FAQs
A: Yes. As the benefits are provided under a group scheme, unless the Master Policy is terminated or your cover cancels, your cover remains continuous through to age 65. In fact, unlike many other policies of this type, once you are accepted into the scheme you can never be individually selected for any adjustment or cancellation of your cover or increase in your monthly premium. However, please note your Policy will be cancelled if your claim continues for the maximum 52 week duration.
A: The amount paid will be the actual cost of your locum doctor or employee, or if less, the amount for which you are insured at the time of the claim.
A: Simply contact Pulse Independent IFA on 0844 477 4860 for a claim form. You will then need to submit the completed form together with medical certificates and invoices/letters confirming the cost of the locum.
A: Those serious enough to prevent you from working for a period of more than 4 weeks and require a locum doctor or employee to be employed in your absence.
A: When you apply, if you have had time off work (or received advice or treatment or should have done so) for a particular condition within the last 3 years, that condition will not be covered for the first 3 years. However, once you have been covered for 3 consecutive years under the scheme free from the problem and/or any treatment, this limitation will not apply.
A: Yes. The deferment period under Plan A can be extended from the standard 4 weeks to either 8 or 13 weeks. For further information please contact Pulse Independent IFA.
A: Yes, provided that the infection: i. Was caused during the currency of the Policy by an accident whilst on duty leading to a needlestick/sharp injury or by mucus, exposure to blood or bloodstain fluid, or ii. Is as a result of a blood transfusion which was given as part of a medical treatment regime after your cover under the Policy commenced.
A: Surprisingly few, and only those that you might expect. Briefly, these include illness or injury arising from air travel (except as a fare paying passenger or in connection with your professional duties); war, suicide, self inflicted injury, drug addiction; professional sport; illegal acts; HIV/ AIDS (except as above); military service (if more than 30 days a year), and illness or injury when no medical supervision is sought. Full details of the terms, conditions and exclusions applying to this insurance are contained in the Policy document.
A: Yes - tax relief at your highest marginal rate can be claimed on all Doctor Locum Insurance Scheme premiums. The weekly benefit will be taxed as a trading receipt, but this is offset by the cost of engaging a locum being treated as a practice expense and thus allowable in full against tax.
A: To help protect you against inflation, benefits and monthly premiums are automatically increased by 5% at the end of each Policy year, regardless of any subsequent deterioration in your health. If these increases prove insufficient you can always apply for extra cover at any time. This increase is only applied to the main locum cover, not the Jury Service add-on, which remains a £250 daily benefit.
A: Yes, as an additional benefit added to your main Locum Insurance Policy. As long as this additional benefit has been included on your Policy for at least 90 days, you will be able to claim £250 for each day (up to a maximum of 10 days) that you are required to attend court on Jury Service. You would need to provide proof of Jury attendance, and that a locum was employed to cover your absence.
A: Yes, if three or more individuals within a Practice all arrange a Pulse Locum Insurance Policy, a premium discount of at least 5% is available. Higher discounts are available for larger groups. Further details can be obtained from Pulse Independent IFA.
A: No. It is also available to Salaried GPs, Practice Managers and Practice Nurses whose policies will be in the name of the Practice, and will pay out should the named individual need Locum cover whilst off work due to sickness or accidental injury. They will be covered under the same terms and conditions as Principal GPs, and can also be included in the group discount we offer to all policyholders.
A: If for any reason you are not satisfied with this Policy and you have not made a claim, you may return it to us within 14 days of receipt and we will cancel it. If this happens we will arrange a refund of any premiums you have paid. To cancel your cover at any time, simply write to Pulse Independent IFA to inform them that you no longer require the cover.
