Assess the risks even outside the operating room

The medical profession is constantly exposed to risks of various kinds while carrying out their work and otherwise. However, these dangers must not be limited to the profession alone, but to the doctor as a person. Let’s see them in detail.

The main risks

Starting from the risks from which a doctor must protect himself, there are certainly any requests for compensation for damage unintentionally caused to third parties. Requests that can be received even after retirement and which can lead to rather significant economic damage. A complaint, with consequent request for compensation, also brings with it reputational consequences that could damage the career of a doctor still in the prime of his profession.

There are various unexpected events that a healthcare professional can encounter, including:

• Accident, with the consequent inability to carry out one’s profession;
• Incorrect diagnosis of the pathology;
• Errors in filling out the medical record;
• Failure to recognize the surgical emergency;
• Incorrect prescription of a therapy;
• Problems and/or errors that arise during surgical procedures;
• Inability to use your studio due to electrical/plumbing failure, natural disasters or theft or fire.

Why you need to protect yourself

Regardless of the fact that a doctor must protect himself as it is mandatory, as established by current regulations (Gelli Law), it is also right and important because in this way he can protect both his assets and his profession. It is a responsible choice that guarantees integrity, safety and tranquility, even for your family members.

Lokky is an insurance broker that guides its customers in choosing the best insurance, 100% personalized based on their needs.

The Doctors’ RC and Young Doctors’ RC policies protect professionals from possible claims for compensation for damages from patients following any errors committed during the performance of the profession. This coverage protects the doctor up to a maximum of €5 million. It is also possible to choose and include additional guarantees such as Unlimited Retroactivity and Unlimited Posthumous coverage.

Additional products can be added to these guarantees, such as:

• Accidents and Illness: This policy offers Doctors effective coverage in the event of accidents at work that can put their work at risk and, in the worst case scenario, cause permanent physical damage.
• Cyber ​​Risk: Given the continuous and imminent development of digitalisation in all sectors, Doctors also rely on the support of technological and digital means for their work; consequently, it is necessary to protect your own and your patients’ sensitive data through the right insurance coverage.
• Damage to Property and Contents: A guarantee that protects the Medical Facilities and Practices property from damage and theft, regardless of whether it is rented or owned. In fact, this insurance policy also includes the equipment, furnishings, goods and products located inside the building.

How to protect yourself

The first step to take is to take out insurance tailored to your specific needs. Once the possible risk scenarios have been identified and analysed, these must be studied together with insurance professionals so as to be able to identify the best personalized insurance coverage based on your needs. Some suggestions, which could help both in choosing insurance and in guaranteeing the maximum level of protection, are to always keep your training updated and implement all the risk prevention measures. The last piece of advice, not least, is to take out ‘comprehensive’ insurance policies that protect against all possible risks associated with your medical profession.