COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
The responses below are intended to apply for circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and are subject to revision as circumstances evolve.
Coverage Questions
Please note all coverage is subject to actual policy terms and conditions.
Am I covered for patient claims involving COVID-19, including the unintentional transmission of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)?
Yes. We expect most patient claims alleging professional negligence relating to COVID-19 would be covered. MedPro has no plans to modify or restrict existing coverage as it relates to COVID-19. If you’re concerned about coverage for COVID-19 claims involving transmission of the virus to employees, we suggest reviewing your workers compensation policy for potential coverage. For claims involving transmission of the virus to members of the general public, we suggest reviewing your general liability policy for potential coverage.
Do I need to maintain my liability insurance in light of recent federal and state laws, regulations, orders and declarations granting various levels of immunity from liability for certain providers treating COVID-19 patients?
The specific application of immunity protections will depend on the particular facts and circumstances of each case. In the event a claim is made against you, MedPro will defend any covered claim regardless of whether immunity applies. Please refer to the following resources for a listing of various federal and state actions, including grants of immunity:
Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing in/from a different physical location (e.g., another facility, office, parking lot, temporary testing center)?
Yes, as long as those patients are located in a state(s) in which you are authorized or licensed to practice, even if your practice in that new state is being conducted under an applicable federal or state waiver. You do not need to notify us about such temporary changes.
Will my coverage remain in force if I continue to practice despite RECOMMENDATIONS to suspend some or all of my practice (e.g., elective and non-urgent procedures) from the CDC, federal, state & local governments, healthcare accreditation organizations, licensure boards, and medical & professional associations – even if those entities provide differing recommendations?
Yes. You do not need to notify us about such temporary changes.
Will my coverage remain in force if I temporarily convert some or all of my existing practice to telemedicine or virtual office visits for existing and/or new patients?
Yes, as long as those patients are located in a state(s) in which you are authorized or licensed to practice, even if your practice in that new state is being conducted under an applicable federal or state waiver. You do not need to notify us about such temporary changes. However, starting a new practice or business (with a new patient base) will require an application and will be subject to underwriting review.
Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing in/from a different physical location (e.g., another facility, office, parking lot, temporary testing center)?
Yes, as long as those patients are located in a state(s) in which you are authorized or licensed to practice, even if your practice in that new state is being conducted under an applicable federal or state waiver. You do not need to notify us about such temporary changes.
Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing in a new state in which I AM authorized or licensed to practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. However, you should notify us as soon as possible if you are beginning to practice in CT, IN, KS, LA, NE, NM, PA and WI since those states may require separate limits, additional information and/or premium for enrollment in their state funds. Please refer to the Federation of State Medical Boards for some helpful information about state medical board actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will my coverage remain in force if I am temporarily practicing in a new state (whether care is provided in-person or remotely) in which I AM NOT authorized or licensed to practice?
Yes, if your practice in that new state is being conducted under an applicable federal or state waiver. Please refer to the Federation of State Medical Boards for some helpful information about state medical board actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will my coverage remain in force if I am asked to temporarily provide care outside my specialty or scope of practice and do so?
In order to help us review your situation, please contact us as soon as possible to obtain approval for such temporary changes.
Will my policy provide coverage if we rehire retired or inactive doctors, advanced practice providers and staff?
Such individuals may (re)apply for coverage and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We will not consider such temporary practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic a breach of permanent retirement provisions for free tail coverage.
Will my policy provide coverage if I hire a substitute (locum tenens) provider due to COVID-19 developments?
Yes, coverage is available at no additional premium for qualifying providers (incl. physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists) who wish to employ a locum tenens provider during a short-term absence not to exceed 45 days. You do not need to notify us about such temporary changes.
Please note we are unable to provide locum tenens coverage in CT or for fund-enrolled providers in IN, KS, LA, NE, NM, PA and WI.
Will MedPro provide coverage for volunteer work?
Yes, and if you are already covered on a MedPro Group policy no specific notice is required. In the event you are a retired MedPro insured and would like to apply for free volunteer coverage, please click here for a copy of our Request for Volunteer Coverage Form. In addition, there may be protections afforded to individuals under certain state Good Samaritan laws.
Will my policy provide coverage if we provide daycare services for children of employees?
For those policyholders who purchase General Liability coverage, we will consider requests to cover such temporary arrangements.
Will MedPro be able to address any urgent coverage changes or requests related to the providing of care in support of COVID-19 medical efforts?
We realize that COVID-19 developments may result in a need for additional medical support in many communities. This may include the addition of new providers, some of whom may be coming out of retirement, as well as existing providers looking to expand the scope of their duties. We will make every effort to prioritize these types of time-sensitive coverage requests. We ask that you reach out to your agent or broker who can help us identify and prioritize any such time-sensitive requests.
Is business interruption or crisis management coverage available for losses involving COVID-19?
MedPro’s healthcare liability policies do not provide Business Interruption coverage. We suggest you reviewing your property insurance policy for potential coverage. With respect to crisis management coverage, some MedPro policies for hospitals, senior care and healthcare facilities may provide limited coverage for the reimbursement of disinfection or evacuation expenses and related public relations expenses.
Billing Questions
How is MedPro handling premium payments during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In order to ease the financial burden faced by our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, MedPro is temporarily postponing due dates for outstanding premium payments until June 30, 2020 (applicable to payments originally due on or after March 13, 2020). Please contact your agent/broker with questions (or call MedPro Customer Service at 800-463-3776 if you don’t have an agent/broker).
For those customers who elect to continue paying their premiums, we are accepting payments. Customers interested in suspending direct ACH payments must contact MedPro. If you have used a premium finance company, please contact them directly with questions about payment flexibility.
In addition, we are monitoring developments, including state regulatory changes, and adjusting our response accordingly. Click here for information about specific premium relief that may be available to policyholders in certain states.
NOTE: Patient Compensation Funds (PCFs) in IN, LA, NM, PA and WI have relaxed some of their requirements, enabling us to postpone due dates for outstanding premium payments in those states as described above. However, we request fund participants in KS and NE continue pay all PCF surcharges and assessments, along with accompanying MedPro premiums, in order to ensure uninterrupted PCF enrollment and coverage.
What if my practice is being temporarily suspended or reduced due to COVID-19 developments?
If your practice is being suspended or reduced to less than 20 hours per week for at least 45 days, you may qualify for a premium discount applied to that portion of your policy period impacted by the change. Please contact your agent/broker to initiate a request.
Other Questions
What should I do if I have questions relating to employment matters in my practice (e.g., asking employees to come to work, sign waivers, go on furlough, take pay cuts, etc.)?
We recommend seeking advice from your personal/employment attorney.
How are the COVID-19 developments impacting MedPro staff and service?
Our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees and families is of utmost importance. We are presently taking steps in each of our office locations to protect our staff and reduce the potential for community spread. While our goal is to avoid or minimize any adverse impact to our customers, we will keep you apprised and updated of any further changes that may cause a disruption to our service levels. To play our part in reducing the spread of this virus, we’ve restricted all business travel, but remain available by phone, email, video conferencing, etc.
