Indigo FAQ:
Clear answers about comprehensive coverage

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Featured Indigo FAQs

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What is medical professional liability insurance?

Medical professional liability insurance (also referred to as medical malpractice insurance) is a type of insurance that covers medical providers for allegations related to the services they render to patients, including claims of professional negligence.

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What defense attorneys do you use?

We partner with highly experienced legal counsel based on the jurisdiction and context of each case. It is important to us that our insureds have a high comfort level with their selected defense counsel, so we welcome the input of the physicians and groups we insure.

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How are legal costs and other claims expenses handled?

All legal costs and claims expenses are paid outside of your limit of liability. This means the full limit of your policy remains available for your protection from a judgment or settlement.

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Do you offer free tail coverage?

Yes. In many common instances, Indigo tail insurance coverage is free to the physicians we insure. We will waive the premium for an Extended Reporting Period Endorsement should any of the following events occur while the policyholder or insured physician is actively insured with us:

  • Death of the insured physician
  • The insured physician becomes permanently disabled and cannot continue the practice of medicine
  • The insured physician fully retires from the practice of medicine at any age and has been continuously insured for 2 full years preceding retirement
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Will the policy cover medical incidents that I report?

Yes. Please see a copy of the policy for the full terms, conditions, and exclusions.

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Does the policy provide coverage for administrative actions such as medical board investigation?

Yes, the policy provides you with defense coverage for certain administrative actions.

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Does the policy include cyber liability coverage?

Cyber and Medefense coverage products are automatically included (with the ability to opt out) with your Indigo policy and underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC.

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What payment plans do you offer?

“We offer annual and quarterly payment plans, with ACH and credit card payment options”

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Is confidential risk advice available to help avoid patient complaints, allegations, or lawsuits?

Yes. OmniSure, our clinical risk services partner, has a confidential helpline for advice on how to handle situations such as patient termination, non-compliance, transitions of care, regulatory or patient safety concerns, and more. Their services are complementary and encouraged.

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Will speaking with someone at OmniSure for risk advice cost me anything or be communicated to Indigo’s claims team?

No. OmniSure is an independent risk management consulting firm, paid for in advance by Indigo. Discussing events with OmniSure does not constitute reporting of an incident and will not meet the reporting requirements of your policy.

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What is the difference between medical malpractice insurance and professional liability insurance?

Medical malpractice insurance is a specialized form of professional liability insurance tailored specifically for healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses. It covers liability for damages resulting from medical services that lead to patient harm. This includes issues like misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication mistakes.

Professional liability insurance, on the other hand, is broader and applies to a wide range of professionals outside the medical field, including lawyers, accountants, and consultants. It protects against claims of negligence, errors, or failure to deliver promised services across various industries.

In essence, malpractice insurance is designed for the unique risks faced by medical professionals, while professional liability insurance covers a broader spectrum of professional services.

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Does Indigo cover all medical specialties?

Yes. Indigo does provide comprehensive medical malpractice insurance overage for all medical specialties. We do not currently insure dentists, podiatrists, or chiropractors. We understand that each medical field has its unique risks and requirements, so our policies are designed to offer robust protection across the board. From general practitioners to surgeons with highly specialized practices, Indigo is committed to ensuring that every healthcare professional has the coverage they need to practice with peace of mind.

For example, see our allergology/immunology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, neurology, physiatry, and rheumatology pages for information and benefits specific to how Indigo provides coverage for specialists.

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How do I get an insurance quote from Indigo?

To obtain an insurance quote from Indigo, please fill out our submission form and we will connect you with a curated insurance broker from our proprietary network. Our brokers are equipped with the expertise to guide you through the process, assess your specific needs, and provide you with a detailed quote from us.

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What is malpractice in risk management?

Malpractice occurs when a physician fails to meet the medical standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. Medical malpractice risk management seeks to identify and mitigate issues that could rise to the level of medical malpractice claims.

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What are the 4 C's of medical malpractice?

The 4 C’s of medical malpractice prevention are 1) compassion, 2) communication, 3) competence, and 4) charting. They remind physicians to prioritize patient care and document thoroughly.

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What are the 3 areas of risk management in healthcare?

The 3 areas of risk management in healthcare are 1) organizational risks, 2) clinical risks, and 3) health & safety risks. Physicians are primarily concerned with clinical risks, which involve issues like medical errors.

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How is medical malpractice risk assessed and mitigated in a healthcare setting?

Malpractice risk is assessed by understanding potential sources of risk, such as patient complaints and poor communication, and proactively taking steps to minimize or eliminate the issues.

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What are some unique considerations or concerns in risk management for medical malpractice cases?

Unique considerations may include the specialty-specific risks of facing a malpractice claim. Risk management strategies can also vary based on the patient population or applicable standard of care. Risk management experts help physicians navigate these considerations.

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What role do healthcare administrators play in risk management?

Healthcare administrators play a key role in risk management by developing the policies and procedures that guide patient care and reduce risk in practice. They establish the protocols physicians use to report issues.

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What 4 things must the patient know to give informed consent?

To give patient informed consent, patients must know 1) their diagnosis, 2) the proposed treatment plan, 3) the risks and benefits of that treatment plan, and 4) any medically recognized alternative options.

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Do signatures on consent forms need to be dated?

The consent form should be dated at the time it’s signed to document that the patient consented to the treatment before it was performed.

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Who must sign the patient informed consent form?

The patient must sign the informed consent form. If the patient is not capable of providing informed consent, their surrogate decision maker signs the form on their behalf.

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What if a patient cannot give consent?

If a patient cannot give consent, either because it’s an emergency or because they are incapacitated, physicians may start treatment without prior informed consent. When possible, they must get consent from the patient’s surrogate decision maker.

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What if informed consent is not obtained?

