It’s crucial to have the right protection for your optometry practice. But with so many variables and choices, finding the right insurance coverage can be a challenge. Getting answers to your questions can help you ensure you and your business are covered. Here are answers to FAQs about malpractice insurance.
What Is Malpractice Insurance?
Malpractice insurance can help protect you and your optometry practice from the unexpected. Even the best optometrists may one day face a malpractice claim or lawsuit. Policies cover certain legal fees, judgments and settlements that can result from claims or litigation brought against you for the services you provide.
What Does Malpractice Insurance Cover?
While coverage depends on your choice of policy, Malpractice insurance from the AOA Insurance Alliance, administered by Lockton Affinity, offers you coverage for a broad range of optometry services within your state’s defined scope of practice. In the event of a claim, you’ll have access to:
- An experienced malpractice attorney
- Legal defense for administrative services
- Lost income protection
- A substitute optometrist in your absence and more
With Lockton Affinity, you have easy access to the coverage you need at a competitive cost, including coverage flexibility for doctors who practice in group settings.
Why Do I Need Malpractice Insurance?
Malpractice insurance is required by law for those practicing in the field of optometry. Coverage helps protect you and your practice from the stress of handling a claim alone, as well as the high cost of legal fees and judgements. Today, the cost to handle a claim, even one where you prevail, can be very high, jeopardizing your career and your business.
What Coverage and Limits Do Optometrists Need?
For the best protection, it’s important to purchase malpractice insurance with broad coverage for all the optometry services you will perform that fall within your state’s scope of practice. A business owner’s policy, which includes property and liability coverage, may also be important for your practice.
Coverage limits are for the policy term, which is typically one year, and are stated as two dollar figures, the first is the per-claim limit and the second is the per-policy year limit.
Are There Any Discounts for Recent Graduates?
Yes. With coverage from Lockton Affinity, recent graduates can get the same comprehensive Malpractice coverage as practicing ODs with a great discount. During your first year, you’ll receive a 50% discount on your annual premium. For your second year of practice, you can continue to save 25% on your premium.
Where Can I Purchase Malpractice Protection?
You can apply for and purchase Lockton Affinity’s Malpractice Insurance and Business Owner’s Policy conveniently online.
Questions are normal when you’re shopping for insurance, especially when it is for something as important as your optometry practice. If you have more FAQs about Malpractice insurance, email Lockton Affinity at Info@AOAInsuranceAlliance.com.
