Making a career change into private practice can feel exciting – and a little daunting. Whether you’re a consultant, GP, or surgeon, understanding what protection you need outside the NHS is vital. At Enhance Insurance, our specialists in medical and aesthetic insurance can help you make sense of your options, so you can focus on your patients with confidence.
What You Need to Know About Indemnity and Private Practice
Many doctors begin private work believing their NHS Crown Indemnity will cover them wherever they practise. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Crown Indemnity, provided by the NHS, only protects you against claims of medical negligence that occur while you’re working directly for an NHS trust. Once you step into private work, even part-time or as part of a mixed role, that protection ends.
Private practice insurance can help to bridge this gap. It can offer the indemnity, legal defence, and financial protection you need to work safely and confidently in a private setting.
Contact our team
to get a quote
Why NHS Crown Indemnity Isn’t Enough
Crown Indemnity is funded by the NHS, hospital trusts, and practices and it is focused on medical negligence. It does not include:
- Regulatory protection (for example, GMC investigations)
- Legal representation at Coroners’ inquests
- Support for misconduct allegations or disciplinary actions
- Cover for private or non-NHS work
This leaves many doctors, especially those new to private practice, exposed to serious financial and reputational risk.
Private practice insurance can step in by offering professional indemnity and liability cover, which may protect you against negligence claims and professional challenges that can affect your career.
What Can Private Practice Insurance Include?
The exact protection you need depends on your work type and structure, but a typical private practice policy can include:
- Professional indemnity insurance can cover claims arising from errors, omissions, or negligence in your professional duties.
- Public liability insurance can protect you if a patient or visitor suffers an injury or property damage as a result of your business activities.
- Regulatory and legal defence can help with the costs of representation during GMC investigations, disciplinary hearings, or Coroners’ inquests.
- Medical malpractice cover can provide financial protection if a patient brings a claim following a treatment or procedure.
If you operate through a limited company, your policy can extend to protect the business itself from certain liabilities. Including claims brought against you and your Ltd company.
How Much Indemnity Cover Do You Need?
Every practitioner’s situation is different, but as a guide:
- Medical Malpractice Insurance, or Medical Indemnity Insurance. Typically ranges between 1-10 Million. Higher limits may be arranged.
- GMC and Coroners’ inquest cover typically extends to 150-250k, this may be altered upon request.
These limits ensure that you have adequate protection for both clinical and regulatory issues that may arise during your career. If you’re unsure how much cover you might need, you can speak to one of our specialist team.
Contact our team
to get a quote
Do You Need Private Practice Insurance if You Still Work for the NHS?
Yes – if you carry out any work outside your NHS role, you will need separate insurance. Some doctors assume that because they see NHS patients in a private setting, they remain covered by the NHS. However, if you’re being paid by a private company rather than directly by the NHS, you may not be covered under Crown Indemnity at all.
Private practice insurance can ensure you’re compliant, protected, and able to continue your work with peace of mind.
Why Private Practice Insurance Matters
Starting a private practice often comes with uncertainty. Many doctors are still learning the ropes, from setting up a limited company to handling patient billing and contracts.
Insurance may not be top of mind, but it’s one of the most important safeguards for your financial and professional security. With the right policy in place, you can:
- Practice Legally and Ethically
- Protect your reputation and income
- Gain reassurance that your private work is fully protected
Contact our team
to get a quote
Protect Your Private Practice
Working in private practice offers greater freedom and flexibility, but it also means taking responsibility for your own professional protection.
At Enhance Insurance, ewe specialise in supporting medical and aesthetic professional’s risk management by advising on and arranging, insurance cover. Our team understands the unique risks that come with private practice and can arrange tailored insurance policies to help you stay protected against the unexpected.
We aim to make the process clear, accessible, and efficient. You can Enquire which takes less than a minute and one of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss.
FAQs About Private Practice Insurance
What is the difference between Crown Indemnity and private practice insurance?
The NHS provides Crown Indemnity and only covers claims of medical negligence during NHS work. Medical Malpractice insurance can provide protection for your private work, including professional indemnity, legal defence, and representation for GMC and Coroners’ investigations. It also may be arranged to provide top-up or wrap-around protection/cover for your NHS work. Supplementing the Crown Indemnity to provide regulatory protection from Coroners Inquests and GMC investigations etc.
Do I need private practice insurance if I already have GMC registration?
Yes. GMC registration confirms your eligibility to practise but does not provide any financial or legal protection. You still need professional indemnity insurance to cover potential claims or investigations.
Is private practice insurance expensive?
Private practice insurance can be surprisingly affordable, especially when compared with Medical Defence Organisations (MDOs) and the potential costs of an uncovered claim or legal action. The exact premium will depend on your role, level of risk, and scope of work.
Enhance Insurance Services | 3rd Floor | Marlow House | Head Office for Jensten | 1A Lloyd’s Avenue | EC3N 3AA
Proudly Built By DigitalNRG Ltd.
© Enhance Insurance Services is a trading name of Jensten Insurance Brokers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No: 08284692. Registered Address: Coversure House, Vantage Park, Washingley Road, Huntingdon, PE29 6SR.
