COVID-19 Malpractice Coverage FAQs
Updated April 2, 2020: As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly, we have created a Q&A to address your critical questions during this time. You are doing such important work on the frontlines of this coronavirus pandemic, and we are here to support you. Please continue to check back daily as we update the information.
For additional questions, please contact your agent, your underwriter, or call Member Services at (800) 421-2368.
Check out our additional helpful resources.
- Will my coverage remain in force if I provide more telemedicine visits?
- Yes. Telemedicine is included in your policy. However, members need to comply with state licensure laws for not only where they are physically located, but where the patient is located as well. The Doctors Company will follow any license expansion provided by state and federal governments.
- Will my policy provide coverage if we rehire retired or inactive doctors, advanced practice providers, and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Yes. However, please reach out to your agent or underwriter immediately to ensure coverage is in place.
- Will you allow suspension of coverage if my practice closes due to COVID-19 concerns?
- Yes. We will suspend coverage on your policy, which also suspends premium. Please talk to your underwriter or agent right away, so we can help you.
- Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing from a different physical location?
- Yes. Please see the answer with the information about license expansion. You don't need to notify us about these temporary changes.
- Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing in a new state in which I am authorized or licensed to practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Yes. However, you should speak to your agent or underwriter immediately, especially in situations involving Patient Compensation Fund states.
- If I am limiting or reducing my surgeries or practice, can I also expect a reduction in premium?
- An underwriter can evaluate changes to your exposure and determine whether or not a change in premium is warranted. Please reach out to your agent or underwriter to discuss your specific situation.
- Am I covered if I continue with my practice despite recommendations to suspend some or all of my practice?
- Yes. We will rely on your professional judgment relative to your practice.
- Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing from a different physical location?
- Yes. Please see the answer with the information about license expansion. You don't need to notify us about these temporary changes.
- What if my premium or deductible payments are impacted?
- The Doctors Company will follow any federal or state orders regarding premium payments during the pandemic. In addition, we will adjust policy cancellation and premium installment due dates if your practice has been disrupted by COVID-19—to ensure there is no break in coverage if you are unable to make payments due to impacts of the emergency. Call us at (800) 421-2368, press 1 for Member Services, then 1 again for Billing.
- Am I covered for patient claims involving COVID-19?
- We understand that our members have concerns regarding insurance coverage for COVID-19 related claims. Generally, our policy protects the practice of medicine and subject to its terms and conditions, if a patient asserts a claim against our member involving COVID-19, we would anticipate that claim to be covered. However, because insurance coverage is determined by the specific facts of a claim, we are unable to provide answers regarding insurance coverage until a claim is actually made against a member and reported to The Doctors Company.
- Will I be covered if I am asked to temporarily provide care outside my specialty or scope of practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
- If you are asked to do something within your training but outside the scope of your current practice, and are comfortable doing so, rest assured that your medical professional liability policy will follow. We’re committed to serving you while you care for all of us.
- If my nurse or other non-physician healthcare professional offers services outside our practice insured by The Doctors Company, will they continue to be covered under our policy?
- Yes, coverage will apply if they are still acting under the scope and direction of an insured physician within your practice; otherwise, they should seek coverage from the facility or practice for which they are offering services.
- Do you provide business interruption or crisis management coverage for losses incurred from COVID-19?
- No. The Doctors Company medical professional liability policy does not provide business interruption or crisis management coverage. We suggest you contact your agent or broker to determine if this coverage exists on any other policy they may place on your behalf.
- Will The Doctors Company cover home births due to COVID-19?
- Given the current situation, if members are only dealing with their existing patients for whom they have provided prenatal care and they confirm they are following ACOG guidelines for home birth, members may perform home births during the COVID-19 pandemic even if they indicated otherwise on their application. Please note, ACOG continues to recommend following existing evidence-based guidance regarding home birth. Review the guidance from ACOG regarding patients who are considering home births because of concerns about COVID-19.
Make Fast, Easy Online Premium Payments
To help prevent interruptions in your coverage in the event of payment processing disruptions, enroll in AutoPAY. Sign up using one of these helpful links:
- I already have an online account: Enroll me.
- I don't yet have an online account: Set me up. Be sure to have the policy number found on your bill or renewal statement.
To enroll by phone, call
(800) 421-2368 and press 1 for Member Services.