurance schemes.
Services Australia administers the scheme for the government.
Why is it important
The scheme ensures member medical professionals do not face the risk of unpaid claims about historical incidents.
Who is it for
The scheme helps MDOs that existed on 30 June 2002.
Currently, only United Medical Protection Limited (now Avant) can take part in the scheme.
Under current legislation, MDOs that existed on 30 June 2002 may take part in the scheme unless the Minister for Health decides otherwise. To date, the minister has decided only one MDO can take part.
Eligible claims
Find out about eligible claims on the Services Australia website.
What it covers
The scheme covers 100% of the cost of eligible claims:
- about incidents that took place on or before 30 June 2002
- made against medical professionals who held incident-occurring based cover with a participating MDO.
What is not covered
The scheme does not cover any of the following:
- incidents that occurred while treating a public patient in a public hospital
- incidents after 30 June 2002
- claims for members who did not hold incident-occurring based cover on 30 June 2002
- claims for members who have received exemption 5, 8 or 9 from the United Medical Protection Support Payment program
- insurer-to-insurer payments.
How it works
The Australian Government fully funds the scheme. MDOs can apply to Services Australia for an IBNR payment.
Legislation
The government set up the scheme under the Medical Indemnity Act 2002. Find out about the legislation that supports indemnity schemes.
Contacts
Medical and professional indemnity insurance contact
