Elective cover provides you with protection against being sued for medical malpractice while you are on your elective. It is usually in the form of compensation for any loss incurred as well as representation whilst being sued. It is likely that the hospital or institution hosting your visit will ask for evidence of elective cover.

Membership of MPS provides you with access to free elective protection. You will also be able to get free medico-legal advice to help you through any ethical or legal dilemmas you may face while you are away.

Why do you need Elective Cover?

You may be asked for proof of your elective cover. In the UK it is highly unlikely that you will be involved in a claim while you are training. However, the situation may be different when you are overseas. More direct involvement in patient care can lead you into situations where you can be at risk of a complaint or claim. While being sued for medical malpractice is still unlikely it is not unknown.

If the institution you are visiting asks for evidence of elective cover, please complete the elective cover confirmation form and we will provide confirmation of MPS membership.

In order to ensure that we can provide you with the protection you need you should make sure that:

• Your elective is authorised by the Dean of your university.
• Your elective work is supervised by a qualified medical practitioner and does not exceed the level of your own qualifications or competence.
• If you are planning to travel to Australia for your elective you must get in touch with us to ensure you have the correct elective protection.
• You must be a student member of MPS in either the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Hong Kong, West Indies, New Zealand, Singapore or Malaysia. Unfortunately we cannot offer elective cover to medical students in any other countries.

Medical Student Resources

When you are preparing for your elective, you may find it helpful to use some of our free education materials. These provide helpful advice on issues such as consent and keeping medical records. We also have discounts on a wide range of medical books that may be useful on your trip.

Visit the student section of our UK site to find out how MPS can help if you are a UK student needing Elective Cover. Visit the Irish Student section to find out how MPS can help if you need Irish Student Elective Cover