What is the MPIS
The MPIS helps professional indemnity insurers with the cost of claims against eligible endorsed midwives. Payments under the MPIS are 80% to 100% of eligible claim , depending on the amount of the claim.
The MPIS is one of the Australian Government’s medical and midwife indemnity insurance schemes.
Services Australia administers the MPIS for the government.
Why is it important
The MPIS helps to lower insurance premiums for eligible endorsed midwives by reducing the:
- payout amount insurers must pay
- reinsurance amount insurers must buy to fund claims.
By supporting midwives, it also helps to provide greater choice and access to maternity services for Australian women and their families.
Who is it for
The MPIS helps insurers who provide professional indemnity insurance to eligible endorsedmidwives in private practice.
Currently, only Medical Insurance Australia (MIGA) can apply for MPIS payments.
The Australian Government has an arrangement with MIGA to provide indemnity insurance to private midwives. It is currently the sole provider in Australia.
Eligible claims
Go to the Services Australia website for:
- level 1 eligibility requirements – for claims between $100,000 to $2 million
- level 2 eligibility requirements – for claims above $2 million.
What it covers
The MPIS has 2 levels of cover:
- level 1 reimburses 80% of eligible claim costs
- level 2 reimburses 100% of eligible claim costs.
From 1 July 2025, the MPIS covers 100% of the cost of eligible claims made against endorsed midwives performing out-of-hospital intrapartum care including home births. This expansion includes coverage for Birthing on Country services provided by eligible endorsed midwives and organisations.
The National Law insurance exemption for midwives attending intrapartum care and home births has been extended until 31 December 2026 to allow time for insurance requirements to be met.
More information on the National Law exemption is available on the NMBA website.
How it works
The Australian Government fully funds the MPIS. Insurers can go to the Services Australia website to find out how to:
Legislation
The government set up the MPIS under the Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Act 2010. Find out about the legislation that supports indemnity schemes.
Contacts
Medical and professional indemnity insurance contact
