Check out HPSO.com you can get an online quote there. I think it's a great idea. Remember these policies don't just protect you against claims of malpractice but also provide representation in cases of sexual misconduct (psych patient claims you touched them ect.) as well as protection if you help somebody off duty or even if you offer advice to a neighbor and they come back and claim your advice harmed them. Policies are very reasonable and it's just that little bit of extra peace of mind.
Mine as a basic/medic student runs about 90 a year. It will go to about 160 a year after that but you get a 50 percent discount your first year on all policies.
Edit: also depending on the outfit you're working for you can't always be sure bills are being paid. Companies have been known to stop paying bills months before they stop operations.
Ultimately, your agency's policy is there to protect your agency's best interest. You get personal EMT (liability) insurance to protect your own best interest.
Remember, contrary to popular belief, people can sue for any reason. Whether the case has merit or not is another story, but only usually determined after billable hours have ensued.
The NAEMT used to partner with HPSO, I'm sure they still do. HPSO is pretty much the industry standard in professional liability insurance for the healthcare industry.
I purchased a policy for the same reason why I have car insurance and homeowners insurance. I want to be protected in case of an incident and I want someone looking out for my interests. Your service's insurance provider and legal counsel are there to serve their client, your service.
Some argue that by purchasing a policy you're opening yourself up to potential litigation. Some contend that you'll be seen as a target of potential money whereas most EMS providers don't have much to lose. This is the same argument I've heard when people only maintain the minimums for car insurance.
For less than $10 a month it's a no brainer. Get the insurance and forget about it for a year. Hopefully you won't need it, but it's there.
Great advice and information. Insurance sounded like a no-brainer to me as well- I wonder if the majority of those who don't carry it actually know it's available.
People will seek compensation when it's at the most obvious of times but also when you least expect it.
