Posted on: Fri 18-07-2025

In this exclusive interview, a MedicalWorld Nigeria correspondent speaks with Zina John, a representative from NSIA Insurance, to shed light on professional indemnity insurance—an increasingly essential requirement for medical and healthcare professionals in Nigeria. With rising awareness and growing enforcement by regulatory bodies like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), this conversation explores what healthcare practitioners need to know, why it matters, and how they can comply.

Zina, what exactly is professional indemnity insurance for doctors and nurses?

A: It’s a specialized form of liability insurance that protects healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists—against claims arising from allegations of malpractice, negligence, misdiagnosis, or omission during the course of their work. NSIA's policy covers legal fees, settlements, and compensation awarded to affected patients.

 Is this insurance mandatory for medical practitioners in Nigeria?

A: Yes, it is. According to the Code of Medical Ethics (Rule 12.6) issued by MDCN, and supported by the NMA and the NHIS Act, every practicing doctor or dental surgeon is expected to have professional indemnity insurance. Nurses are also encouraged to maintain cover, especially in private practice or managerial roles. The NMCN has echoed similar sentiments in line with global best practices.

What types of risks does this insurance typically cover?

A: It covers:

• Medical errors or negligence
• Incorrect diagnoses or treatments
• Surgical or procedural complications
• Failure to obtain informed consent
• Legal representation and court settlements

Do most Nigerian healthcare workers have this cover in place?

A: Unfortunately, no. While it is mandatory, awareness remains low, especially among young professionals and public sector workers. That’s why we at NSIA Insurance are working with institutions and medical groups to promote adoption and provide flexible, affordable plans tailored to various professional levels.

How has NSIA customized this policy for medical professionals?

A: Our indemnity product offers:

• Customizable coverage limits (1 million – 100 million)
• Retroactive cover for past services
• Legal defence and settlement fees
• Affordable premium plans for interns, residents, and private practitioners
• Claims assistance and 247 advisory service

Will MDCN or NMCN request this during license renewal or registration?

A: Increasingly, yes. We’ve seen circulars and notifications from MDCN reminding practitioners to present proof of cover at the point of registration or renewal. The nursing council has also followed suit, especially for nurses in independent practice roles.

What advice do you give to hospitals or clinics taking group policies?

A:

• 1. Evaluate staff roles and patient volumes.
• 2. Consider policies that offer occurrence-based coverage.
• 3. Bundle professional indemnity with general liability or patient compensation plans.
• 4. Ensure all medical personnel—doctors, nurses, physiotherapists—are included.
• 5. Maintain proper incident documentation and reporting processes.

What is the process for filing a claim with NSIA?

A:

• 1. Notify us immediately after any incident or patient complaint.
• 2. We assign a legal advisor and begin a formal case review.
• 3. We liaise with legal counsel and manage court processes or settlement discussions.
• 4. We cover all legal expenses and compensation (up to your policy limit).

 Any Final Thoughts Zina?

Healthcare professionals work in high-risk environments. One mistake can lead to costly litigation or reputational damage. Professional indemnity insurance is not just a legal box to tick—it’s peace of mind. At NSIA, we help protect your passion.

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