Failing to get informed consent prior to a medical procedure can expose physicians to medical malpractice lawsuits. If a patient is harmed as a result of a procedure, and would have changed their mind about the treatment if informed of the risk, they may have grounds to sue their physician.

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How can AI underwriting enhance the speed and accuracy of policy approvals?

AI underwriting speeds up the policy approval process by automating the routine tasks traditionally performed by human underwriters. The algorithms are trained to assess risk precisely and identify details that human underwriters may miss, resulting in more accurate underwriting decisions.

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Can AI underwriting systems learn and adapt over time to improve decision-making?

Just like humans, AI underwriting systems can learn and improve over time. This ensures they make fair and accurate decisions. AI systems refine their decision-making processes based on new training data, as well as feedback from human underwriters.

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What are the benefits of using AI in underwriting compared to traditional methods?

AI-powered underwriting makes it possible for physicians to get medical malpractice coverage in place quickly, without the traditional application process. They receive competitive pricing that’s customized based on the way they practice medicine.

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What types of data do AI algorithms analyze for underwriting decision-making?

AI algorithms consider a wide range of data points to make underwriting decisions. A few examples of the data points that go into medical malpractice underwriting include a physician’s medical specialty, years of experience, geographic location, and procedures performed.

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Can AI be trusted for underwriting decisions?

Yes, AI underwriting systems are trained to efficiently process data and consistently apply rules, offering a reliable foundation for decision-making. Human underwriters operate alongside AI to verify the system works as intended.

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How can AI help insurance companies?

AI for insurance helps insurers operate more efficiently and accurately. With artificial intelligence in insurance, customers can look forward to faster service and personalized pricing.

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How is AI used in insurance?

Some of the many AI applications in insurance include accurately assessing risk, enhancing the customer experience, detecting potential fraud, quickly processing claims, and offering customized pricing.

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How will AI affect the insurance industry?

The long-term impact of AI on insurance is uncertain, but in the future, AI may allow insurance companies to shift their focus to helping their customers avoid claims entirely. Indigo’s innovative medical malpractice coverage includes access to a third-party risk management helpline to help physicians reduce the risk of lawsuits.

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How long do you need tail coverage?

As a general rule, physicians need tail insurance coverage that lasts as long as their state’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. There are some exceptions to the limitation period, so it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer to learn how long patients have to file a lawsuit.

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Who typically pays for tail coverage?

It depends on the physician’s employer and contract. Sometimes, the employer is responsible for paying for tail coverage. In other cases, paying for tail coverage is the physician’s responsibility.

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How does tail insurance differ from regular liability insurance?

Tail insurance extends the reporting period for regular medical malpractice insurance. It’s a temporary extension to the original policy, not a separate policy.

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How much does tail insurance typically cost?

On average, tail insurance costs about 2.5 times a physician’s annual medical malpractice premium. The cost of tail insurance is typically due upfront in one lump sum payment. Some insurers offer payment plan options.

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What’s the difference between tail and nose coverage?

Both types of coverage help physicians avoid medical malpractice coverage gaps, but they do so in different ways. Tail coverage extends the reporting period for a medical malpractice policy that has expired. Nose coverage, on the other hand, sets a retroactive date for when a new malpractice policy begins.

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How fast can I get malpractice insurance?

The time it takes to get medical malpractice insurance can vary depending on your circumstances, including your specialty and the specific coverage you need. Indigo leverages the power of artificial intelligence to speed up the process. Our rapid process allows you to get the coverage you need quickly, without a traditional application.

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What states are covered by your malpractice insurance?

Indigo provides coverage for physicians across the United States. However, since insurance is regulated on the state level, coverage may not be available in all states. 

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Should I get claims-made or occurrence coverage?

Most medical malpractice policies are claims-made. Claims-made policies are popular because they tend to have lower initial premiums than occurrence coverage. If you’re concerned about claims that arise after the policy expires, you can buy an extended reporting period endorsement (commonly known as “tail coverage”).

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Is malpractice insurance a requirement?

No federal law requires endocrinologists to carry medical malpractice insurance, but chances are, you’re still required to have it. Some states require minimum levels of insurance. Hospitals may require endocrinologists with visiting privileges to have insurance.

Health insurance plans may require some level of coverage for participating endocrinologists. It’s also a practical requirement to protect your practice.

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Where do I send a request for a Credentialing Reports and/or Loss History?

Requests for Credentialing Reports may be sent to credentialing@getindigo.com or faxed to (877) 878-9713. If you are a third party requester, please include a signed and currently dated consent to release form.

Disclaimer

Issuance of Indigo insurance coverage is subject to underwriting review and approval. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please see a copy of the policy for the full terms, conditions, and exclusions. Policy obligations are the sole responsibility of Indigo Risk Retention Group Inc. (NAIC No. 17484), Charleston, SC, in all states. Coverage scenarios are hypothetical and shown for illustrative purposes only. Coverage is dependent on the actual facts and circumstances giving rise to a claim.

Medical professional liability insurance is provided by Indigo Risk Retention Group Inc. This is not intended to be a solicitation or sale of insurance to any person not eligible for membership in the risk retention group. Risk retention groups operate under the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 and provide insurance for the common liability risk exposure of eligible group members. Different state laws may apply. Policies issued by a risk retention group may not be subject to all of the insurance laws and regulations of your state. State insurance insolvency guaranty funds are not available for risk retention groups.

Indigo Insure LLC (NPN 20758865) is an insurance agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products. Indigo Insure LLC and your broker will receive compensation from Indigo RRG for such sales.

A.M. Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “A-” (Excellent) to Indigo Risk Retention Group Inc. The rating, in their opinion, demonstrates an excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance and senior financial obligations.

Get in touch with our team

To learn more or to request a quote, email us at sales@getindigo.com