Ensuring you have the correct Professional Indemnity Insurance

Ensuring you have the correct Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) for your role is crucial for protecting your career and providing peace of mind. Whether you work in the NHS, private sector, or as an agency worker, having appropriate cover is essential. 

Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Matters: Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you against claims arising from professional negligence, errors, or omissions in your practice. It is a regulatory requirement for all practicing nurses and healthcare professionals to have suitable cover in place. See the NMC policy on professional indemnity insurance here: NMC PII Policy 

Check That Your Cover Matches Your Role: If you are employed directly by the NHS, your indemnity is typically provided by your employer. However, if you work through an agency, in private practice, or as a self-employed professional, you are responsible for ensuring you have appropriate PII. 

Union and Professional Body Cover Isn’t Always Enough: Many healthcare professionals rely on cover provided through unions or professional bodies such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) or Unison. However, it is important to check the terms carefully, as some policies have exclusions that are dependent on your employment status and may not provide you with appropriate cover. 

Steps to Ensure You Have the Right Cover: 

1. Review Your Policy: Carefully read your PII policy and identify any exclusions, especially for self-employed or agency work.

2. Contact Your Provider: If you are a member of a union or professional association, confirm with them whether their cover applies to all aspects of your work.

3. Arrange Additional Cover if Needed: If your current policy has gaps, seek additional coverage to ensure you are fully protected. 

Don’t Leave It to Chance: Having the correct Professional Indemnity Insurance is more than a requirement—it is a safeguard for your career. Take the time to verify your coverage and ensure it matches your professional activities.