NZOHA Member Insurance FAQs 2023
Who is BMS Risk Solutions (NZ) (BMS)?
BMS is the official and exclusive broker for the NZOHA Member Insurance Program. BMS is part of the wider BMS group which is dedicated to providing cover and value-added services to associations and their members.
The BMS group provides cover to healthcare and regulated professionals through associations across Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand. This experience gives BMS a unique insight and ability to create and deliver significantly enhanced and continuously evolving member centric insurance programs. This includes ensuring broad, market-leading coverage, evidence-based risk management and exceptional member service. To find out more visit their website.
If you have any questions about the NZOHA Member Insurance Program, contact BMS at 0800 999 267 or nzoha@bmsgroup.com.
Why have NZOHA chosen BMS as their insurance partner?
Ensuring NZOHA members have access to comprehensive cover, additional, evidence-based risk management material and exceptional service for insurance queries and claims is paramount. BMS is a specialist broker dedicated to servicing associations and their members and will continue to enhance the NZOHA Member Insurance Program.
What are the major benefits of the NZOHA Member Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy?
$10,000,000 Limit of Professional Indemnity and an annual limit of $20,000,000
Cover is provided worldwide (excluding only the USA)
Retroactive cover for past activities if you have held continuous cover
Run-off cover available when you permanently retire
Cover for locum and student Dental Hygienists and Oral Health Therapists
I already have a policy elsewhere; can I apply outside of my membership renewal?
Yes you can opt back in to the insurance program by contacting NZOHA.
Am I covered for providing Botox or dermal filler?
This cover is not automatically included in the NZOHA Member Professional Indemnity Insurance policy.
Cover can be provided at an additional cost for the application of Botox and/or dermal filler provided you are adequately trained in cosmetic injectables to undertake these activities. Products must be used in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
Note, Platysmal bands Botox treatment is excluded from the cover.
Contact BMS on 0800 999 267 or nzoha@bmsgroup.com for more information or to apply for cover.
What is Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you against allegations or claims of financial loss due to injury or damages that have resulted from a negligent act, error, omission, malpractice or breach of duty that has arisen out of your professional capacity as Dental Hygienists and Oral Health Therapists.
Who do I call if I have any insurance-related questions or to discuss my insurance policy?
Contact the BMS team on 0800 999 267 or nzoha@bmsgroup.com.
What happens if I have a leave of absence during the year?
The NZOHA Member Professional Indemnity insurance policy is a claims made policy. This means the policy only provides cover for any prior acts as long as you have an active policy at the time of a claim. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you have a policy in place should you take a leave of absence (leave where you’ll likely return to work at some stage). This will ensure you’re covered should a claim arise during this time.
Does this policy cover me when I retire?
Yes. The NZOHA Member Professional Indemnity insurance offers run-off cover, which means you are covered when you retire. To activate this, you must apply for run-off cover by contacting BMS on 0800 999 267 or nzoha@bmsgroup.com. An additional premium may apply.
Should I consider this cover if I work in the Public Health Sector?
Yes. As a Public Health Sector worker, without your own insurance policy you are relying on your employer’s insurance, which may be geared more towards protecting your employer. Further, Public Hospitals or Health Centres typically carry policy excesses upwards of $250,000; which means that, in the event of a claim against you, they may decline to cover you.
Your employer’s policy may not cover you for:
Your services with previous employers.
Your private practice work.
Your past services rendered.
Your services provided as a contractor, sub-contractor or consultant.
If you are sued by your employer
NZOHA members who participate in the NZOHA Insurance Program also have peace of mind that they have an individual $10,000,000 limit per claim covering their interests.
Having your own individual policy also ensures you are covered if you want to work while transitioning from one employer to the next.
What do I do if I have a claim or complaint made against me?
Members should
Immediately report any potential claim to BMS
Formally document the incident, including details of those involved
Submit any formal statement to BMS
Report any regulatory investigations or notice of complaint immediately
Gather any noted and supporting documentation
Members should not
Speak with any third parties about the claim
Assume any legal fees before reporting a claim
Offer compensation to independently settle a claim
Amend or change any previous medical records once a statement of claim has been received
If you are aware of a potential claim you should contact BMS directly at 0800 999 267 or nzoha@bmsgroup.com
In helping to arrange this insurance for our members NZOHA is acting for BMS Risk Solutions (NZ) Limited (BMS), FSP 696531, NZBN 9429047279339. This insurance policy is issued by BMS under a binder arrangement with Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s. No advice is provided by BMS and BMS has not considered whether the insurance is suitable for your particular objectives, needs or financial situation. Please read the Policy Wording and any Disclosure Statement before making any decision about purchasing this policy.