Medical Students

Supporting you while you study, so you can keep on learning and becoming the best doctor you can be.  

As a doctor owned membership organisation, we recognise the challenges faced during your years as a medical student from studying, exams and clinical placements, to earning an income. That is why it's essential that you have your own medical indemnity, as your university may not cover you in all situations. MDA National is here to support you, so you don't have to worry about a complaint or claim being made that could affect your future career.

We proactively support more than 80%# of the country's medical students with access to complimentary medical indemnity cover, education and career support, regular events, and networking opportunities. 

As an MDA National Member, you can be reassured that we are by your side providing accurate advice and timely support - so you can focus on your studies with peace of mind.

 

Why medical students choose MDA National?

We will be by your side throughout your student years, offering comprehensive protection, unparalleled advice & support.

indemnity cover

expert medico-legal advice 

CPD learning

Expert medico-legal advice

Confidential peer support

Events

Our team of expert medico-legal specialists are here to help you from day one with independent, unbiased advice and support.

Our doctors for doctors program allows you to talk freely with a peer who understands what you’re going through and the personal impact of a medico-legal matter.

We work with your MEDSOC to hold events that provide face-to-face support, networking opportunities, and medico-legal information to empower you with knowledge and confidence while you learn. 

information on the go

Peer support

discounts

On-demand learning

MDA National app

Special offers & discounts

Ensure you’re connected to what’s important, anywhere and anytime, through our MDA App - quickly and easily view all your latest policy information, member services and resources. 

Quickly and easily view your policy information, connect with medico-legal advisers and member services via livechat and check out the latest library resources.

Save money and enjoy exclusive member deals on textbooks, food services and more.

 

 

We have prepared a guide on choosing the right medical defence organisation so you can focus on providing outstanding care at each stage of your career.

  • Why do doctors need medical indemnity insurance?
  • Why do you need your own cover?
  • How to choose the best medical defence organisation for you

 

 

 

 

Case Study

One of our ophthalmologist Members recently contacted us about an unusual request from the police to breach patient confidentiality and privacy.

Read a case study on how we helped our Member and to read more medico-legal articles and case studies, download MDA National’s Member publication, Defence Update, here.

Keeping an eye on patient privacy 

Not a Member?

It's easy to apply online to become an MDA National Member and receive a gift* - simply apply for a complimentary medical indemnity policy today and show your confirmation email to MDA National staff at your University’s Student Orientation event

Have a question or need assistance? Contact your local Business Development representative or our Member Services team on 1800 011 255 from 8:30am to 8pm AEST Monday to Friday.

*The offer of a keep cup is available to first year medical students studying medicine in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria or Tasmania. The offer of a dictionary is available to first year medical students studying medicine in Western Australia, South Australia or the Northern Territory. To redeem your gift visit an MDA National Business Development representative during your Student Orientation Week event.


Up to $20 million protection for all claims made under the Policy.

 This includes:

  • civil liability claims arising from your provision of healthcare services as a medical student
  • Good Samaritan acts worldwide
  • unintended breaches of privacy legislation.*
Sublimit of $2 million arising from legal costs and court orders.

This includes:

  • investigations and inquiries including:
    • disciplinary or administrative proceedings by a Professional Registration Body
    • medical tribunal, the Royal Commission, the Australian Information Commissioner, the Coronial Court or your university
  • allegations of criminal conduct or sexual misconduct^
  • assistance with self-referral to a health program under the National Law in relation to an impairment that affects your provision of healthcare services or your clinical training.
$50,000 cover for a range of communicable diseases.  Payable as a lump sum one-time payment.^
Cover for the clinical placements, electives and scholarship placements.  Anywhere in the world.#
Policy features tailored to support your transition to internship.

 Including up to 24 months of complimentary cover for:

  • your final six months as a medical student prior to graduation
  • electives or pre-intern clinical placements
  • your internship
  • other work you do as a resident/hospital medical officer for the first six months after your internship.

*Subject to the terms and conditions of the current Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy.
^Subject to the Policy terms and conditions as there are specific requirements for the cover. 
#Excluding the United Sates of America and where US law applies.

For more information on our Medical Student and Final Year Medical Student/Intern categories, please refer to our Risk Category Guide

Your Policy at Glance

   

 

For more information on our Medical Student and Intern categories, please refer to our Risk Category Guide.

Your Policy at Glance

For more information on our students and Interns, please refer to our Risk Category Guide.

Common questions for medical students

This type of insurance protects you if something goes wrong while you're providing medical care or if a patient is harmed. It can cover your legal defence costs, as well as any damages awarded as a result of a claim being made against you.
Indemnity insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on being the best doctor you can - without the worry of an incident potentially affecting your future career.

Engaging with your MDO as a medical student can be of enormous benefit when things go wrong and you need medico legal support.

An MDO may offer you other benefits, for example MDA National offers students:
  • On-call medico-legal experts who can help you with any concern
  • Wellbeing support
  • Career guidance and advice
  • Learning and education resources

Your Policy is provided oan annual basis and renews each year. Be sure to keep your contact details up to date with us so that you stay covered.

No. You are not legally required to have individual indemnity insurance until you've graduated. But keep in mind, your university may not cover you in all circumstances.

Incidents might happen while you're on an elective or placement, or even when you help out someone in an emergency. A claim might be made against you by a patient, or there may be a disciplinary investigation into something you've done. A medical defence organisation (MDO) can provide you with guidance and assistance when this happens.

MDA National’s biannual Member publication, Defence Update, contains the latest medico-legal updates, articles and case studies based on our industry insights and experience.

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Resources 

MDA National provides timely education to help our Members minimise their medico-legal risk and continually improve their communication and non-clinical skills.

We’ve put together a handful of our resources particularly relevant to interns below. You will also find a series of Podcasts on Apple Music and Spotify.  


Articles and case studies 

Videos / webinar recordings

e-Learning activities

Other resources

  • Head over to the MDA National library to see our full suite of articles, blog posts, webinars and podcasts.

 

Have you downloaded MDA National mobile app?

Downloading the app is easy. Go to the App Store or Google Play and search for MDA National. Log into the app using your email address or Member Number and the password you use to access your MDA National Online Services account. FAQs for your reference

  

 

Stay connected with medico-legal updates sent to your inbox

Subscribe to our medico-legal blog at the bottom of this page so you can stay up to date with the latest medico-legal updates and best practice advice, relevant to the medical profession.