Intentional Misconduct
Wilful negligence, criminal acts, or fraud.
Doctors Liability Policy covers
In 2026, the Doctors Liability Policy—commonly known as Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance—is a vital risk-management tool for medical practitioners in India. While not legally mandatory, it is highly recommended and often required by hospitals or regulatory bodies for medical registration.
Core Coverage (Inclusions)
The policy provides financial and legal protection against claims of medical negligence, errors, or omissions that result in bodily injury or death of a patient.
Legal Defence Costs
Covers lawyers' fees, court fees, and investigation expenses incurred while defending a claim.
Compensatory Damages
Pays for court-awarded settlements or out-of-court settlements to patients or their kin.
Staff Liability
Extends coverage to liabilities arising from the actions of qualified or unqualified staff employed by the doctor.
Ancillary Protections
Many policies now include coverage for loss of documents, breach of confidentiality, and libel or slander.
Standard Exclusions
Policyholders are typically not covered for:
Medical Liability Exclusions
Review the situations where protection under the policy will generally not apply.
01
02
Intoxication
Services provided while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
03
Cosmetic Procedures
Purely aesthetic or non-medically necessary plastic surgeries (unless a specific rider is added).
04
Specific Medical Risks
Damages related to weight loss treatments, genetic damage, or AIDS-related conditions.
05
Penalties
Fines, punitive damages, or exemplary damages awarded by a court.
How the Sum Insured Works
The amount of protection is defined by the Limit of Indemnity, split into two parts:
Limit of Indemnity
The amount of protection is defined by the Limit of Indemnity, split into two parts.
01
Any One Accident (AOA)
The maximum amount the insurer will pay for a single claim.
02
Any One Year (AOY)
The maximum total amount payable for all claims in one year.
Ratios
Doctors can choose AOA:AOY ratios (e.g., 1:1, 1:2). For example, with a ₹1 Crore sum insured and a 1:2 ratio, the policy covers up to ₹50 Lakh for a single accident and ₹1 Crore for the entire year.
Key Features for 2026
Important highlights available in modern Doctors Liability Insurance policies.
01
Retroactive Cover
Protects against claims for past incidents, provided the policy has been renewed continuously without any break since that date.
02
Specialization-Based Premiums
Costs vary significantly based on risk; surgeons and anaesthetists typically pay higher premiums than general physicians.
03
Claims-Made Basis
Coverage usually applies only if the claim is made and reported to the insurer while the policy is active