Frequently asked questions

In this section you'll find the answers to some frequently asked questions about MPS membership. Simply select a question from the list below.

If you can't find the answer to your question here, contact your local membership office.

Do state indemnified doctors need MPS membership?

Usually, state indemnity will only cover the financial consequences of a claim for clinical negligence. The purpose of state indemnity is to ensure public patients are compensated if they suffer harm, rather than protect you or your professional interests.

Generally state indemnity will not provide:

- Representation or legal support at a medical council hearing or hospital board inquiry, should you be referred for a disciplinary matter
- Immediate assistance with responding to a patient complaint
- Cover when you have been charged with a criminal act, such as manslaughter or assault following a clinical examination of a patient
- Legal representation at a fatal accident inquiry or coroner’s inquest
- Support with media relations, by preparing statements and acting as a spokesperson
- Assistance with legal and ethical dilemmas
- Assistance in drafting or checking medicolegal reports
- Cover for Good Samaritan acts.

So where would you turn if you encountered one of these problems?

In order to protect your own professional interests, it makes sense to acquire additional protection. Members of MPS benefit from flexible and secure protection and also have access to a wide range of educational services, conferences and publications, designed to keep you out of trouble in the first place.

How do I apply for membership of MPS?

Download the application form from the Join MPS section of the website, ensuring you read the important information at the bottom of the page.

The application must be completed in full and signed and dated within two months of your required membership start date.

Your application can be submitted by post, fax or email.

How can I pay my membership subscription?

For details of how you can pay your membership subscription, please visit our country-by-country guide.

Does my membership of MPS apply to Good Samaritan acts?

Yes.

In the unlikely event that you are sued as a result of a Good Samaritan act, you can apply for assistance from MPS, no matter where in the world the action is brought.

I will be taking a career break/on maternity leave/retiring soon. How does this affect my membership?

You can change your membership to retired/deferred status if you are already with MPS and voluntarily stop practising medicine, either temporarily (for a minimum period of three months) or permanently.

As a retired/deferred member, you pay no subscription, but still receive the MPS journal, Casebook, and can apply for MPS assistance with any medicolegal problem arising from a Good Samaritan act performed anywhere in the world.

If you are taking a break from practice or retiring, please contact your local membership office so your membership can be adjusted.

I have lost my membership certificate. Do you charge for sending out a duplicate?

No. We can issue a duplicate certificate to you free of charge.

Please contact your local membership office to discuss your requirements.

Am I protected in the future for incidents that took place while I was an MPS member?

Yes.

MPS offers membership on an occurrence basis. Occurrence-based indemnity means that the arrangements you have in place at the time of the incident can be invoked at any time in the future should a medicolegal matter arise. This may be after you have changed indemnifiers, retired or even after you have died.

With the claims-made indemnity offered by most malpractice insurance companies, you are normally only protected for incidents that both occur and are reported whilst the coverage is in continuous force. Unlike occurrence-based cover it will not provide protection for claims that are initiated after the policy has been cancelled or has not been renewed.

I act as an expert witness. How does this affect my membership?

MPS regards providing an expert opinion as an integral part of professional practice. As with all aspects of professional practice it is essential that you act within the limits of your own expertise.

MPS has assisted many members with claims arising out of the provision of an expert opinion and considers these in the same way as any other claim in negligence against a member.

As a provider of discretionary indemnity, MPS is able to offer a flexibility not found in insurance policies. Numerous examples can be provided to illustrate how discretion has been used to extend help to a member where a contract of insurance would have meant a refusal.

Please contact your local membership office to check that you are paying the correct subscription to reflect your medicolegal practice.

Can I undertake cosmetic procedures under my current subscription?

MPS defines cosmetic/aesthetic procedures as those which have as their primary purpose the alteration of the non-pathological external appearance of a patient.

If you are not an accredited plastic surgeon and you are considering undertaking any cosmetic/aesthetic procedures, whether surgical or non-surgical, you must contact your local membership office to discuss your plans in advance.

What should I do if I want to work overseas?

MPS is the world’s leading mutual medical defence organisation operating internationally, offering membership in more than 40 countries around the world.

Membership can be extended to provide protection for both one-off and recurring practice overseas. Under certain circumstances - for example, if you are performing voluntary or missionary work - this can be done at no additional cost.

If you are planning to practise overseas, please contact your local membership office to discuss your circumstances before you travel.