Established practice
Claims can arrive years after you've retired. Will you be covered?
What happens depends on the type of cover you have. Here is how to check before you stop.
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- steps
- 7
- steps
- to start
- 1 to 2 hours
- to start
The short answer
Whether you are covered after you stop depends on the type of cover you held when you treated each patient. Occurrence-based cover responds to incidents in the period you paid for, whenever the claim arrives; claims-made cover only responds while the policy is live, so you need run-off cover. Check every provider you have used for private work, get the answer in writing, and do it at least six months before you stop.
What good looks like
Where you stand, before and after
Mr Sam Patel, retired
- Run-off cover confirmed in writing
- Records held securely · provider informed
Illustrative sample, not a real person or result.
7 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 7 done
Write down every indemnity provider you have used for private practice since you started, with dates. NHS work is covered by NHS indemnity schemes, not your own policy
- Time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Typical cost
- £0
- Who does it
- You
Done when: One list with every provider and the years each covered
This problem is Solvable.
Copy this letter
Letter to your indemnity provider before retirement
Free to copy, adapt and use. No sign-up.
[Your name] [Address] [GMC number] [Membership or policy number]
[Date]
[Provider name] [Address or email]
Dear [Provider],
Indemnity for private practice after retirement
I plan to stop all private clinical practice on [date]. I have held cover with you from [start date] to the present for private work as a consultant [specialty].
Please confirm in writing:
- Whether my cover with you is occurrence-based or claims-made, for each period I have been with you.
- If any of it is claims-made, whether run-off cover is included, the period and limits it covers, and the cost if it is not included.
- My retroactive date, if one applies.
- Whether there are any periods for which a claim about my private work would not be covered.
- What I need to do to keep any cover in place after [date], and whether you need to be told of any change of address.
After [date] I intend to [stop all clinical work / continue only with: describe, for example medicolegal reports]. Please confirm whether that continuing work needs separate cover.
My private clinical records will be held by [name or organisation] at [location] until [date].
Please reply by [date, at least four weeks ahead of retirement].
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
---
Keep with this letter: the provider's reply, any run-off certificate, and a list of every provider you used for private work with dates.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Assuming all indemnity is occurrence-based because that is how it used to work.
- Switching from a claims-made insurer without arranging run-off for past work.
- Leaving records with a secretary who then retires or moves away.
- Stopping cover entirely while still writing occasional medicolegal reports.
- Relying on a phone call rather than written confirmation.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll check your indemnity history and tell you where a gap could be
What I need from you
- Your answers to 7 quick questions
- The names of every indemnity organisation you have used
What you get
- Where your cover could have a gap
- The four questions to ask each one
- What to arrange before you stop
Within 2 working days
No sign-in, no sales call. I read every request myself and reply on WhatsApp.
Free tools
Check where you stand
Benchmarks
Personal injury claims can generally be brought within three years of the injury or of the date the claimant knew of it, and for children the period does not start until they turn 18
Limitation Act 1980, sections 11, 14 and 28 (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules)
Source: legislation.gov.uk
The NHS Records Management Code of Practice (2021, updated since) sets retention periods for health records. Most adult health records are kept for eight years after last treatment
Used as the benchmark for private practice records too
Paul Robinson
14 years in UK private healthcare
I'll introduce you to someone who solves this for consultants
Want a hand? I'll look at your situation and tell you the three things I'd tackle first.
A few quick questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and usually reply the same day.
No sales call unless you ask for one. Just a straight answer from me.
I reply personally, usually the same day.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long after retirement can a claim arrive?
Usually within three years of the patient knowing of the injury, but that can be many years after treatment, and for children the clock does not start until 18.
Does NHS indemnity cover my private work?
No. NHS schemes cover NHS work. Private work relies on your own cover.
What is the difference between occurrence-based and claims-made?
Occurrence-based covers incidents during the period you paid for, whenever the claim comes. Claims-made covers claims made while the policy is live, so you need run-off after you stop.
What is run-off cover?
Cover for claims made after a claims-made policy ends, about work you did while it was in force. It may be included or cost extra.
What do I do with my records?
Keep them secure and accessible for at least the periods in the NHS Records Management Code (generally eight years after last treatment for adults, longer for children), name who holds them and keep your ICO registration while you hold them.
When should I start?
At least six months before you stop, so there is time to get written answers and arrange run-off.
Is this advice?
No. This is general information. For your own cover, speak to your indemnity provider or an FCA-authorised broker, and for limitation questions a medicolegal solicitor.
Last reviewed:
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