Professional Indemnity - NZAOT members only policy

What is it

Why is it needed?

What are you covered for?

How much are you covered for?

How much is the excess?

How much will it cost?

What about any past activities?

Who provides insurance?

Who should I talk to?

What do I do in the event of a complaint or a claim?

What is it?

Professional Indemnity Insurance is a contract, between the Insurer and individual insured members, for the provision of monetary compensation when the member has a legal liability for the consequences of a “negligent act, error or omission”. 

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Why is it needed?

Health professionals can sometimes find themselves in a somewhat hostile environment. Various government legislation has placed greater responsibilty on individual practitioners. Clients and third parties who have suffered loss, may resort to litigation. The Courts have little hesitation in making professionals liable for the consequences of their errors.

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What are you covered for?

Your insurance will cover any claims arising from your activities as an Occupational Therapist alleging breach of any civil, professional or statutory liability. It includes legal and other defence costs, as well as the cost of damages awarded against you (to the agreed limit).

The information on this page is a summary only, to see a copy of the insurance policy, please click here.

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How much are you covered for?

The basic limit is $500,000 any one claim but subject to a limit of $1,000,000 per member during the period of insurance.  Higher levels of cover are available on request.

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How much is the excess?

$250 each and every claim excluding costs and expenses. This means that the policy excess will only be payable by you in the event that a claim is settled. The excess does not apply to any legal costs and expenses incurred in the defence of any claim or complaint.

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How much will it cost?

NZAOT has secured special rates for our members only. To be eligible for this policy you must be a current member of NZAOT.

Insurance rates and application form can be found here.

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What about any past activities?

Apart from any current or pending complaints or claims against you, or circumstances which you are aware of now which could lead to a claim or complaint, the policy will respond to any claim/complaints arising from the past duties or functions performed by you while you were a member of NZAOT.

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Who provides insurance?

The cover is provided by Vero (formerly Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance, New Zealand) Limited, one of the largest and most experienced Professional Risks Insurers in Australasia.

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Who should I talk to?

Should you wish to take out a policy or increase your present limit or have any queries regarding the insurance, please contact:

Shirlee Cantwell

Office Administrator

NZAOT office

Ph: 04 473 6510

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What do I do in the event of a complaint or a claim?

It is extremely important that you seek the advice of your Insurers immediately any complaint is made against you. You should contact the personnel detailed below, who will provide you with the appropriate advice.

Barbara Smissen
Aon Risk Services NZ Limited
PO Box 2517
WELLINGTON

Ph: (04) 819 4000
Fax: (04) 819 4106

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