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What is the IBNR Scheme and why was it introduced?
What does the IBNR Scheme cover?
Which MDOs participate in the IBNR Scheme?
What cannot be claimed under the IBNR Scheme?
What is the IBNR Scheme and why was it introduced?
The IBNR Scheme is designed to fund claims where Medical Defence Organisations do not have adequate reserves to cover their liabilities.
The Government introduced the IBNR Scheme on 1 August 2003 to ensure that member doctors are not exposed to the risk of unmet "historical" claims.
What does the IBNR Scheme cover?
The IBNR Scheme covers 100% of claims made against medical professionals arising from incidents that took place on or before 30 June 2002, provided they held incident-occurring based cover with a participating Medical Defence Organisation.
Which MDOs participate in the IBNR Scheme?
Under current legislation, Medical Defence Organisations that existed on 30 June 2002 may participate in the IBNR Scheme unless the Minister for Health determines otherwise. To date, the Minister has determined that United Medical Protection Limited (now known as Avant Insurance Limited) is the only Medical Defence Organisation to actively participate in the IBNR Scheme.
What cannot be claimed under the IBNR Scheme?
- Incidents that occurred:
- in the course of treating a public patient in a public hospital; or
- where a member did not hold incident occurring based cover on 30 June 2002
- on or after 1 July 2002; or
- Claims for members who have received an exemption 5, 8 or 9 from the United Medical Protection Support Payment program
- Insurer-to-insurer payments.
