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 to see our full response.

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

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.

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.

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. Providing you were paying your subscription at the time, you can apply for assistance with any medicolegal problems arising from your time as an MPS member, even after you have retired or ceased to be a member of MPS.

Do you charge interest if I pay by direct debit?

No. You can pay either annually or in ten equal instalments and the amount will not differ.

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.

Does MPS provide assistance with issues arising out of being an expert witness?

Yes. You can contact us and we can provide advice on issues relating to being an expert witness and writing reports.

Why do doctors need indemnity in New Zealand?

Indemnity against costs
 
Although the presence of a no-fault system in New Zealand means that doctors in most circumstances are not exposed to the risk of being sued for clinical negligence, the legal costs for representation in disciplinary proceedings, such as a Medical Council hearing, can weigh a heavy financial burden on the doctor being investigated. Indemnity provides peace of mind. Primarily, it prevents exposure to significant adverse financial consequences and security for doctors and their families.
 
Indemnity against claims
 
There are some claims for compensation that are not covered by ACC in New Zealand, leaving the doctor concerned liable for the financial consequences. These instances are not common, but as a responsible indemnifier, MPS must make provision for such eventualities.